Archive for the ‘Types of Discrimination’ Category

« Older Entries

The Diversity of World Religions

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009

byb-ChristmasCard

Psychological Articles by Dr. Karen for BoomerYearbook.com

Baby boomers celebrate across a wide spectrum of religions. The Catholic church celebrates the rituals of Baptism; confession; communion; confirmation; marriage and the last rites. Many other World religions celebrate similar human events, albeit in a different format.

Judaism celebrates birth; betrothal; marriage and events that commemorate a person’s religious ‘coming of age’ in much the same way as Catholics.

Psychological articles teach us that Buddhism rituals of worship differ from other religions in that it is not considered to be important to worship in a designated location such as a temple or church: home worship is considered to be just as valuable and rewarding. A great deal of Buddhist belief is based on wisdom and common sense practices; being a decent human being is valued above all else.

Shinto baby boomers encourage the setting of shrines in the home and the office and a favorable business deal might just as easily be prayed for as the basics of health and happiness! Offerings are made at a shrine and might be presented in white pottery containers.

In the Hindu religion, a Brahman priest could be invited into the home to preside over ceremonies that might be focused on the health and happiness of a pregnant mother and her unborn child. Charms are often used to ward off evil spirits and in Hinduism, small events might be celebrated, such as a child’s first haircut! The hair might also be presented as an offering at the temple. Boys around the age of puberty are initiated into responsibility of the faith during a ceremony in which they are given a golden thread, to be worn over the shoulder: thereafter, they are known as ‘twice born’.

Islam is closely connected with Judaism and Christianity. Muslims worship according to the teachings of the Koran; its messages interpreted by the Imam and the Mosque. The faithful are called to prayer each day and are required to pray five times, facing Mecca. Prayers are required to take place in a clean environment and take around ten minutes for each prayer session.

Taoism combines a number of related elements. Petitions to the Gods are a normal part of Taoist prayer along with a deep reverence for ancestral spirits. Psychological articles note that a great deal of importance is placed on health and spirituality in Taoism and a great deal of Taoist ritual is rooted in folk lore and traditions as well as alchemy and herbalism.

Another religion that places a great deal of reverence on the wishes of ancestral spirits is Native Spiritualism of the kind practiced by Native American Indian baby boomers. The power of spirit cannot be overstated by native spiritualists and ceremonial ritual is colorful, convincing and comforting.

Sikhism, founded in 16th Century Punjabi India, recommends the belief of the existence of immortal beings and faithful Sikhs refrain from ever cutting their hair or their beards!

Confucianism is based on the teachings of the ancient Confucius in moral, social and political matters. Widely believed to be the chosen religion of Imperial China, famous sage Confucius’ (551- 479 BCE) teachings influenced East Asia for many centuries.

What do baha’ls believe in? Peace and unity, mostly. The youngest of the world’s independent religions, it was founded to form a unique global administration system with elected governing councils covering around 10,000 localities. Bahá’u’lláh teaches baby boomers cultural diversity; environmental conservation and economic justice.
The fastest growing World religion?

Islam

The Psychological Article on The Diversity of World Religions is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of baby boomers psychological coaching tips and how to alleviate elderly problems. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.

byb-religion

Boomer Yearbook is a Social Network and Psychological Articles for Baby Boomers. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join other Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and let your opinions be heard. Baby boomers changed the world. We’re not done yet!

signup

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Types of Discrimination | No Comments »

A Nation Of One – The True Church?

Sunday, December 6th, 2009

byb-religion

Dr. Karen for BoomerYearbook.com

If one were to go back in time, how would the Churches of then differ from the Churches of today? It is an interesting thought for those who make it a practice to attend regular church services. Not for just specific denominations but for all Churches.

Did we somewhere along the way turn the word “congregation” into “segregation”? Perhaps that’s why some churches have a predominantly white congregation, while others have mostly black.

There was a National Congregations study that says about 14% of mostly white congregations stated they had no minorities in their group in 1998, and a 20% minority congregation in 2007. While religious aspects are known to be resistant to change, there is very clear evidence in these figures that show that not to be the current trend in white church congregations.

However the change is primarily in the white congregations as the majority of the black churches reviewed are stable in their segregation; meaning there has been no change towards white member inclusion.

