Studies of Religion Buddhism free essay sample

The impact of Buddhist ethical teachings has been extremely effective throughout the world of adherents. Buddhism exists as living religious tradition and continues to thrive throughout the world, except paradoxically in India, the land of its beginnings (Living a Religion Third Edition). This can be attributed to Buddhist ethical teachings easily adapting itself to cultural and social conditions around the world. However, flaws exist within society which tampers on attaining Nirvana. Through interpreting Buddhism’s Five Precepts, Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, we can further explore the impact of Buddhist teachings on its adherents and understand Sutta Nipata 705 quote Comparing oneself to others in such terms as â€Å"Just as I am so are they, just as they are so am I,† he should neither kill nor cause others to kill. Sutta Nipata 705 Sutta Nipata 705 quote refers to the equality of all people as it states â€Å"Just as I am so are they, just as they are so am I,† This equality therefore assess the harming of other people and self-harming as it states â€Å"he should neither kill†. We will write a custom essay sample on Studies of Religion Buddhism or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Buddhists must treat other people the same as how they would treat themselves. Therefore, they must not harm others or themselves. Buddhist ethical teachings have a strong and positive impact on the expression of Buddhism as a living religious tradition. This is because it provides solutions to different types of ethical issues such as sexual issues. However, this equality as described by Sutta Nipata can be distraught as we live in an imperfect world. The Four Noble Truths are significant to the ethical teachings of Buddhism, which is the Dharma. They are a guide for Buddhists to attain Nirvana. These Noble Truths build the structure of sexual ethics for the adherents of Buddhism. These Noble Truths can be used to judge sexual issues like rape, premarital sex, and extramarital sex. For example, sexual issues and practices are a desire and are described in the second Noble Truth as â€Å"the cause of suffering is from desires†. These issues and desires stem from the contemporary society in which adherents live in as the media powerfully influences their everyday lives. For example, everyday advertisements are constantly bombarding adherents with sexual images to attract a range of products and services which make sexual immorality a means of bettering oneself through material goods/ services. This marketing strategy makes it extremely difficult for Buddhists to follow their ethical teachings and fully express Buddhism as a living religious tradition. With Buddhist ethical teachings aiming to reduce suffering from desire, society can be seen as creating suffering. Society can be described as the â€Å"killer† of sexual morality and as Sutta Nipata 705 quotes â€Å"he should neither kill nor cause others to kill†, he indirectly describes the media as the â€Å"killer† of sexual ethics. The fourth Noble Truth which is, â€Å"the way to overcome suffering is through eightfold path† also relates to ethical teachings and provides morals of a Buddhist adherent since it aims to grow self-understanding and control. The Eightfold Noble Path is the ‘middle way’ of life for Buddhists. The performance of sexual activity is outside the middle way. The eightfold path judges different sexual issues depending on the effect of the issue. Extramarital sex is judged by the third step â€Å"speech† since it allows the senses to take control over mind and body and a destruction of honesty. This destruction can further cause marriage and family breakdowns and cause psychological and emotional harm to the children and partners involved. Rape is judged by the fourth step â€Å"action† since this act effects other people. Rape breaks the first Precept (to refrain from destroying living creatures) since these sexual activities harm another person physically and emotionally. Rape also breaks the second Precept (to refrain from taking that which is not given) since this sexual activity performed by a person steals the respect and dignity of another person. For example, rape causes destruction to the victim involved as they suffer traumatically through their emotional and physical state. The perpetrator is further sanctioned with imprisonment by the Criminal Justice System to keep society safe from harm. An element of suffering is evident within prison for the perpetrator but mainly the victim. This significance is related to Sutta Nipata 705 since the equality towards the adherents has the same meaning to â€Å"Just as I am so are they, just as they are so am I,† and the elimination of the destruction towards others has the meaning to he should neither kill nor cause others to kill. Sexual ethics provides equality in Buddhist adherents since it guides them to a path of no destruction of other people including themselves. The Five Precepts form the foundations of the morals of a Buddhist. Each Precept judges different types of ethical issues. These Precepts have a theme of not harming one another and self-harming which embeds with Sutta Nipata 705 quote since it relates to the theme of the Precepts. They apply to ethical issues, for example, the 5th Precept (to refrain from misuse of the mind or body through intoxicants) assesses the use of drugs and alcohol and provides the consequences of the use. These Precepts also guide sexual ethics which provide judgments on improper sexual activity. Sexual ethical issues like rape, premarital sex, and extramarital sex, all break the third Precept (to refrain from sensual misconduct). The Third Precept prevents improper decision making and allows the mind to take control over mind and body. As Sutta Nipata 705 quote refers to â€Å"kill† which means harming, it supports the Precepts on judging the sexual issues, in this case, these issues â€Å"kill† or harms other people. When relating this to premarital sex, refraining from sensual misconduct prevents Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD’s), relationship breakdowns, abortions, unwanted pregnancies, all in which damage or â€Å"kill† others/ themselves. The observance of Buddhist ethical teachings can prevent this harm and portrays the manifestation of Buddhism as a living religious tradition. Buddhist ethical teachings can have a positive impact on the expression of Buddhism as a living religious tradition. This is due to deep and meaningful ethics and judgements which many foreigners find to be positive to their everyday lives. As Sutta Nipata 705 quotes â€Å"Just as I am so are they, just as they are so am I†, an element of equality is evident which makes the expression of Buddhism appealing.

