Success Factors in Merger and Acquisition Projects

Biography of Pedro Flores, Father of the Yo-Yo

Account of Pedro Flores, Father of the Yo-Yo Pedro Flores (April 26, 1896â€December 1963) took what had been a Filipino weapon, and later a Filipino toy, and began producing yo-yos in the United States. He before long turned into an independent mogul as the fame of the toy soar. For sure, the word yo-yo is a Tagalog word, the local language of the Philippines, and means return. Quick Facts: Pedro Flores Known For: Introducing the yo-yo toy to the United States.Also Known As: Pedro Edralin FloresBorn: April 26, 1896 in Vintarilocos, PhilippinesDied: December 1963 in Santa Barbara, CaliforniaEducation: University of California, Berkeley, Hastings College of LawSpouse: Edria Myers (m. June 6, 1931â€December 1963)Children: Delmar Walters (stepson)Notable Quote: I am increasingly keen on instructing kids to utilize the yo-yos than I am in assembling of yo-yos. Early Years Flores was conceived on April 26, 1895, in Vintarilocos Norte, Philippines. He moved with his family to the United States in 1915, later considering law at the University of California Berkeley and the Hastings College of Law in San Francisco. Flores Edria Myers on June 6, 1931. They were hitched until Flores kicked the bucket. Flores never finished his law degree and started his yo-yo business while filling in as a bellboy. From Weapon to Toy In the Philippines, the yo-yo was a weapon for more than 400 years. The weaponized adaptation highlighted huge, sharp edges, and studs and connected to thick, 20-foot ropes for tossing at adversaries or prey. Afterward, a type of the yo-yo, which had begun in China, turned into a mainstream toy in Europe and Asia. Flores had played with these toy yo-yos as a youngster they were called bandalores at that point and felt there may be a business opportunity for the toy in the U.S. Yo-Yo Manufacturing Company In 1928, Flores began the Yo-Yo Manufacturing Company in Santa Barbara. Flores started making yo-yos by hand for neighborhood youngsters, yet soon, James and Daniel Stone of Los Angeles financed apparatus for the mass their creation. Inside a year, Flores was selling 300,000 yo-yos every year. On July 22, 1930, Flores trademarked the term Yo-Yo. In the end, Donald F. Duncan Sr., who established the Duncan Toy Company in 1929, paid heed to the ubiquity of yo-yos. He purchased the rights to the trademark and friends from Flores that equivalent year for $750,000. Advancing the Yo-Yo Flores remained dynamic and helped Duncan advance the yo-yo in the early long periods of the item. Especially in 1931 and 1932, Flores arranged yo-yo challenges in different urban areas around the nation. These challenges highlighted yo-yo stunts, which got famous throughout the years, for example, the sleeper, where the yo-yo appears to turn set up toward the finish of its string, or the walk the pooch, where the professional apparently gets the yo-yo to walk/move along the ground and afterward return. Demise Flores kicked the bucket in December 1963 in Coshocton, Ohio, where he had lived for over two decades. He is covered in the South Lawn Cemetery in Coshocton. Inheritance By 1962, Duncan Toys had sold 45 million yo-yos in the U.S. After three years, the organization failed. Flambeau Plastics Company (today Flambeau Inc.), gained the rights to the yo-yo, and today it fabricates and sells the 11 unique models of yo-yos (as of April 2018) still under the name of the Duncan Toys Company, which works as a Flambeau auxiliary. Since Flores carried the toy to the U.S. decades prior, the yo-yo has gotten profoundly imbued in the way of life of the nation. For instance, in 1968, Abbie Hoffman was refered to for scorn of Congress for strolling the pooch with an end goal to engage the House Subcommittee on Un-American Activities that was exploring him, and Richard Nixon stood out as truly newsworthy when he utilized a yo-yo in front of an audience at the opening of the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville in 1974. Sources Findagrave.com.History Of The Yo-Yo. Museum of Yo-Yo History.ï » ¿Ã¢â‚¬Å"The Pedro Flores Story | The Character Network.†Ã‚ The Character Network RSS.Revolvy, LLC. â€Å"‘Pedro Flores (Inventor) on Revolvy.com.†Ã‚ Revolvy.

Introducing MindMeister 5.2 for iPhone and iPad - Focus

Introducing MindMeister 5.2 for iPhone and iPad - Focus Please note: this article was last updated in 2013. For the latest information on MindMeister for iOS, please visit mindmeister.com/apps In the latest update to our iOS apps weve included more options for  exporting your mind maps to your favorite installed apps, added support for displaying boundaries,  updated and refreshed the UI,  and fixed a few elusive bugs on the way. You can download the app today from the Apple Store, or if you already have it installed, it will of course automatically update. Whats New? 1. New Export Options Previously, when exporting mind maps, you could only send them via email as attachments. Weve now implemented the new(-ish) iOS share popover, enabling you to choose from a number of options to share your exported mind map. Open in any supporting app, upload to Dropbox or Google Drive, or print the map right from your device all at the tap of a button. 2. Boundary Support On the web version of MindMeister youve been able to adorn your mind maps with stylish topic boundaries for a while. Now weve brought support for displaying boundaries also to the iOS apps. All boundary types even custom styles created on the web version will display also on your mobile app, true to the original. Boundaries enable you to visually attract viewer attention to specific sections of a mind map. 3. UI Refresh Last but not least, weve given the user interface of the iPhone and iPad app a refresh. In line with current design thinking weve trimmed some of the fat, given the dialogs and popovers a more consistent look and refreshed some colors and icons. Hope you like it! Mind Map on Your iPhone and iPad! Download MindMeister its free! Download MindMeister

America s Us From Evil The Slavery Question Essay

Ford, Lacy K. Deliver Us from Evil: The Slavery Question in the Old South. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2009. Thesis: Ford argues that her efforts to answer the slavery question of the Old South demonstrate the how and why behind the thoughts and actions of white men in the Old South and the self-images they fought to preserve in the American Civil War (536). Themes: One of the main themes of the text was white security. Part of the fear of having freed blacks in the areas where slavery was practiced, was the fear that freed blacks would inspire black slaves to revolt. There was also a fear that slaves with too much freedom or that were literate were also prone to inspire others to revolt and cause physical harm to the white man, or even worse, the white woman. Much of this fear was unfounded because many revolts resulted in no loss of white life, with the exception of the Nat Turner insurrection, which only served to deepen the fear for white security and cause restrictions to be tightened not only on slaves, but freed blacks as well. Another theme of the text was Christianity and slavery. Christianity presented a contradiction to the existence of slavery, bringing about the question: how can one be a good Christian AND be slaveholder? While Christianity does not directly inspire paternalism- the paternalistic aspect that is brought abou t between the slaveholder and the slave, helped to justify (at least in the mind of slaveholders) the fact that one was aShow MoreRelatedThe Civil War1161 Words   |  5 Pageswas the United States of America. Federalists thought that the federal government needed to maintain their power in order to confirm the survival of the union. Also, they alleged to believe that each state should have the right to regulate the laws within its own borders and should not be forced to follow the instructions of the federal government unless absolutely necessary. The five causes that I will talk about is the election of President Abraham Lincoln, taxation, slavery, the Missouri CompromiseRead MoreAssessment Questions On The Virginia Convention Essay1104 Words   |  5 PagesBrianna Tredway Ms. Laura Brown AP Language 11a 26 September 2016 Assessment Questions 1. According to Patrick Henry, what is the basic question being debated at the Virginia Convention? According to Patrick Henry the basic question being debated is a question of freedom or slavery. Throughout the speech Mr. Henry discusses the immensity of the situation. 