Not only have there been changes in the congregations but there have been several changes in the presentation of the worship. If you were to ask an avid church goer who is now a older baby boomer or senior, what changes have evolved over the years they would tell you there have been significant changes. The Churches don’t seem to be quite so staunch and formal. There is more enthusiasm by acts such as hand clapping and swaying to the music. The music consists of small bands performing a different class of hymns as opposed to the traditional ones.

What has brought about these changes? Many of the traditional churches were finding that their congregations are aging and attendance was slipping. It became a sign of the times that the Church had to be more inviting to the younger generation. This was partly successful due to the relaxing of the formal presentation, and the incorporation of music geared to echo boomers. The modern Church has a more personal touch and is less ritualistic.

There are many older church-goers that feel the Church has become too lax and has lost its serenity and purpose. This makes for a controversial conversation. It makes one think what really is the true purpose of the church? Is it to draw a person to a closer communion with God, or is it to carry out what may have become a routine that has been handed down through the years?

One thing is evident; any individual that speaks of a personal relationship with God through the Church seems to have a certain aura about them of peace and happiness and isn’t that what counts?

Boomer Yearbook is a Social Network and Psychological Articles for Baby Boomers. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join other Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and let your opinions be heard. Baby boomers changed the world. We’re not done yet!

signup

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Types of Discrimination | No Comments »

Reflections of A Generation (pt. 5): Lifting the Veil – The Fight For Gender Equality in Iran

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009
Iranian Females fighting for Gender Equality

Iranian Females fighting for Gender Equality


By Boomeryearbook.com

American baby boomers are well aware of the continual struggle to achieve gender equality in a male dominated society. In fact, Baby boomers, feminists, and other concerned activists continue to challenge perceived injustices to this very day. Iranian echo boomers are finding that their own struggles in this regard are very much akin to those that baby boomers experienced during the 1960s. The comparison is only in essence, however. For the Iranian activist, gender issues are more complicated than the simple bias of a misogynistic (in a cultural sense) social structure. Rather, there are the dual issues of cultural bias and religious beliefs that have to be dealt with.

What is worse, however, is that Iranian women have be subjected to oppressive restrictions under the guise of religion that in fact, have little or no basis at all in the tenants of Islam. What is problematic about this is that while cultural bias can be challenged to a significant degree, religious based restrictions cannot. Because Iran is a theocracy, challenges to the religious underpinnings are not tolerated. Protest of this nature will result in imprisonment or worse.

During the early period after the Islamic Revolution of 1979, this practice was especially rampant. Women, for example, could not seek a divorce from their husbands – regardless of the degree of ill treatment or abuse that was leveled against her. This is a clear contradiction to Islamic teachings which prescribe that women have recourse for divorce in abusive situations. Women, during this time, were also restricted from employment opportunities and it was recommended that they stay at home. Again, this is contrary to the detailed teachings of Islam which does not prohibit a woman from seeking employment (provided she doesn’t neglect her responsibilities to her family). Indeed, the Prophet’s own wife Khadija was a wealthy merchant.

Iranian women have been fighting these contradictions and other injustices since the revolution. Iranian women had gained many concessions prior to the revolution and truly expected that those hard won gains would continue under an Islamic system. While many, if not most of those gains were lost, a great deal of women had nevertheless benefited from the increased educational opportunities that were made available prior to the revolution. This resulted in a generation of educated women that were unlikely to settle for anything less than a level of gender equality that was commiserate with their understanding of the modern world.

Consider, for example, that one in every five Ph.D. students in Iran is a woman. About 56% of all natural science university students are women. Indeed, well over 70% of engineering students in Iran are women. The Iranian government, while not pleased with these numbers, has realized that much of the nation’s intellectual capital is invested in women. In order to compete on a national stage in areas of technology, business and other areas, it is necessary to have the input and participation of women. This fact alone has been a means for women to push the gender equality platform, albeit slowly, at least in areas of employment opportunities.

What is clear is that there is a desire for Iranian women to embrace many of the freedoms that American baby boomers and others Western women enjoy. But it goes beyond just wanting western style comforts; rather it is a desire to embrace those basic and fundamental liberties that are inherent to success and happiness. American baby boomers have shown that equal participation of women in the social structure results in significant societal contributions. In order for Iran to progress to its stated hope of being on equal footing with other industrialized nations, it will need to capitalize on the full participation of its female citizens.

byb-religion

The Psychological Article on
Reflections of A Generation (pt. 5): Lifting the Veil – The Fight For Gender Equality in Iran is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of psychological articles on World Religions, politics and understanding as a solution to types of discrimination. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.

