Asia Essential Topics
Corey Sparrow, Anderson Kim, Ajay Dave
Hinduism vs. Buddhism
Buddhism and Hinduism are both very similar and different at the same time. As Buddhism was derived from Hinduism, it shares some similar beliefs. The main similarities are the importance of detachment from worldly objects, yoga, and the self-realization. However, while Hinduism involves the belief of God, Buddhism does not. Buddhism believes that the Buddha reincarnates to spread the path to Nirvana, or the ultimate realization.
The Caste System: Heavenly or Injust
The caste system was originally created for a more heavenly way of life. Its goal was to create equality and peace between the citizens by organizing a set of duties for each caste. Not a single caste was better than another. However, the caste system became polluted and lead to inequality between the castes and social injustice. In this way, the good-willed caste system became unjust.
China's Economic Rise
Because of China’s growing economic value, it only makes sense to assume it is because of their manufacturing. The country itself produces millions of miscellaneous items for not only the U.S, but the entire world. This is the leading factor in why China’s economic value is so high and it will always remain high. As long as the world keeps on buying (which we always will) then China will keep on selling, which in turn will increase the country’s money making and economic value.
Kashmir Conflict
The Kashmir conflict is a territorial dispute between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir region, the northwestern most region of South Asia. The dispute lasted for many years and is still a very dark part of history. In the past there has been 3 wars fought over this dispute, and the threat was becoming increasingly dangerous for both parties. This dispute had been going on since the early 1900’s and still hasn't come to a concise settlement. Today the warfare has simmered, but could break out at anytime. This leaves both sides in a very cautious and paranoid state of mind. This remains to be one of the worst wars or disputes in Indian/Pakistani history. No one knows who will give up first, and there are no clues leading to the fact. For now the dispute will continue, but will hopefully be nowhere near as bad as it was in the early 1900’s.
China's 1-Child Policy
Bibliography
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Buddha's_statue_near_Belum_Caves_Andhra_Pradesh_India.jpg
http://www.kashmirlibrary.org/
http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMhpr051833
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pyramid_of_Caste_system_in_India.png