2. What reasons does Henry offer to suggest that the British were not worthy of trust at that time? One of Mr. Patrick’s main reasons is thatRead MoreFrederick Douglass : A Prominent African American Social Reformer1127 Words   |  5 PagesFrederick Douglass was a prominent African American social reformer in the 1800’s. Frederick Douglass’s work includes 1,000 of speeches and autobiographies throughout his quest for reform. Douglass escaped slavery at the young age of 20 years old. He went on to spread his voice on social justice through a long profound, powerful, and influential career. Frederick Douglass’s famous Fourth of July speech has caused much criticism over the years. Douglass believed that on a day when white AmericansRead MoreFreedom Vs. Free From Oppression1094 Words   |  5 PagesWhile learning world history, there is a point when one encounters the question of freedom. What is freedom? Different meanings are attached to freedom, especially when one questions what exactly they are free from. Free from slavery? Free from dept? Free from oppression? There are so many different types of freedom, that it s hard to just give out a sentence and claim that s freedom . However when looking at America a clear vision of freedom appears and it does so mostly because of its historyRead MoreThe Abolition Movement Of The American Revolution1575 Words   |  7 Pagesindignation towards slavery and racial discrimination. Abolitionists believed that slavery was immoral and illegal and supported these ideas with the two most important laws at that time, the Bible and the Constitution. Although the ideals between abolitionists were similar, their means of bringing slavery to an end were completely different. The late 1830’s brought the distinction of tactics between radical and conservative abolitionists. Conservatives strove for a gradual abolition of slavery while radicalsRead MoreThe War Of The American Civil War1618 Words   |  7 PagesAmerican Civil War was fought from 1861 to 1865 to determine the independence for the Confederacy or the survival of the Union. By the time Abraham Lincoln was elected president in 1861, in the mist of 34 states, the constant disagreement caused seven Southern slave states to their independence from the United States and formed the Confederate States of America. The Confederacy, generally known as the South, grew to include eleven states. The states that remained devoted to the US were known as the UnionRead MoreSlavery : A Stand On Slavery1605 Words   |  7 PagesPamela Roseman U S History 2111 November 11, 2015 Take a Stand on Slavery – Abolitionists The movement to eliminate slavery in the United States during the antebellum years was difficult and did not go unchallenged as there were many people who were pro-slavery while others were anti-slavery. Before the Civil War there was debate over the issue of slavery. Slaves were considered property, and were property because they were black. Many people in the South were strong advocates of slavery, while peopleRead MoreThe Narrative Of The Life Of Olandah Equiano1716 Words   |  7 PagesInteresting Narrative of the Life of Olandah Equiano provides a view of Africa and the rest of the world from the perspective of either an African taken into slavery early in his life or a slave of African descent born in the British colonies. Olandah Equiano’s narrative reveals more about the African Diaspora than it does African history itself, particularly with his birthplace called into question. If he was born in Africa as he claims, Equiano’s narrative provides a primary sou rce for the historyRead MoreThe Rhetoric of Henry Highland Garnet in His ‚Äà ºAddress to the Slaves of the United States‚Äà ¹1042 Words   |  5 Pagesrhetorical strategies to the abolition and Civil Rights Movements during the nineteenth century. His spiritual and loyal appeals complimented rigorous and sometimes conflicting principles as seen in his â€Å"An Address to the Slaves of the United States of America.† The captivating rhetoric of Garnet and his ability to form new alternatives and redefine elements of contention signifies the rhetoric of strife, promoting African American loyalty and emphasizing the courage of African American males. GarnetRead MoreEssay on Fredrick Douglas730 Words   |  3 PagesImagine a society of people that live like this! How would human character be affected by this power? How would religion be influenced by this institution? How would family life be affected by these activities? I will attempt to answer the se three questions in the following essay. Fredrick Douglas was born in Maryland, he does not know the date of his birth, as did most slaves. He never really had a chance to know his mother, only having seen her four or five times. Fredrick taught himself how to

The Differences Between Honesty And Integrity - 823 Words

Someone who has integrity always does what they feel is right. Stephen L. Carter, a law American professor and writer, writes about the differences between honesty and integrity. He illustrates the definition of integrity and define it as discerning what is right and wrong by being able to act on what a person have discerned, even at a personal cost. In other words, integrity is not just making sure that your actions match your beliefs; it is making sure that your beliefs are right. This definition of integrity can apply to the case of Edward Snowden, a former security agency subcontractor that leaked top secret information about NSA surveillance activities. Currently, Snowden is hidden in an asylum in Russia, where he is seeking to avoid U.S. prosecution under the Espionage Act for leaking NSA documents. Having two sides of the story, John Cassidy and Zachary Keck, two writes for the New York Times Newspaper have different perspectives of Snowden Integrity. One believes that â€Å" Snowden is a hero† and the other says that â€Å"Snowden is a traitor†. But according to Carter’s definition of integrity, he is most likely to connect with John Cassidy as he name Snowden as a â€Å"hero† because Snowden shows the real meaning of what democracy and freedom is ,by putting his life at risk to defend U.S constitution rights, and to show that the U.S government has broken the law. Snowden positioned himself at risk for sharing secret information of the NSA, but as a result, he was able toShow MoreRelatedEssay The Insufficiency of Honesty621 Words   |  3 PagesStephen L. Carter links integrity and honesty. There are three constraints discussed in this essay. First, integrity does require a degree of moral reflectiveness. Second, Integrity may cause conflict that is must be resolved. It does not necessarily produce or protect interpersonal harmony. Third, a person who has integrity can be trusted. It does not avoid the restructuring of social structures and associations, because it leaves the matter to exercise of interpersonal authority. He states thatRead MoreStephen Carter The Inssufficiency Of Honesty Summary1052 Words   |  5 PagesIntegrity and honesty are often thought to coincide: many people believe that is true. Author Stephen L. Carter wrote â€Å"The Insufficiency of Honesty†, which was published in the Atlantic Monthly in 1996. He argues that a person can have honesty without ever reflecting back on whether or not what they believe is necessarily true, which is not exactly integrity. Carter builds his credibility in his writing by stating that he was giving a university commencement address, citing statistics and using prominentRead MorePlagiarism And The Plagiarism Of The Student s Right And Their Integrity979 Words   |  4 Pagesright and their integrity. While both Centennial College and Fanshawe College have similarities in their plagiarism policies which are subject to student’s score, the main difference between the two is that Centennial College has a more specific procedure which helps student understand the consequences of academic offense. Overall, Fanshawe College has an ambiguous policy regarding plagiarism. According to the college’s policy, they state that the purpose of policy is to protect integrity and their rightsRead MoreEssay on Integrity1425 Words   |  6 Pagesintegrity Danielle Shingleton Exemplification essay 10/3/10 Integrity We are presented with choices every day. Many are easy to make and cause very little stress, but some choices can be extremely difficult and have significant consequences. The difference between making the right choice or the wrong one is often determined be a persons character, which is based upon the qualities of integrity, responsibility, and honesty. Gaining an understanding of these three character traits and how to buildRead MoreLeadership Competencies And Leadership Skills1477 Words   |  6 Pagesskills include taking thoughtful decisions, allocation of resources, and the ability to delegate, inspire and communicate effectively. Other leadership traits include honesty, confidence, commitment and creativity. Leadership competencies can be used to effectively select, develop and promote leaders in an organization .The difference between Leadership Skill and leadership competency can explained as the required level of efficiency to perform a task assigned is known as skill wher eas the quality to accomplishRead MoreBusiness Ethics : Ethical And Ethical Issues1360 Words   |  6 Pagesand is relevant to the conduct of individuals and entire organizations.† The particulars and specifics of the codes and standards mentioned may vary from organization to organization. They can differ from one organization to another because of differences in the management structure, cultural opinions and backgrounds, operational management, organizational behavior, strategic orientations and chain of command and operational structures and levels. Business ethics can be both written and unwrittenRead MoreThe Top Ten Academic Professional Integrity Elements1443 Words   |  6 PagesTen Academic Professional Integrity Elements As a student at American InterContinental University we all have a certain code we must follow. Being a professional student, my duty is to abide by the rules of honesty set by the college to be professional at all I do. The code of honesty set by the college states, â€Å"that I pledge that all test taken and work submitted by me will be my original own ideas and of my own efforts.† (Student Handbook, 2011) Showing honesty in any professional environmentRead MoreBusiness Values And Ethics Differ With Every Company Essay953 Words   |  4 Pagesprinciples consists of six core values: Honesty, Integrity, Respect, Diversity, Safety, and Inclusion. Honesty: Kroger encourage honesty from everyone who is part of the company, whether they are employees, customers, or vendors or suppliers. Integrity: Kroger sticks to its values even in the most difficult and challenging situations. Respect: Kroger’s treats everyone with dignity and value the opinions of others. Diversity: Kroger admires and value differences in the backgrounds, cultures, and ethnicitiesRead MoreThe United States Economy Experienced A Recession Essay1747 Words   |  7 Pagesvalues sought for by employers are as follows: 1. Communication Skills Written communication involves expressing yourself clearly and effectively. The Recruitment and Employment Commission says that more than half of all resumes of job seekers between the age of 21 and 25 contain grammatical errors. With today’s job market, poor written communication can be damaging for the author and potentially cost the author a job. Communication is not limited to emails, letters or tweets as it also includesRead MoreGlobal Organization Code Of Ethics1154 Words   |  5 Pagesforth the values and expectations for all employees and shareholders within our company. Honesty, Integrity, Respect and Fair Business Practices This organization will engage in practices that encompass integrity, honesty, respect and fair practices. - Honesty: All employees are expected to be honest with fellow employees, stakeholders, investors, and vendors. - Integrity: All employees will exemplify integrity in all practices related to our business. - Respect: All employees will treat all other

Impact of Social Networking Websites on Business Free Essays

string(119) " popular online social networking website that composed of personal profiles aimed for mostly at a younger membership\." IMPACT OF SOCIAL NETWORKING WEBSITES ON BUSINESS | Asheri George MatembeleApril 16, 2013| Table of Contents Abstract2 Introduction3 Literature Review3 Comparison of Social Networking Websites5 Benefits of using social network websites for business6 How to Use Social Networking Websites for Business8 Problems Associated with Social Networking Websites10 Conclusion10 References11 Abstract A social networking website is a social structure build-up of individuals or organizations called â€Å"nodes†, which are connected by one or more specific types of mutuality, such as friendship, common interest, financial exchange, dislike relationships of beliefs, knowledge, prestige and information. This paper focuses on social networking websites and their impact on business. It aims to identify opportunities and ways to be effective as promoters of businesses to Internet users all over the world, 24 hours and 7 days, creating unlimited possibilities for advertising potential. We will write a custom essay sample on Impact of Social Networking Websites on Business or any similar topic only for you Order Now This paper reviews the best social networking websites currently used as well as examples of ways in which business can use these types of websites to expand their target markets. This article also gives insight about the threats and challenges associated with social networking websites, as well as things for businesses to watch out for if they determine to use these types of websites. Social networking websites will continue to shape the ways in which