Boomer Yearbook is a Social Network and Psychological Articles for Baby Boomers, Echo Boomers and Booming Seniors. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join other Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and let your opinions be heard. Baby boomers changed the world. We’re not done yet!

signup

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Types of Discrimination | No Comments »

Reflections of A Generation (pt.4): Behind the Veil – Women In Iran

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009
Iran Echo Boomers: Women Behind the Veil

Iran Echo Boomers: Women Behind the Veil

By Boomeryearbook.com

With the growing social unrest within the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Iranian government is facing a crossroads of its very existence. Young Iranian echo boomers (mirroring the socially active American baby boomers) are becoming increasingly vocal in their dissatisfaction with perceived social inequities. Chief among these concerns is the rights of women in the Islamic Republic. For now, they are looking toward their government as a means of change. How long, however, will it be before peaceful reformation gives way to forceful revolution?

Gender inequality is a social injustice with which American baby boomers are very familiar. It is certain that many baby boomers view the plight of Iranian women with a great deal of empathy. Iranian women, for their part, are well aware of the limitations they face and have been strong voices for change in their country. It is an ironic twist of fate that the plight of women in Iran actually witnessed significant gains under the previous oppressive regimes of the Shahs.

The Pahlavi government – which featured a line of Shahs from 1925 to 1979 – was a pro-western regime. Unfortunately for the Shah, Iranians were generally conservative Muslims who chaffed under the measures that were being advocated. The Shah was so unpopular, in fact, that virtually every rival faction in Iran was united to bring the government down and to establish an Islamic Republic. However, being a pro-west regime, the Pahlavi Shahs instituted a number of progressive reforms concerning women’s rights over the years.

In 1936, for example, Reza Shah passed a law that forbade women from wearing the hijab (head covering worn by Muslim women). Women also found themselves more involved in the workforce. Educational opportunities were opened up as well. Under the Pahlavi regimes, women rose to such posts as government ministers and even judges. In fact, Nobel Prize recipient Shirin Ebadi, was Iran’s first female judge. By 1963, Iran instituted universal suffrage and women were elected to parliament. American baby boomers, at the time, could have taken heart to some of the Iranian women advances.

Much of this hard won effort, however, would come to an end with the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Again, ironically, women played a very key role in the success of the revolution as they were instrumental in the mass demonstrations. Nevertheless, the problem is two fold. On the one hand, Islam as a religion has defined roles for men and women in certain aspects of daily life. On the other hand, Iran – like many other locales around the world – is a male dominated (some could say misogynistic) culture.

Dealing with the latter is less of a challenge than dealing with the former. Issues such as the weight of a woman’s testimony in court (2 women equals 1 man), mode of dress in public and inheritance guidelines are Qur’anic in nature. In other words, these are areas in which Muslims believe divine guidance has been given. For women to challenge these types of perceived restrictions is to challenge the religious foundations on which the state is formed. These types of challenges are generally met with firm resistance from the government.

However, in regards to measures that stem from cultural bias, Iranian women seem to have more flexibility. Employment opportunities fall into this category. Despite a high number of Iranian women enrolled in higher education (70% of engineering students, for example are women), employment opportunities are routinely denied. Thus the separation of the sexes hinders women in this endeavor.

Much in the same way American baby boomers brought attention and eventual resolution to gender inequality, so to must Iranian echo boomers. The Iranian government, for its part, must recognize the differences between true religious concerns and cultural biasness. Perhaps by relaxing many of the non-religious restraints, the Islamic Republic can begin establishing a constructive dialog for effective reformation for its citizens without compromising Islamic tenants.

byb-religion

This Psychological Article on Reflections of A Generation (pt.4): Behind the Veil – Women In Iranis part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of psychological articles on World Religions, politics and understanding as a solution to types of discrimination. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.

Boomer Yearbook is a Social Network and Psychological Articles for Baby Boomers, Echo Boomers and Booming Seniors. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join other Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and let your opinions be heard. Baby boomers changed the world. We’re not done yet!

signup

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Types of Discrimination | No Comments »

Reflections of A Generation (pt.3): The Islamic Republic of Iran –Fact or Fiction?