Free Essays on Nefertiti

Nefertiti (The Great Wife) The Egyptians always named the pharaoh’s wife the â€Å"great wife,† somewhat in the way that Americans refer to the president’s wife as the 1st lady. The great wife legitimized her husband’s exercise of power through religious beliefs. The Egyptians believed that she was divinely born and that Amon took the human form of her husband, impregnated her, oversaw the development of the child in her womb, and ensured a healthy delivery. Thus the child was the offspring of both the god and the pharaoh. The great wife couldn’t legally be pharaoh, for only a male could exercise that power. But she could make a man’s right to power. The Egyptians literally and formally considered hers the throne of power, although her power was passive rather than active. Egyptians artists depicted the great wife with much care as the pharaoh. They stylized her body as that of th4e ideal woman, and her portrait was more idealized than realistic. So stood things until Nefertiti, who was an exceptional great wife. She was not content to play a passive role in Egyptian life. Like her husband Akhenaten she passionately embraced the worship of Aton. She used her position to support her husband’s zeal to spread god’s worship. Together they built a new palace at Akhenaten, the present Amarna, away from the old centers of power. There they developed and promulgated the cult of Aton to the exclusion of the traditional deities. Nearly the only literary survival of their religious belief is the â€Å"Hymn of Aton† which declares Aton to be the only god. It also mentions Nefertiti as the great royal consort whom he Akhenaten loves, the mistress of the Two Lands. Akhenaten later stripped Nefertiti of her crown name, which was equivalent of divorce, and exiled her to a palace in the northernmost part of Amarna. It is quite possible, but beyond proof, that Akhenaten wanted a reconciliation with the old gods and their priests. The ... Free Essays on Nefertiti Free Essays on Nefertiti Queen Nefertiti Nefertiti was one of the most famous and beautiful Ancient Egyptian. Her name means, " the beautiful one has come." Nefertiti ruled with her husband, Akhenaten. They ruled together for 17 years from 1362-1379 B.C. Nefertiti and Akhenaten believed in one god, Re, the sun god. Due to this belief they destroyed all of the other god's temples and built a new capital city called Akhetaten. They also had a big family with six daughters. One of her daughters married King Tut. Nefertiti joined her husband in worship of a new religion that celebrated the power of the sun-disk Aten. Akhenaten formed a city where only this religion was practiced. He named this city Akhetaten which means the â€Å"horizon of Aten†. This put much impact on the Egyptian culture. After taking part in helping her husband, Nefertiti changed her name to Neferneferuaten_Nefertiti which means â€Å"The Aten is radiant of radiance because the beautiful one has come†. Together they transformed the religious practices of ancient Egyptians. Queen Nefertiti was known as the most beautiful woman in the world. One of the best known Egyptian treasures is a bust of her that can be found in the Egyptian Museum in Berlin. But she was more than just a beautiful face because she was also the daughter of Ay, a nobleman who was the brother of Queen Tiy. Nefertiti is perhaps one of the best known queens of Egypt who is in more artwork and sculptures than even King Akhenaten. In 1340 B.C. Nefertiti died. Nefertiti and her husband's tomb have not yet been found. I think she had an impact on Africa because she established one of the world’s first monotheistic religions.... Free Essays on Nefertiti Nefertiti (The Great Wife) The Egyptians always named the pharaoh’s wife the â€Å"great wife,† somewhat in the way that Americans refer to the president’s wife as the 1st lady. The great wife legitimized her husband’s exercise of power through religious beliefs. The Egyptians believed that she was divinely born and that Amon took the human form of her husband, impregnated her, oversaw the development of the child in her womb, and ensured a healthy delivery. Thus the child was the offspring of both the god and the pharaoh. The great wife couldn’t legally be pharaoh, for only a male could exercise that power. But she could make a man’s right to power. The Egyptians literally and formally considered hers the throne of power, although her power was passive rather than active. Egyptians artists depicted the great wife with much care as the pharaoh. They stylized her body as that of th4e ideal woman, and her portrait was more idealized than realistic. So stood things until Nefertiti, who was an exceptional great wife. She was not content to play a passive role in Egyptian life. Like her husband Akhenaten she passionately embraced the worship of Aton. She used her position to support her husband’s zeal to spread god’s worship. Together they built a new palace at Akhenaten, the present Amarna, away from the old centers of power. There they developed and promulgated the cult of Aton to the exclusion of the traditional deities. Nearly the only literary survival of their religious belief is the â€Å"Hymn of Aton† which declares Aton to be the only god. It also mentions Nefertiti as the great royal consort whom he Akhenaten loves, the mistress of the Two Lands. Akhenaten later stripped Nefertiti of her crown name, which was equivalent of divorce, and exiled her to a palace in the northernmost part of Amarna. It is quite possible, but beyond proof, that Akhenaten wanted a reconciliation with the old gods and their priests. The ...

