Other World Religions
Judaism
Judaism is one of the oldest religions. It began as the religion of the small nation of the Hebrews. Today, 14 million people identify themselves as Jewish. Modern Judaism is a complex phenomenon that incorporates both a nation and a religion, and often combines strict adherence to ritual laws with a more liberal attitude towards religious belief. Date founded :1300 :1300 BC, Mesopotamia Founder: Abraham Spiritual Leader : Rabbi Place of worship: synagogue ("temple" in Reform Judaism ) Day of Worship : Saturday There ten commandments: Worship no other gods. Do not worship idols. Do not misuse the name of the Lord. Keep the Sabbath holy. Honor your father and mother. Do not murder. Do not commit adultery. Do not steal. Do not give false testimony Do not covet.
Zoroastrianism
Zoroastrianism was founded by Zarathushtra in Persia which followed an aboriginal polytheistic religion. He preached the first monotheism with a single supreme god, Ahura Mazda. Belief in the dualism of good and evil. The holy book is called the Avesta (includes teachings of Zarathushtra written in a series of five hymns called the Gathas). They are abstract sacred poetry directed towards the worship of One God. They worshipped through prayers/symbolic ceremonies that are conducted before a sacred fire . They dedicate their lives to a three-fold path represented by their motto:
"Good thoughts, good words, good deeds."
Shinto
Shinto is an ancient Japanese religion, closely tied to nature, which recognizes the existence of various "Kami", nature deities. The first two deities, Izanagi and Izanami, gave birth to the Japanese islands and their children became the deities of the various Japanese clans. They serve only to sustain and protect. Followers of Shinto desire peace and believe all human life is sacred. They aspire to have "makoto“ (sincerity or true heart). "Four Affirmations" in Shinto are: Tradition and family: the family is the main mechanism by which traditions are preserved. Love of nature: nature is sacred and natural objects are to be worshipped as sacred spirits. Physical cleanliness: they must take baths, wash their hands, and rinse their mouth often. "Matsuri": festival which honors the spirits.
Confucianism
K'ung Fu Tzu ( Founder) was born in 551 BCE in the state of Lu in China. He traveled throughout China giving advice to its rulers. His teachings/ writings dealt with individual morality and ethics, and political power. He stressed the following values: Li: ritual, propriety, etiquette, etc. Hsiao: love among family members Yi: righteousness Xin: honesty and trustworthiness Jen: benevolence towards others; the highest Confucian virtue Chung: loyalty to the state, etc. Confucianism is primarily an ethical system with rituals at important times during one's lifetime.
The most important periods recognized in the Confucian tradition are birth, reaching maturity, marriage, and death.
Taoism
Taoism was founded by Lao-Tse, a Confucius in China. Taoism began as a combination of psychology and philosophy. His writings, the Tao- te - Ching, describe the nature of life, the way to peace and how a ruler should lead his life. Taoism became a religion in 440 CE (state religion). Tao, roughly translated as path, is a force which flows through all life and is the first cause of everything. Tai Chi, a technique of exercise using slow deliberate movements (used to balance the flow of energy within the body). People should develop virtue, seek compassion, moderation and humility. One should plan any action in advance and achieve it through minimal action. Taoists believe that people are by nature, good, and that one should be kind to others simply because such treatment will probably be reciprocated.
Bahá'í
The Bahá'í Faith arose from Islam in 1800. Based on the teachings of Baha'u'llah it is now a distinct worldwide faith. The faith's followers believe that God has sent nine great prophets to mankind through whom the Holy Spirit has revealed the "Word of God.“ Bahá'í beliefs promote gender and race equality, freedom of expression/assembly, world peace and world government. They believe that a single world government led by Bahá'ís will be established at some point in the future. Bahá'ís believe that every person has an immortal soul which can not die but is freed to travel through the spirit world after death.
Business culture of France, china and Germany…..!
Business Culture throughout France
French business culture is formal and hierarchical. Titles (Monsieur, Mademoiselle or Madame) should be used when addressing your business contacts. It conceals a system in which personal relationships and networks are very important, and it is crucial to establish good contacts. The culture is very male dominated, with relatively few women in senior positions. You should make appointments in advance and try to arrive on time, although a delay of up to 15 minutes is acceptable. Try to avoid the holiday periods of August, Christmas and Easter. Business hours vary, but are generally between 8.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. Mondays to Fridays, with a two-hour lunch break. Although many French people can speak English, always translate written materials into French. If you cannot conduct business in French, be sure to apologize for your lack of proficiency in the language.
Try to dress conservatively in smart and stylish clothes. A light, quick handshake is the normal form of greeting, and an air kiss is often used between close friends. The French are lively, passionate negotiators, who use a direct, probing style of communication. Appreciates presentations which are practical and wellreasoned, with plenty of hard data, but dislike hype. Meetings can be lengthy as they analyze points in great detail. Business lunches are common and usually consist of a substantial meal with several courses, and wine. Business is not normally discussed until near the end, as the French like to enjoy their food first. Gifts are not generally exchanged in business. It is best not to take wine, as French hosts like to select their own.
Germany
Germans can be considered the masters of planning. Germany is one of the biggest business centers of Europe.
This is a culture that prizes forward thinking and knowing what they will be doing at a specific time on a specific day.
Careful planning, in one's business and personal life, provides a sense of security. Germans never bring personal relation into the business sphere.
Rules and regulations allow people to know what is expected and plan their life accordingly. They are very strict about their time schedules and targets.
Once the proper way to perform a task is discovered, there is no need to think of doing it any other way.
Germans believe that maintaining clear lines of demarcation between people, places, and things is the surest way to lead a structured and ordered life.
Work and personal lives are rigidly divided.
There is a proper time for every activity. When the business day ends, you are expected to leave the office. If you must remain after normal closing, it indicates that you did not plan your day properly. Any kind of official meeting requires an appointment and the time mentioned is to be strictly followed.
It is a very conservative country and this feature is also reflected in their way of business.
Besides their conservatism their innovation, productivity and excellence are distinct characteristics of German business.
They usually maintain very formal attire at work and greet each other by shaking hands.
The German manager concentrates intensely on two objectives: product quality and product service.
But the manager also places a high premium on customer satisfaction, and Germans are ready to style a product to suit a customer's wishes.
German management is sensitive to government standards, government policies, and government regulations.
China
The business culture of China is unique. The Chinese people follow certain ethics in business. Patience and humility are the two main features of the Chinese business culture. “Guanxi” (relationships) is a very important characteristic of the Chinese business culture.. Forming a good relationship is very important step in Chinese business culture. Exchanging favors is an important part of the Chinese business culture . It also means to be friendly and develop good feelings about each other. Chinese will make dealings with people whom they think are trustworthy. If the Western countries want to do business then they have to prove them trustworthy. In the Chinese business culture relationships are made on the personal stage. The Chinese business culture does not depend on money. Every individual members are treated fairly . Chinese believe that both the parties have to be faith full. The Chinese do no support bribery .
Controversial Issues in China There are some taboo areas in social conversations with
the Chinese. Try to avoid these conversational topics as much as possible. 1. You must not mention that Taiwan is an independent state or a country. 2. You must NEVER praise the Japanese or be seen to be good buddies with them 4. You must not praise Shanghai in front of natives of Beijing and similarly vice versa Other than that, you are pretty safe to converse with the Chinese anything.
Chandni kundel -Msc(Sim)