Sunday, July 5th, 2009
Iranian Echo Boomer Reformers

Iranian Echo Boomer Reformers

American baby boomers are watching the events in the Islamic Republic of Iran with a keen interest. In the young Iranians, they see a kindred spirit of social activism. These young Iranian echo boomers, so called because they are mirrors of the reformist baby boomers, have taken their voices to the world stage. Their willingness to stand up and be heard has given their government pause. The Iranian government has long conveyed that freedom rings true in the Islamic Republic. Is this government a true republic willing to guarantee the rights and freedoms it espouses, or is it really just another totalitarian regime?

It should be noted – and this is an important note – that Iranian echo boomers are not fighting their government. Rather they are protesting their government’s resistance to proffer specific social freedoms. It is the opinion of this author that this is the legacy that American baby boomers have inspired. Iranian activists are not calling for a revolution to overthrow the government. This alludes to a hope and a belief among the Iranian people that their government is a viable instrument through which to effect change. This sentiment is one that was held by American baby boomers and ultimately proved to be true. Can the same be said of the Iranian system of government?

To answer this question, one has to evaluate the government system in question. Iran’s government is ostensibly a republic. It has elected representational bodies that legislates and administers the affairs of government based on Islamic principles. Indeed, there are three branches of government – executive, parliament, and judicial. There is even a national constitution that provides a conceptual foundation (Islamic) of national identity.

However, all of these branches of governments and the positions within them are subordinate to the office of the Supreme Leader. In fact, the Supreme Leader has a significant and influential hand in appointing (directly and indirectly) the officials who serve in the other branches of government – including the government body that selects and can remove the Supreme Leader: the Assembly of Experts. There have only been two Supreme Leaders since the Islamic revolution of 1979; the founder of the revolution himself, the deceased Ayatollah Khomeini and the current leader, Ali Khamenei. While the office of president is the highest elected office in the country, the president is also subordinate to the supreme leader.

While this system may seem foreign to American baby boomers and other Westerners, one has to remember the general mindset of Iranians. Most Iranians – at least up until the revolution, were conservative, religious minded, and generally had an unfavorable attitude towards the west. As Muslims, Iranians generally accept the concept of having a guardian (a single leader) who safeguarded the Islamic underpinnings of the budding Islamic state. Even today, Iranian echo boomers – whose parents ignited the Islamic revolution – don’t have a significant issue with this political structure. This is evident by the recent protest over the recent presidential elections. The protests are over a legitimate election process – not the legitimacy of the system itself.

Nevertheless, this is a time of opportunity for both the Iranian government and the Iranian people. The government has the chance to illustrate that it is a true republic in fact and not just name by listening to the voices of the people and taking significant resulting action. For the people, this is a chance for the protests to be heard as it is difficult for the government to silence the Iranian echo boomer reformers International media attention.

The government should remember that its own existence is the result of a disgruntled population that eventually lost all hope that the prevailing political system could effect positive change. The desire for reformation always precedes the need for revolution. There are real social issues, such as the rights of women that are at the forefront of concerns for Iranian echo boomers. These concerns need to be addressed by a receptive Iranian government while the people are still tolerant of the current political and social structure.

Psychological Articles as Solutions to Types of Discrimination

Psychological Articles as Solutions to Types of Discrimination

This Psychological Article on Reflections of A Generation (pt.3): The Islamic Republic of Iran –Fact or Fiction? is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of psychological articles on World Religions, politics and understanding as a solution to types of discrimination. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.

Boomer Yearbook is a Social Network and Psychological Articles for Baby Boomers, Echo Boomers and Booming Seniors. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join other Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and let your opinions be heard. Baby boomers changed the world. We’re not done yet!

signup

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Baby Boomers Psychological Articles and Coaching, Psychological Articles, Types of Discrimination | No Comments »

Reflections of A Generation (pt.2): Reformation Vs. Revolution In Iran

Sunday, July 5th, 2009

 

 

Iranian Echo Boomer Reform Movement

Iranian Echo Boomer Reform Movement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Psychological Articles

By Boomeryearbook.com

There is a growing dissatisfaction among Iran’s large population of young adults. Some of this unrest exploded for the world to see with protests associated with the allegations of voter fraud with the recent presidential elections. As thousands of protestors took to the streets to voice their concerns (and the whole world watching on television), the Iranian government struggled to fashion a response that would quiet the crowds and not embarrass the regime. The current government is the result of a revolution itself – a popular uprising amongst the people at the time. Faced with eerily similar circumstances, the question is whether the current government faces a reformation or another revolution.