How I Got Noticed on Wattpad (and Won the Wattys)

How I Got Noticed on Wattpad (and Won the Wattys) Winning the World’s Largest Online Writing Contest – A Reedsy Success Story Author Rhà ³n is brand new to the writing world, but his Frontier Fantasy novel Oakwood Grange was recently selected out of 75,000 entries for a Wattys award - an annual international contest of authors held by Wattpad. The story also earned him a â€Å"Featured† spot on the website’s homepage for a monthly audience of 45 million, and later ranked in the top 40 of the Fantasy genre (top 40 of over 200 million stories). Here he shares some tidbits about how that success came to be, how other authors might do the same and get noticed on Wattpad.â€Å"Have you heard of Wattpad?†Three years ago I met a dude named Taran Matharu who asked me this while we were riding in a tour bus up the coast of northeastern Australia. Taran was in his early twenties at the time, traveling for adventure, as I was, and typing something on a laptop that - little did we know - within months would snowball several million online readers and earn him a top-tier agent, a six-figure adva nce from a major publisher, and a position on the New York Times Best Sellers list.â€Å"It’s this website where you post your stories and people read them and leave comments,† he explained.â€Å"Ah.†I had no idea what he was talking about, for back then it had not occurred to me to â€Å"post† my writing anywhere at all. To me, as far as writing was concerned, the well-trodden path was still the best to follow (albeit steeply uphill and exhausting): first, you finish the manuscript, then you query agents and get published. That’s what authors did if they wanted to go pro.Paths are not always as clear-cut as they first appear.In the years that followed I wrote my novel Oakwood Grange, my first, basically a stewpot of strange fantasy and Western grit - a Coraline meets Little House on the Prairie kind of tale, and when I finished it I recalled that old tour bus conversation and the website Wattpad.The latter seemed like a good place to start. I wan ted to get some eyeballs on my novel in order to find out what the global public thought of my ability to tell a story. It turns out they thought quite a bit. Within months I’d gone from absolute obscurity to winning a Wattys â€Å"Hidden Gems† award and attracting over 40,000 reads.Here’s how it was done, and how you might do the same†¦A Leaf in the Wattpad Forest: How to Get NoticedFor those using Wattpad for the first time, the initial steps are simple: sign up and create a profile, write some text (or, in my case, paste some text already written), click a button that says â€Å"Publish†, and presto - an audience of 45 million instantly have access to your story.The next steps are more daunting. As I write this, there are over 200 million independent story uploads on the site, every genre you can think of, with thousands more uploading every day. It’s a virtual avalanche of fiction, and most who venture there are buried from the start.So, to get noticed, my early strategy was to look for stories that were already immensely popular. This was easy. Wattpad categorizes all works by their respective genre, and each genre has its own â€Å"Hot† list ranking all that genre’s stories by their current level of readership. Leaving an insightful comment on a top-ranking author’s story encourages them to read your own story, and hopefully vote for it as well - reads and votes which automatically re-post as notifications to that author’s followers on a public feed.Another thing I did was socialize with Wattpad’s community at large. The website has a high-traffic forums section with various discussion â€Å"Clubs† (e.g. Romance, Fantasy, Teen Fiction, Horror, Classics, etc.), places where you can post questions or responses to the other users, occasionally mentioning what you’ve written. To me, the forums proved the best place to raise awareness of my story. I created threads that I could easily tie to some aspect of  Oakwood Grange, responded considerately to what others posted in reply, and also provided useful feedback to younger authors still cutting their teeth on concepts like â€Å"inciting incident† and â€Å"theme† and â€Å"active voice.