businesses collaborate and communicate, both inside and outside of enterprise. Introduction A social networking website consists of a social structure build-up of individuals or organizations called â€Å"nodes†, connected by one or more specific types of mutuality, such as friendship, common interest, financial exchange, dislike relationships of beliefs, knowledge, prestige and information (McLaughlin, 2012). This paper focuses on social networking websites and their impact on business. It aims to identify opportunities and ways to be effective as promoters of businesses to internet users. Social media are a platform for business visibility. Keywords create a marketing buzz. The most relevant social networking websites currently used are reviewed first and ways in which businesses can use these types of websites to expand their target markets considered next. Some of the threats and challenges associated with social networking websites as well as red flags for businesses to watch out are then discussed. Literature Review – What is Social Networking Website? A social networking website is an online service or website filled with millions of individuals who are seeking to meet other people, to gather and share first-hand information and their experiences about golfing, gardening, cooking, developing friendships or professional alliances, seeking employment, marketing such as advertising, get customer’s feedbacks and even groups sharing information. It is an online service, website or platform that focuses on building and reflecting of social networks or social relations among people, who, for example, share interests and/or activities. Social Network Services are also increasingly attracting the attention of academic and industry researchers intrigued by their affordances and reach. – Facebook Facebook was founded by Mark Zuckerberg, while he was a student at Harvard in 2004 and originally called thefacebook and that domain was registered by someone else back in 1997. The general concept was to digitize the legendary freshman-year â€Å"Facebook,† and allow students not only to gawk at one another’s photos but also to flirt, network, interact. Eventually, the web site moved beyond college to everyone and nearly 1 billion people have a Facebook profile. Facebook users can create a profile page that shows their friends and networks information about them-selves. The choice to include a profile in a network means that everyone within that network can view the profile. The profile typically includes Friends, Friends from other Networks, Information, Status, Notes, Groups, Likes, Photos, Videos and The Wall which is the major feature of Facebook. – Google+ Google+ is basically Google’s latest attempt at creating a social network. Unlike with Facebook where uploading a post will show up on user’s profile for all of user’s friends to see, Google+ lets users do things a little differently. Circles, Sparks, Hangouts, Instant Upload and Huddle are major features of Google+. The concept of Circles is user can have a family Circle, a BFF Circle, a co-workers Circle, and even an â€Å"Epic bros† Circle. Sparks is a feature that lets users select certain areas, interests or hobbies that user particularly like. Google+ Hangouts are quick video â€Å"conferences† that enabling broadcasters to go live with friends and fans, for around the world to see. Instant upload which lets users take a photo and instantly upload it to a private album in the cloud server. Huddle is one of the best features of Google+ is Huddle, which lets users coordinate with friends and family in real-time. * Twitter? Twitter was started out as a micro-blogging website has quickly grown into a social messaging platform and one of the top social networks in the world that allows users answer the question, â€Å"What are users doing? by sending short text messages 140 characters in length, called â€Å"tweets†, to their friends, or â€Å"followers†. Twitter is phenomenon that transcends social networking to provide an outlet for news, trends, buzz, and chat among many other uses. Twitter is a combination of various forms of communication such as email, instant messenger, VOIP like as Skype, Blogs and distribute content rapidly on the web through RSS feeds. – LinkedIn LinkedIn is a social networking website designed specifically for the business community with over 120 million members which were officially launched in May 2003. A LinkedIn member’s profile page, which emphasizes their working experiences and education background, has professional network news feeds and a limited number of customizable modules. Network members are also known as â€Å"connections† and unlike other social networking websites such as Facebook or Twitter. LinkedIn needs connections to have a pre-existing relationship. The members of can seek for jobs, join groups, research companies, and network with members of their network. Companies can post information about the company and career opportunities listings on company pages. Companies can also establish the connection with LinkedIn members for recruiting purposes. – MySpace MySpace is a popular online social networking website that composed of personal profiles aimed for mostly at a younger membership. You read "Impact of Social Networking Websites on Business" in category "Papers" It is extremely popular with teenagers and young adults. It allows users to post images of their self, blog about their ideas and concerns, and post comments on other users’ profiles. MySpace included features such as chat rooms, forums, classified ads, newsgroups and a venue for sharing videos or music like as other online social networking websites. A MySpace profile can be a very important connection to fans of celebrities because MySpace was originally founded as a venue for aspiring musicians and bands to share music and concert dates. The variety of details included in the profile is submitted voluntarily by users. MySpace is easy to use for anyone to submit profile information, even if they have lack of online experience. Comparison of Social Networking Websites There are several different social networking websites and hard to decide which are best for the business. Following figures and tables will give insight to choose suitable one for business somehow. Figure 1: Number of registered users on Major Social Networking Websites According â€Å"Figure: 1†, vast amount of users are registered in Facebook. Google+ and Twitter has only 25% of number of Facebook’s registered users. Businesses can be reached many targeted users on the Facebook easily more than other social networking websites. Figure 2: Percentage of Gender distribution by major social networking websites Benefits of using social network websites for business Businesses are getting insight about the benefits of using social networking websites to retain and attract customers. They began to see that their competitors are taking many advantages because of using social networking efforts, they quickly followed suit. Nowadays most of the businesses can be found on asocial networking websites. They are communicating with their customers and clients via social networking websites. They are updating their information or statuses and occasionally acting like they are a part of community. For some people, interacting with businesses on social networking websites gives them an opportunity to experience first-hand how that company deals with the public. Most people are becoming accustomed to receiving customer