The difference between the two – in general terms – is significant. In this, there are lessons to learn from history. American baby boomers, for example, have defined the process of social reformation. The so-called counter-culture; baby boomers set out to redefine society in a mold that was in conformity with their understanding of the American dream. This redefinition, however, was to be accomplished within the scope of the established political framework. In other words, baby boomers wanted change but did not want to overthrow the established government.

Social revolution, however, is a different concept. A revolution identifies the problems that a society faces as inherent symptoms of a corrupt or failing government. In such a circumstance, the only viable solution is to effect regime change. Obviously, this wasn’t much of a consideration for American baby boomers. Ordinarily, such a decisive measure is costly in terms of human lives and infrastructure damage. Still, there are two points of interest that are derived from all of this.

The first is that in times of social unrest, the initial goal of the dissatisfied is reformation. Secondly, despite the constant chatter from talk shows and news pundits, it does not appear that the Iranians are not looking to overthrow their government. At this point in time (which is a key point for the Iranian government and its citizens) the call is for social reformation and not revolution. To better understand the significance of this and the lessons that should be well understood by the Iranian government if no one else, is illustrated in recent historical events.

The current Iranian government is the result of the Islamic (sometimes called Iranian) Revolution of 1979. Prior to the revolution, Iran was governed under a monarchy. It would suffice to say that history views this government as unpopular. Psychological articles inform us that the ruler of Iran, Shah Pahlavi, stood over a pro-western, liberal, and generally agreed upon, oppressive regime. A measure of the discontent in Iran with the Shah is that virtually each of the normally rival factions in Iran – religious, Marxist, leftist, etc. – all had one thing in common; a desire to see the Shah ousted.

Calls for social change and efforts for such (i.e. reformation) were often brutally suppressed by the Shah’s government.

Naturally, the widespread discontent eventually united the factions to action. Under the leadership of Ayatollah Khomeini, Iran witnessed staged protests of immense proportions. As one observer noted, there were more protesters than the secret police could ever hope to arrest. The Shah went into exile in 1979.

The lesson is that the Shah, recognizing the writing on the wall, finally attempted to enact many of the social changes that had been called for; only too late. Once revolutionary momentum has been attained, reformation is no longer an option. American baby boomers never had to face this dilemma – the Iranian government does. Now, Iranian officials have to weigh the choice of reformation or revolution in regards to its own continued existence.

byb-religion

This Psychological Article on Reflections of A Generation (pt. 2): A Mirror of Social Unrest In Iran Influenced by Baby Boomers? is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of psychological articles on World Religions, politics and understanding as a solution to types of discrimination. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.

Boomer Yearbook is a Social Network and Psychological Articles for Baby Boomers, Echo Boomers and Booming Seniors. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join other Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and let your opinions be heard. Baby boomers changed the world. We’re not done yet!

signup

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Types of Discrimination | No Comments »

Gypsy Women:Psychological Articles on Types of Discrimination

Friday, March 27th, 2009
Gypsy Fortune Teller

Gypsy Fortune Teller


By Boomeryearbook.com

Gypsy is a term which was basically used for the Romanian people in the sixteenth century. In the present times it represents English people who live in freely, with few encumbrances, and while not specifically members of any traveling group, are still primarily nomadic. The birth of a child is a great event for them and they believe in having large families. Their art and literature is gripped with the notion of immortality. Gypsies typically are dark skinned people, are highly superstitious, and are believed to indulge in witchcraft. Psychological articles inform us that stealing, conniving and duplicitous behavior are stereotypical attributes that are frequently associated with Gypsies. Oftentimes Gypsies have been noted walking the streets for money, poorly clothed and dirty, and thus instilling the fear of being robbed in the minds of those they pass. Psychological articles report that mainstream people regard Gypsies as unwashed and unclean; taken food from public disposal areas, homeless and nomadic, and even training their children to beg.