†Write masterfully. Aim for Tolkien or Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Austen, Rowling, or Dickens - not the soon-to-be-forgotten E. L. what’s-her-face or others of her ilk. People notice quality and pass it on to other people.Edit. Nobody likes typos. Revise and then revise again. If you can afford an editor, on Reedsy, for example, all the better.Make sure that your book cover is fantastic . . . or at least make sure it doesn’t suck. I did the cover to Oakwood Grange myself. It’s okay, functional by Wattpad standards, but not what I would call amazing, and admittedly not good enough for the larger publishing industry.Post your full completed manuscript. Wattpad’s system a llows stories to be serialized, but common sense will tell you that most readers don’t want to begin reading something that’s half-finished.Add tags. Tags help people find your work by searching for relevant keywords. The more specific to the story, the better.Communicate with the community. At its core, Wattpad is a social site. So socialize. If you read someone else’s work, or comment or vote on it, they’re much more likely to reciprocate. Likewise, if you make an effort to engage new readers, or keep in contact with the readers you already have, more readers will be interested.Don’t get discouraged. A common complaint among new Wattpad authors is that no one reads their work. The good news is that wattpad readers are voracious. They want something fresh and good to feed their endless cravings, and they’re always prowling for that next delicious meal. If your story is enticing, trust me - they will sniff it out.Send Wattpad a request to m ake your story 'Featured'. Obviously, a website with 200 million stories cannot put all of them on its homepage, so there is an application and review process, and of course many disappointed authors. Nevertheless, the 'Featured' list is free, and highly visible, and it can bring your story thousands of new readers every week.The Sunlight in the CanopyAt this point, you might be wondering what value an author can get from Wattpad, or what makes it worth the cost of time and effort. Indeed, the sad truth is that the website offers no direct means for its authors to make money on their work, no Amazon-esque payment system, and that means that despite the legions who have read my story I still have not yet made a penny on it. Does that bother me? Nah. Awareness is my intention here - helping people realize that my work exists and it is work worth reading. In due course I expect that all of this awareness will pay off in the form of a publishing contract, as it did for Taran, as it has for many others. And even if that doesn’t happen, my author platform is steadily rising to a good place from which to dive into self-publishing.Meanwhile, Reedsy has been exceptionally useful in connecting me with an editor, Aja Pollock, who helped refine my story’s prose to prepare it for the greater wilderness beyond Wattpad. I came here for a level of professional expertise, wordsmithing, and attention to detail not easily found in other spheres, and I was not disappointed. After all, contests are admirable, but polishing a story until every facet shines and sparkles perfectly- that’s the real gem.You can read Rhà ³n's stories on Wattpad here!  Have you tried putting your stories up on Wattpad? Have you had any success from it? Let us know your thoughts and experiences, or any question for Rhà ³n, in the comments below!