support via a social network. Social networking websites can break the barriers of customer contact significantly so that businesses are using social networks to help their marketing campaigns. For businesses that are willing to shoulder the load, this new medium represents an opportunity in order to keep in touch with customers and update them constantly about companies’ information. This represents are an unprecedented opportunity for businesses which are willing to add values and engaging with customers. The benefits of social networking for business cannot be underestimated as it becomes a crucial component to business. The benefits of using social networking for business are as follows: – Online Presence and Branding Business can create their profile in social networking sites and allows people to see their brand or products and get awareness from user that their business exists. They can post valuable content to those web sites to attract the users. – Customer Service and Engagement Social networking provides a channel for business to interact with their customers and enables customers to provide feedback on the marketing message quickly. It provides as a useful tool to have a direct conversation with their customer base and see patterns of customer’s feedback. It also gives company a platform to be creative in using different social media tools to engage their customers and gain their loyalty to the business. – Lower Cost/Free Advertising Businesses can advertise their products and services for free or at lower costs when they make full use of social networking sites. Social networking sites can be used as a media which help companies find new customers and break the barriers of customer contact. – Find Business Partners or Employees At social networking sites, businesses can find out new business partners, employees, other brands and even their competitor. Businesses can send out messages to notify people they are hiring or accepting applications and they can use these social networking sites to seek out employees. How to Use Social Networking Websites for Business Businesses can establish and maintain business relationships with colleagues and their customers on social networking websites. Some firms are taking it further still and using social networking sites to actively promote themselves and their businesses. Businesses have a number of ways to develop unique advertising methods on each social networking websites and those websites offer several avenues such as the banner ad advertising, creating a profile and page or creating events and groups. * Banner Ad Advertising? Banner Ad advertising is a most popular and majority of advertising method on the Internet. Most of social networking websites have that kind of advertising method and running on every web page which a user must access to view messages, comments, and others’ profiles. Often these ads are animated or still images, making them users to see and click on them. eMarketer reported that the global revenue of banner ad advertising from social networks is expected to reach $10 billion by 2013. Figure 3: Social Networking Websites’ Ad Revenues Internationally Figure 4: Percentage Change of Social Networking Websites’ Ad Revenues Internationally – Creating a Profile and Page Many companies have profiles on social networking websites and the information on a profile reflect on those businesses. Therefore they post or upload about their services or products so that users may view them and engaging for clients. This would be a way to keep in touch with their customers for businesses. At the companies’ profile, the user could post concerns, comments, and ideas while viewing blogs on product updates. Companies can review the likes, interests and expressed needs of their customer base from profiles. They can also use this information to determine how customers’ profile characteristics fit into their marketing targets. Creating groups and Events Another way to use social networking websites is the creation of groups or events according company’s product or service. Moreover, the business can create a group of people who like or interest the product and open discussion forums so that users can share about their experience with the products. Most of the social networking websites are allowed users to create events and those events could be sponsored by the comp any. The social networking website’s users are partically doing the advertising for the company. Problems Associated with Social Networking Websites Most of the businesses concern about privacy and security issues in social networking websites. This is the majority problem since the purpose of social networking websites is for public for personal reasons, a person’s whose privacy is compromised suffers much distress. Increasing of hacking the account is also another problem suffered by social networking websites. Even though it is a problem, can be protected by user reducing the amount of their personal information they post on the internet. Some of social networking websites services do not agree security is not a major problem. Although many social networking websites have enhanced their security and privacy system, much remains out in the open for regular predators to harm and affect the lives of others. The purpose of visiting social networking websites for most of the people is for their personal reasons or for leisure. So that businesses should realize how to be contributing about their information among users with lack of risk and beware of the personal space of the users. Conclusion Social networking websites are becoming popular among current generation. Even there are many opportunities as well as challenges of social networking websites for business. Most important step for any business is to create a policy of using social networking websites. Businesses are struggling with rapidly developing of technology. Technology is constantly changing the way of doing business at internet and businesses should be aware of these changes. It is in the best interests of a company to know what social networking websites are suitable to its References Daniel Nations, The Top Social Networking Sites, AUG 12, 2012, from http://webtrends. about. om/od/socialnetworking/a/ social_network. htm Darren McLaughlin, Benefits Of Social Networking Websites For Business, AUG 20, 2012, from http://mosthostserver. com/? p=5118 Google+: A Basic Cheatsheet for Marketers, AUG 19, 2012, from http://www. sociableblog. com/2011/10/04/googlepl us-cheatsheet-for-marketers/ Jennifer Bergen, Google+: What is it, and how do I get it? , AUG 15, 2012, from http://www. geek. com/articles/mobile/google-what- is-it-and-how-do-i-get-it-20110628/ Part of the Internet acronyms and lingo glossary, LinkedIn, AUG 15, 2012, from http://whatis. techtarget. om/definition/LinkedIn Part of the Internet applications glossary, MySpace, AUG 17, 2012, from http://whatis. techtarget. com/definition/MySpace Using social networking sites for business marketing: Advantages and disadvantages, AUG 25, 2012, from http://brooger. com/using-social- networking-sites-for-business-marketing- advantages-and-disadvantages/ What is Facebook? , AUG 12, 2012, from http://www. wisegeek. com/what-is-facebook. htm What Is Social Networking? , AUG 12, 2012, from http://www. brickmarketing. com/what-is-social- networking. htm What is Twitter? , AUG 15, 2012, from http://mashable. com/what-is-twitter/ How to cite Impact of Social Networking Websites on Business, Papers