While originally thought to have come from Romania, (i.e., some new speculation believes they originated in India) Gypsies are not primarily restricted to Romania. They are people on the move of any religion or cast who are nomadic. Banjaras, in India are considered Gypsies and are thought to have practices different from other Indian groups or residents. Also, there are the Sea Gypsies of South-East Asia, and numerous “travelers” in the US and other Western Countries.

Gypsies are notorious for being strange looking and oddly dressed, and are believed to be practicers of voodoo and other forms of witchcraft. When you enter a fortune teller’s house you typically find a Gypsy woman with tarot cards sitting in the middle of a room with a yellow lamp lit above her head. Over the centuries fortune telling and practices of magic has been associated with gypsies; and founded or not, Gypsies often find themselves as a focus of types of discrimination.

Most Americans view Gypsies as a little dangerous but nonetheless fun and exciting people, as Gypsies traditions are tinged with tribal color. A Gypsy woman wears a long colorful skirt with huge, heavy earrings, other dangling jewelry, and married women typically don a colorful head scarf. They also wear good luck charms and other items to warn off evil spirits. Their diet consists of whatever is available as they are always on the move.

Famous Gypsy Women:

From a more positive perspective, we must mention a few very famous Gypsies who have secured some excellent achievements in life and have a claim to fame. Some of the most prominent Gypsy women are:

• Micaela Flores Amaya, a Flamenco dancer. She grew up in Barcelona and became a dancer, cinema actress and painter.
• Rosa Taikon Janush whose jewelry designs are very popular in Sweden.
• Katarzyna Pollok from the Ukraine belongs to a tribe of Gypsies and is a famous painter and sculptor.
• From Austria, Ceija Stojka a great writer, who was the first Romanian to write a literary work about the Holocaust. She is a painter and a poetess too.
• From Russia, Olga Pankova, a writer and a poetess.
• Another Gypsy scientist from Russia is Sofia Vasilyevna Kovalevskaya, who was recognized as a genius in mathematics.
• Dunja Rajter is another successful Gypsy woman from Croatia who has become a lead actress and singer. Her most important work is the social support programs she ran for war affected children.

The Psychological Article on Gypsy Women is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of psychological articles on World Religions, Spirituality, and Solutions to Types of Discrimination. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.

byb-religion

Boomer Yearbook is Psychological Articles for Baby Boomers. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join other Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and let your opinions be heard. Baby boomers changed the world. We’re not done yet!

signup

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Psychological Articles, Types of Discrimination | No Comments »

Basic Tenets of Judaism

Monday, March 23rd, 2009
Star of David

Star of David

Psychological Articles as Solutions to Types of Discrimination


By Boomeryearbook.com

Judaism is a religion often confused with a culture or with ethnicity. What Judaism refers to is a practice of faith based on the Torah.

Judaism is a monotheist religion, which signifies a belief in one God and worship of that one God rather than several gods. It is about 3500 years old and boasts to be one of the world’s smallest religions having about only 12 million followers. Judaism is one of the world’s oldest religions and subscribes to the instructions given from the Written Torah, the Oral Torah given to Moses and laws contributed to by long-standing Rabbis.

Some Judaic precepts are:
• God exists
• God is one and unique.
• God is incorporeal (i.e. spiritual).
• The words of the prophets are true.
• All of God’s children are equal – male and female.
• The Sabbath (the seventh day of the week on the Jewish calendar, said to be Saturday or Sunday) must be respected. This means that all work is done in 6 days of week and then rest must be taken on the seventh day).
• Prayer is to be directed to God alone and no other.
• Peace is superior to war.
• God knows the thoughts and deeds of men.
• There will be no other Torah.
• God is eternal.
• Followers strive to make the world better by working with the earth (hence consuming only kosher foods).
• The written Torah and oral Torah were given to Moses.
• Moses’ prophecies are true and he was the greatest prophet.
• The Messiah will come.
• The dead will be resurrected.
• God will reward the good and punish the wicked.

Judaism asserts that relationships and actions are more important than cosmological consequences; therefore, the belief in heaven and hell varies among different practitioners; but all forms of Jews focus on obeying the 613 laws of the Torah and trying to be examples of love and virtue, along with a prominent Jewish tradition placed on the ritual of giving back to the community and the earth.*

byb-religion

The Psychological Article on An Introduction to Judaism is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of psychological articles on World Religions, Spirtuality, and Solutions to Types of Discrimination. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.