What is zen Essay Example For Students

What is zen Essay Zen is simply a way for us to awaken from our slumber. It is just a way for us to focus on our present experience, living in the moment. It is simply paying attention to our actual experiences as they are: a breeze brushing through your hair, pristine water wetting your lips, a stomach ache, the laughter of children playing—seeing what you see, feeling what you feel. It is being aware of all the colors, forms, sights, sounds, touch, taste, and smell of your surroundings. Zen is entering into things as they are, beyond concept and cosmology, beyond separation and duality, beyond personality, and into the intimacy and richness of this whole moment. † Zen is the day to day and moment to moment method of focusing on the moment. It has spanned two thousand, six hundred years from India to China to Japan to right here. Zen is a philosophy designed to accomplish the Buddhist goal of seeing the world just as it is, that is, without the mind being cluttered by thoughts and feelings. We will write a custom essay on What is zen specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now This attitude is called â€Å"no-mind†, a state of consciousness where thoughts come and go without leaving any trace. Unlike other forms of Buddhism, Zen holds that such freedom of mind cannot be attained by gradual practice but must come through direct and immediate insight. Zen students prepare themselves to be receptive to such answers by sitting in meditation (Japanese za-zen) while they simply observe, without thought, whatever may be happening. The Zen belief is that nature cannot be grasped by any system of fixed definitions or classifications. Reality is the world as it is, apart from any thoughts an individual has about it. One of the original teachers of Zen, Shakyamuni Buddha said to his students one day in a talk that has been recorded as the Satipatthana sutta, the Discourse on Mindfulness, that, â€Å"There is but one way to liberation and that is mindfulness. Mindfulness is paying attention with the entire body and mind to the present experience. It is going past hesitation and reference points, past confusion and fabrication and into our actual lives. Liberation means freedom from the need to hide from our world and ourselves; it means finding out who and what this really is, what this world really is. † â€Å"Buddhadharma, the Teaching of Awakening, is the practice of sitting, walking, breathing, working and speaking with mindfulness and insight. As such Buddhadharma is not a religion, a dogma, a skill, a science, an art, or a philosophy. It is the presentation of our own natures. Zen is just this. † True Zen consists of sitting quietly in the correct posture. It is not a special state, it is the normal state: silent, peaceful, without agitation. Zen means to put the mind at rest and to concentrate the mind and body. There is no purpose, no seeking to gain something, no special effort or imagination. It is not knowledge to be grasped by the brain. It is solely a practice that is the true gate to happiness, peace and freedom. History Historically, it could be said that Zen originated from the teachings of Siddhartha Gautama. Around 500 BC he was born a Sakyan prince. At the age of twenty-nine, deeply troubled by the suffering he saw around him, he renounced his privileged life, his wife and child, and went out among the shamans to seek enlightenment. After six years of struggle, he finally understood the meaning of enlightenment under the legendary Bo tree. After this he was recognized as a Buddha (meaning â€Å"The Awakened One†). He taught for about forty years and then died in Oudh, India. Zen, itself, originated from a blend between the Mahayana form of Buddhism originating in India and the Chinese philosophy of Taoism. Zen is the Japanese (Chan, which is often used interchangeably with Zen is the Chinese way of pronouncing dhayna) way of pronouncing the Sanskrit term dhyana, which can be roughly defined as meditation. Dhyana denotes specifically the state of consciousness of a Buddha, one whose mind is free from the assumption that the distinct individuality of oneself and other things is real. † The school of Zen Buddhism begins with a Buddhist monk named Bodhidharma, an Indian Buddhist monk who arrived in China in 520. Bodhidharma began the Lanka School which later became known as Ch’an (Zen). The doctrine of the Lanka School mainly concerned itself with the study of the mind. The members of the Lanka School were noted for the ascetic life, living faraway from communities. Not until the ninth century, did the name Ch’an (Zen) become adopted. Early Zen became associated with enlightenment rather than physical seated meditation. Around 1200 AD, Ch’an spread from China to Japan where it became to be known as Zen. There are two main sects of Zen. They are Rinzai Zen and Soto Zen. The Soto sect seems to put more emphasis on the discipline of zazen, while the Rinzai sect puts more emphasis on koans (meditation problems). However, Zazen and koans are both integral parts of both sects. Japanese who had studied in China brought the two main sects of Zen to Japan. The Buddhist monk Eisai introduced Rinzai Zen in 1191, and the Buddhist monk Dogen introduced Soto Zen in 1227. Both sects continue to flourish in Japan. Meditation Meditation is an integral part of Zen and almost all other eastern philosophies. Meditation was first introduced by the Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, a religion dating back 2,500 years. The purpose of meditation is to attain wisdom and achieve enlightenment, which is the ultimate goal of Zen. Meditation is a method for coordinating all body functions, helping individual parts achieve their highest peak performance. It is an effective means for uncovering supreme wisdom and physical capabilities that are hidden within the mind. Meditation can improve physical and mental health. It is a free medicine and does not require any prescription drugs. Meditation can transform the weak into the strong, the dull mind into the alert and aware mind, and an ordinary person into a dignified human being. It is an art that is available to all, regardless of age, sex, intelligence, education and religion. † The physical benefits of meditation are that it can cure and prevent many kinds of physical diseases and injuries. The psychological benefits of meditation are a peaceful mind and purified emotions. â€Å"Meditation increases patience, strengthens the willpower, sharpens the senses, calms the mind, stabilizes emotions, and increases energy, joy, and a love for life †. Meditation cannot make a person eternally young, but can increase the quality and longevity of life. In daily life, people pay little attention to their own bodies and minds. These people’s levels of energy are far lower than they could be and often experience negative emotions such as hatred, despair or anger. .u3600eaf30c80b8d26c1538899ddb7b90 , .u3600eaf30c80b8d26c1538899ddb7b90 .postImageUrl , .u3600eaf30c80b8d26c1538899ddb7b90 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u3600eaf30c80b8d26c1538899ddb7b90 , .u3600eaf30c80b8d26c1538899ddb7b90:hover , .u3600eaf30c80b8d26c1538899ddb7b90:visited , .u3600eaf30c80b8d26c1538899ddb7b90:active { border:0!important; } .u3600eaf30c80b8d26c1538899ddb7b90 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u3600eaf30c80b8d26c1538899ddb7b90 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u3600eaf30c80b8d26c1538899ddb7b90:active , .u3600eaf30c80b8d26c1538899ddb7b90:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u3600eaf30c80b8d26c1538899ddb7b90 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u3600eaf30c80b8d26c1538899ddb7b90 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u3600eaf30c80b8d26c1538899ddb7b90 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u3600eaf30c80b8d26c1538899ddb7b90 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u3600eaf30c80b8d26c1538899ddb7b90:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u3600eaf30c80b8d26c1538899ddb7b90 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u3600eaf30c80b8d26c1538899ddb7b90 .u3600eaf30c80b8d26c1538899ddb7b90-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u3600eaf30c80b8d26c1538899ddb7b90:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Child Obeasity EssayThe practice of Zazen is the Secret of Zen Central and indispensable to Zen is daily Zazen practice. Zazen melts away the distances created by the mind that separate man from himself. In Zazen, there is no reality outside what exists here and now. While sorrow and joy, anxiety and imperturbability cannot be avoided, by not clinging to them we find ourselves free of them. With Zazen, come composure and tranquility of mind, but these are byproducts of Zazen rather than its goals. Zazen is a Japanese term that means meditation. It consists of two characters: za, â€Å"to sit (cross-legged),† and zen, from the Sanskrit dhyana, meaning concentration, dynamic stillness, and contemplation. The means toward the realization of one’s original nature as well as the realization itself, Zazen is both something one does—sitting cross-legged, with proper posture and correct breathing—and something one essentially is. To emphasize one aspect at the expense of the other is to misunderstand this subtle and profound practice. Zazen is a daily practice meant to expand consciousness and developing intuition. Master Dogen (who is often given credit for beginning Soto Zen) wrote in the Fukanzazengi, Zazen means â€Å"to touch the cosmos through one single body, our body. 6† Master Dogen also wrote: â€Å"The zazen I speak of is not learning how to meditate. It is nothing other than the way to peace and happiness, the practice-realization of perfect awakening. Once you have seized its heart, you are like a dragon when he enters the water, like a tiger when he enters the mountain. † â€Å"While practicing Zazen, you should concentrate on the posture, the breathing and the attitude of mind. Zazen is practiced while seated on the zafu (traditional, round, kapok-stuffed cushion. The legs are crossed in a lotus or half-lotus position, or behind you in seiza (kneeling posture). The knees must press the floor, forming a stable, three-point posture with the buttocks on the zafu. The pelvis is tilted forward so the abdomen falls down naturally. There should be no obstruction or constriction of the abdomen, such as a belt or tight trousers. The spinal column is arched in the lower lumbar region, and the head presses the sky, stretching out the backbone. The upper breastbone is raised, naturally throwing back the shoulders and neck. The face is perpendicular to the floor, and the nape of the neck stretched up. The nose is on the same plane as the navel. The ears are on the same plane as the shoulders. The shoulders and abdomen are relaxed. The mouth is closed—the breathing is through the nose—but the jaw is relaxed. The tip of the tongue rests on the palette, just at the top of the upper front teeth. The eyes are open, looking down at a forty-five degree angle. The gaze is steady, at rest, but not focused on anything. The lower forearm rest on the upper thighs against the lower abdomen, the palms of the hands face up. The fingers of the left hand rest on the fingers of the right hand. The tips of the thumbs touch over the middle of the hands. Once you are in this stable, vertical position, inhale and exhale slowly deeply. Your posture is now vertical and balanced. Remain in this posture during zazen without moving. At the end of zazen, signaled by one strike of the bell, raise the hands and place the closed fists, thumbs inside, on the lower thighs. Stretch your torso and head down over the right thigh, then straighten up, and bend over the left thigh a bit then straighten up. Repeat this two or three times, each time bending over a bit more, until your head touches your knees. Get up carefully. † The Breathing In Zen, breathing plays a primary role. The point of the breathing is above all to establish a slow, strong and natural rhythm. One should concentrate primarily on the exhalation, which should be calm, long and deep. The inhalation should be natural, automatic, and spontaneous. The concentration on the exhalation creates great energy in the lower abdominal region. â€Å"The body’s energy center is not in the head or upper body but in the major nerve groups located from the solar plexus to the lower abdomen †. All martial arts are traditionally based on this breathing. Strong action of the body-mind takes place during the exhalation. During inhalation, a person is weakest and most vulnerable. Air contains the energy of the universal life force and is received by our lungs and each cell in our body. It is very important to develop our breathing. Usually we breathe about fifteen times a minute using only a small part of the lung’s capacity. Deep, complete â€Å"Zen breathing is not just localized at the level of the thoracic cage or the diaphragm, but affects the lower abdominal organs, exerting a strong massage on the internal organs and stimulating the circulation of blood and other fluids in the body †. By the regular practice of zazen this breathing, little by little, becomes habitual in our daily life and even during sleep. â€Å"The more you are receptive to the universal life force through Zen breathing in zazen, the more your energy increases †. Attitude of Mind The correct attitude of mind comes naturally from a deep concentration during zazen on the posture and the breathing. During zazen â€Å"the conscious flow of thought from the cerebral cortex is greatly diminished and the thinking brain becomes calm and cool. Blood flows toward the deeper layers of the brain, the thalamus and the hypo-thalamus, and this body-brain becomes more active and developed. The nervous system becomes relaxed while our deeper brain becomes more active †. Receptive and attentive in every cell of the body, you learn to think with the body, unconsciously. During zazen, thoughts, conscious and unconscious, naturally and continuously rise to the surface of one’s mind. One should not try to stop these thoughts from arising. But at the same time, one should not get involved with the thoughts or let them take him away from concentrating on his posture and breathing. One should just let the thoughts pass, neither opposing them nor attaching to them. When the mind empties and is calm, one should be peaceful, with â€Å"nothing obstructing the deep intuitive and unlimited life force that springs up from the depths of our being †. Practicing zazen is the essence of Zen. .u1de74561a156f25f6c4e0488eecdbb5c , .u1de74561a156f25f6c4e0488eecdbb5c .postImageUrl , .u1de74561a156f25f6c4e0488eecdbb5c .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u1de74561a156f25f6c4e0488eecdbb5c , .u1de74561a156f25f6c4e0488eecdbb5c:hover , .u1de74561a156f25f6c4e0488eecdbb5c:visited , .u1de74561a156f25f6c4e0488eecdbb5c:active { border:0!important; } .u1de74561a156f25f6c4e0488eecdbb5c .