Boomer Yearbook is a Psychological Articles based-Informational Social Network Website for Baby Boomers, Echo Boomers and Booming Seniors. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join now to discover the many ways this Website for Baby Boomers is offering psychological articles as knowledge and hopeful solutions to Types of Discrimination.

signup

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Types of Discrimination | No Comments »

Taoism: An Introduction

Monday, March 23rd, 2009
Ying-Yang

Ying-Yang

Taoism

By Boomeryearbook.com

Psychological Articles as Solutions to Types of Discrimination

Taoism is a philosophy with religious offshoots that has evolved since 400 BC; and mingled with other traditions such as Buddhism and Confucianism, it’s had profound effects on East Asia. The literal meaning of Tao is ‘the way’ which defies definition and can only be experienced. The basic belief of Taoism is that a single force permeates the universe and living things called ‘Chi’ – balances in everything or between Yin and Yang- embodies the harmonious relationship between all opposites and is the basis for types of discrimination.

The founder of Taoism is believed to be Tao Tsi born in 604 BC. His book of teachings is called ‘Tao-te-Ching ‘The Book of the Way’ and was followed by his successor, Zhuangzi, centuries later. Both philosophers represent different strains of Taoism; similar to divisions in Greek thought between Plato and Aristotle. The basics, however, remain constant.

Tao believes that Tao is the force that permeates existence, and that each believer’s aim is to attune himself in spirit and person with Tao. Therefore enlightenment is achieved by listening, i.e. through introspection and meditation and through outward observation. God is also not a distant ephemeral reality but is expressed through many manifestations of God in human society; and yet, cannot be represented as an image or a thing. Development of harmony with Tao within oneself is a primary aim to achieve health and the attainment of virtue through the three jewels that are compassion, moderation and humility which discourages types of discrimination. Taoism stresses the importance of ‘Chi’ (breath/air) and the need to nurture it within, and ‘Wu Wei’ which is allowing nature to take its course. It also sees humanity in a positive light; as intrinsically good and compassionate if given freedom to choose any alternative.

The key to developing and experiencing Tao is to achieve yin and yang. Although seen and interpreted in different ways, the meaning and symbol of yin and yang represents opposite or polarized forces in nature. Its symbol is presented as black and white swirls twined around each other with a black dot in the white and vice versa. This symbolizes that opposites can mingle and are not always distinctly separate entities. Taoists believe that human intervention often upsets this balance in both nature (externally) and themselves (internally), and thus, health and vitality is caused by perfect harmony of ying and yang and imbalances within the person, cause illness. The Tao philosophy of Chi has medicinal applications such as acupuncture and herbal remedies, as well as use in healing manifestations of meditation and the physical discipline of Tai Chi balancing body and mind.

Taoism was initially a combination of philosophical concepts and psychology. It took on religious significance when it was adopted in 400 AD by the Chinese state and became one of the three religions of China; the other two being Buddhism and Confucianism. All three disciplines developed together, and the harmony and syncretism that evolved from these religions has shaped China and other countries for centuries to come. Taoism survived as a state entity until 1911 and the subsequent coming of Communist rule that unfortunately banned religion and opened the door fortypes of discrimination; Communism not only destroyed much physical heritage but disallowed religious practice. At present Taoism has approximately 20 million followers mostly centered in Taiwan with smaller numbers elsewhere. Many of modern cultures’ aspects like herbal medicine, martial arts and holistic medicine have been adopted from Taoist thought.

byb-religion

The Psychological Article on Taoism is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of psychological articles on World Religions, Spirituality, and Solutions to Types of Discrimination. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.

Boomer Yearbook is a Psychological Articles based Website for Baby Boomers. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join other Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and keep up with the latest advancements in medical and mental health.

signup

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Types of Discrimination | No Comments »

Sikhism: An Introduction

Monday, March 23rd, 2009
Sikhism: Psychological Articles as Solutions to Types of Discrimination

Sikhism


By Boomeryearbook.com

The term Sikhism, derived from the word Sikh, comes from the root word ‘sisya’ meaning a learner or ‘siksa’ meaning instruction. Sikhism was formed on the teachings of Guru Nanak and his 10 successor Gurus, in the early 15th century in Punjab, on the Indian Sub-Continent. Today it is the fifth largest organized religion of the world.

Principles and Beliefs:

The foremost belief of Sikhism is to have faith in ‘Wahe Guru’- represented by the symbol ‘ek oankar’- signifying the only universal God, and adhere to the teachings of the11 Gurus, commonly referred to as the enlightened ones. Sokhis is a monotheistic religion. Its most distinguished concept is that of a non-anthropomorphic God. Boomer Yearbook’s research team for psychological articles on types of discrimination discovered that ‘Waheguru’ is a shapeless, sightless and timeless entity. In fact it could be the universe itself.

The followers are faithful to the teachings of all the Gurus as well as adhering to the Holy Scripture, the Guru Granth Sahib, which includes the work of the six Gurus and many devotees from various socio-economic and religious backgrounds.

The beginning of the holy-scripture is the number ‘1’ which stresses the Universality of God. According to psychological articleson this religion, Sikh’s believe God is omnipresent, “it” has been there even before the creation of universe; the cosmos has been created as a result of the order and will of God ‘hukam’.

Nanak described God as not fully understandable by humans yet not fully beyond human comprehension. Psychological articles on Sikhism reveal that according to the beliefs of Sikhs, God is omnipresent and can be seen in all creations; all a devotee needs is to turn one’s eye and heart inward; with devotees finding enlightenment through meditation as only mediation allows the communication between God and humans. Nanak declared that God has no sex and it cannot be addressed as a he.

Salvation:

The final destination of humans, according to Nanak, is the union with God- not Heaven or Hell. The major obstacle in achieving this is the attachment of people to the world; thus perpetuating an endless cycle of birth and reincarnation.

Maya which means illusion or unreality deviates one from the pursuit of God by turning attention to worldly distractions; And the five evils: ego, lust, anger, greed and attachment, also lure humans away from God and should be redeemed through extensive God devotion.

Nanak stressed a balance between work, worship and charity .According to him all humans were equal and one should defend fellow beings. He believed in optimism and the concept of sharing one’s blessings.

Festivals:

Sikh festivals are mostly surrounding the Gurus and the Sikh martyrs.

1. Gurpurabs-In Sikh calendar all 11 Gurus have Gurpurabs but only that of Guru Nanak and Guru Gobind Singh is widely celebrated. The Shaheedi Gurpurabs which mark the martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev and Guru Tegh Bahadur are also celebrated.

2. Vaisakhi or Baisakhi – falls on 13th of April and marks the new spring year and the end of the harvest.

3. Bandi Chor Divas or Devali celebrates Hargobind’s release from the Gwalior Fort.

4. Hola Mohalla is celebrated a day after Holi and the Khalsa Panth gathers at Anand Pur to display their warrior skills.

THE KHALSA

The tenth Guru Gobind Singh gave the name Khalsa i.e. pure, to all Sikhs who were baptized. The first ceremony of initiation took place 29th March 1698/1699 in Punjab. The baptism is done by taking Ammrat. After baptism all Sikhs are bound to wear 5k’s –the articles of faith. They are supposed to be worn at all times for purposes of spiritual benefits. The five ks stand for: kes(uncut hair), kangha(small comb), kara( iron bracelet), kirpan(short sword) and kaccha(special undergarment).

Psychological articles on types of discrimination reveal that Sikhism’s teachings are mainly associated with the history, society and culture of Punjab. Today over 25million Sikhs live across the world; with approximately 75% living in Punjab India. However, Sikhs only make up 2% of the Indian population.

In the beginning of the 19th century, many Sikhs migrated to Canada, East Africa, Middle East, and South East Asia, U.K, with most recently to Australia, New Zealand and United States. Comparatively smaller populations are found in Pakistan, Malaysia, Fiji, Nepal, Iran, Afghanistan, Mauritius, China and Iraq.

byb-religion

The Psychological Article on Sikhism is part of Boomer Yearbook’s continuing series of psychological articles on World Religions, Spirituality, and Solutions to Types of Discrimination. We believe knowledge is power. We’d love to hear what you think.

Boomer Yearbook is a psychological articles-Informational Social Network Website for Baby Boomers. Connect with old and new friends, or expand your mind and ward off senior moments and elderly problems with dream analysis and online optical illusions and brain games provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner. Join the Website for Baby Boomers to stay informed, receive weekly Newsfeeds, and get the latest information of physical and mental wellness.

signup

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Types of Discrimination | No Comments »

« Older Entries