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u1de74561a156f25f6c4e0488eecdbb5c { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u1de74561a156f25f6c4e0488eecdbb5c:active , .u1de74561a156f25f6c4e0488eecdbb5c:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u1de74561a156f25f6c4e0488eecdbb5c .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u1de74561a156f25f6c4e0488eecdbb5c .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u1de74561a156f25f6c4e0488eecdbb5c .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u1de74561a156f25f6c4e0488eecdbb5c .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u1de74561a156f25f6c4e0488eecdbb5c:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u1de74561a156f25f6c4e0488eecdbb5c .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u1de74561a156f25f6c4e0488eecdbb5c .u1de74561a156f25f6c4e0488eecdbb5c-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u1de74561a156f25f6c4e0488eecdbb5c:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Artwork - Year of the Goat EssayZen students develop wisdom if they are vigilant in their zazen practice, in their effort to know themselves, to go beyond themselves, to give of themselves without expecting any personal gain. During the course of a day, one’s mind is rambling thinking about family, friends, pressures, responsibilities, etc. During zazen, one concentrates only on posture and breathing, and can delve into his consciousness. Koans A Koan is a riddle with no solution. â€Å"Koans are intended to break through the limitations of ego and intellect and lead to an intuitive flash of enlightenment. They were developed primarily by the Rinzai branch of Zen for use in training Zen students. More than 1700 koans are in use today. My personal experience with Zen and Zazen I have always been fascinated with Zen. My fascination began when I was about seven and saw a television program about Zen monks. These monks were able to do things that I would describe as being supernatural. Many of them were about sixty years old yet could break several bricks with their head and several slabs of ice with their elbow. They were also extremely flexible and could perform full splits. I remember watching this program filled with envy and desire to also perform these tasks. I began reading about Zen but I found it boring and tedious (I was around seven. ). I was, however, still fascinated with Zen and planned on studying it in the future when I was older and could appreciate it (I was a pretty smart seven year old). During my sophomore year of high school, I was watching David Letterman one night when monks once again performed. I believe, but am not certain, that they were Shao Lin Buddhist monks. They also achieved ‘supernatural’ feats in being able to break slabs of iron and wood. They also looked to be in their sixties and I was reminded of the program I watched when I was seven. My original fascination with Zen returned. I was now fourteen or fifteen and once again decided to study Zen. I took out some books from the library and studied them but once again I couldn’t get into it. I remember practicing zazen or rather trying to practice zazen. I was very restless and had trouble concentrating on posture and breathing. My mind kept wandering to history tests and English essays and, needless to say, I did not expand my consciousness. I also spent some time thinking about koans (Zen riddles such as â€Å"What is the sound of one hand clapping? † or â€Å"If a tree falls in the forest and there is no one there to hear it, does it make a sound? †). These koans also did not expand my consciousness and my mind once again wandered to history tests and English essays. I was very frustrated about my inability to be one with Zen. I spent some time thinking about this and I realized what my problem was. My fascination with Zen stemmed from breaking bricks and ice which is obviously not an integral part of Zen. I was into Zen for all the wrong reasons. I was still fascinated by Zen but I decided to stop reading about it. I decided that if I ever seriously wanted to practice Zen (as opposed to just wanting to break bricks) I could study it again. If a desire to practice Zen never arises, that is all right too. The next time I studied Zen was in the beginning of this term when I started taking metaphysics. All the meditations we did in class got me thinking about reading about Zen again. I though this time I had reached the maturity needed and would appreciate it much more. I practiced Zazen again and this time I lost myself for several moments while concentrating solely on the posture and breathing. Zazen lasted for several minutes but afterward I did not feel any more wiser or enlightened and got back to thinking about history tests and English essays. I realized that I still could not fully appreciate Zen and my mind was still cluttered by thoughts and concerns. I figure that I am too young to fully appreciate Zen and Zazen. At seventeen, there are too many hormones and/or concerns to be able to focus on posture and breathing for an extended period of time. Though I was not as successful at practicing Zen as I would have liked to be, Zen still has made an impact on my life. I focus on the moment much easier now and am usually fully aware of my surroundings. I also don’t allow things to bother me as much as they once did. Now when a negative thought enters my consciousness, I ask myself why that thought exists in my system, and then detach myself from the thought until it leaves on its own. If the negative thought is powerful and does not exit my consciousness, I consciously focus on my breathing until that thought is no longer part of my consciousness. Before my experiences with Zen, I was often very irritable and felt a lot of pressure and stress from my surroundings. I now am able to relax and focus on my present activities much more readily and enjoy my days much more. I still have a complete inability to practice Zazen or meditation (including the ones we do in class). I just have too much energy in my system to do physically nothing for an extended period of time. I have spent some time wondering why I can’t fully enjoy meditation and haven’t really come up with an answer for it yet. Until one can focus properly for meditation and zazen, it can be argued that they have not fully been connected to Zen, or any other Eastern philosophy for that matter. I have read and been told on several occasions, that enlightenment and wisdom usually arrive during meditation. This makes me realize that I am missing something due to my inability to meditate. This is unfortunate but I am not discouraged. I will be able to meditate when I will be able to meditate and if I will never be able to meditate, well, then that’s alright too†¦Just as long as I can break bricks over my head. Connection between Zen and Metaphysics The connection between Zen and Metaphysics is that both have the same goals. They are concerned with studying the underlying nature of things. Both, Zen and metaphysics focus on self-discipline, meditation, and attainment of enlightenment through direct intuitive insight. Both Zen and Metaphysics recognize the importance of reality and both see reality as being the world as it is, unaffected by thought. They are most similar in their goal to expand the consciousness of the mind through meditation. Meditation is an integral part to the study of both Zen and Metaphysics and is used by both to attain wisdom and enlightenment.