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy - Research Paper Example As time passed, the causes and mechanisms of human disease started to become understood. It is true that many new diseases have emerged which may have been nonexistent in previous times. This may be due to the formation of different reservoirs for the spread of disease associated with modernization which has brought the world together and hence has paved ways for the spread of disease from one region to another. The rearing of animals has also been considered to be associated strongly with the spread of diseases. Cows and chickens have been linked with outbreak of diseases which include smallpox and measles in the fifteenth and sixteenth century (Sheldon 2003). Thus, with advancement in technology, the patterns of human disease have been understood. It is believed that changing patterns of human living have led to increase in the number of diseases. Major epidemics of diseases broke out in the world that could not be treated owing to lack of development in the field of medicine. This included the millions of fatalities that resulted due to plague in the first half of the twentieth century. Mutations in genes are also associated with many medical conditions and pathologies. The research in the field of genetics has assisted in assessing these conditions (Robbins et al 2005, Levinson 2008). The human body functions on the basis of many organ systems. The integration of these systems is essential for the proper functioning of the human body. The immune system forms an important system of the human body which assists the individual to fight against invading organisms and to overcome the process of disease. The immune system functions either via the direct action of the white blood cells against the invading organisms or by the formation of antibodies against the pathogens that invade the human body. The skin is the outermost barrier and stops the pathogens from entering the body and it is hence referred to as the â€Å"first line of defense.† The human body functions via two forms of immunity which include the innate immunity and the acquired immunity. The innate immunity is the immunity that every individual possesses which include the skin and the white blood cells. This form of immunity is not specific against particular pathogens and is the trigger of the body against any foreign substance. The acquired immunity is the specific immunity which results particularly after the human being comes in contact with infective organisms. The acquired immunity is enhanced via the vaccines (Guyton et al 2000; Levinson 2008). The lymphatic system of the human body is the system which is directed towards the immunity. It includes the spleen, thymus as well as the bone marrow. The lymphatic system is directed towards the formation of the cells of the immune system as well as the delivery of these cells to the different organs of the human body. It assists in maintaining a healthy immunity of the individual against invasion (Guyton et al 2000). A w ide range of pathological conditions affect the human body. Disorders of the musculoskeletal system of the human body constitute an important set of conditions as they serve to hamper the normal living of an individual owing to their effect on the muscles of the human body. Muscular dystrophies are a set of conditions that affect the muscles of the human body. A dystrophy is basically a condition in which the normal fibers of the muscle become replaced by the fibrofatty tissue. This leads to a loss of functioning and hence the muscles of the

Criminal justice Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 4

Criminal justice - Essay Example It proves to be difficult as there are so many new laws and rules. So if the senior is complaining that the team of new supervisor has made some forced complaints and if the supervisor feels that he was just doing his duty then it is important for the supervisor to have a good look at the arrests and warrants made while he was on a leave. It is very important to deal with the situation with a clear mind and remain calm. One should not try to do something extra ordinary. One should just remain himself as people can see through someone who is trying to be someone that they are not. The supervisor should start off strict and then ease off, rather than starting off easy and then becoming stricter. Proper communication with the seniors as well as the team is very important to alleviate the situation. It is not necessary to rush to make changes, it is better to bring in changes slowly and steadily. One should not let his ego get on to him. The new shift can be overwhelming and very tiring, but it is important to give the best shot and not get irritated with the tiring job. The sergeant must ensure that everyone in his team knows what is required from them and they have the resources required to do the job, as the supervisor is responsible for all the mistakes made by his team.

Halloween Night to Prom Night Essay Example for Free

Halloween Night to Prom Night Essay Hepatitis A is inflammation (irritation and swelling) of the liver from the hepatitis A virus. See also: * Hepatitis * Hepatitis A vaccine * Hepatitis B * Hepatitis C Causes, incidence, and risk factors The hepatitis A virus is found mostly in the stools and blood of an infected person about 15 45 days before symptoms occur and during the first week of illness. You can catch hepatitis A if: * You eat or drink food or water that has been contaminated by stools (feces) containing the hepatitis A virus (fruits, vegetables, shellfish, ice, and water are common sources of the hepatitis A virus) * You come in contact with the stool or blood of a person who currently has the disease * A person with hepatitis A does not wash his or her hands properly after going to the bathroom and touches other objects or food * You participate in sexual practices that involve oral-anal contact About 3,600 cases of hepatitis A are reported each year. Because not everyone has symptoms with hepatitis A infection, many more people are infected than are diagnosed or reported. Risk factors include: * International travel, especially to Asia or South or Central America * IV drug use * Living in a nursing home or rehabilitation center * Working in a health care, food, or sewage industry Other common hepatitis virus infections include hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Hepatitis A is the least serious and mildest of these diseases. The other hepatitis infections may become chronic illnesses, but hepatitis A does not become chronic. There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Rest is recommended when the symptoms are most severe. People with acute hepatitis should avoid alcohol and any substances that are toxic to the liver, including acetaminophen (Tylenol). Fatty foods may cause vomiting, because substances from the liver are needed to digest fats. Fatty foods are best avoided during the acute phase. The virus does not remain in the body after the infection has gone away. Over 85% of people with hepatitis A recover within 3 months. Nearly all patients get better within 6 months. There is a low risk of death, usually among the elderly and persons with chronic liver disease. Prevention The following tips can help reduce your risk of spreading or catching the virus: * Always wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom and when you come in contact with an infected persons blood, stools, or other bodily fluid. * Avoid unclean food and water. The virus may spread more rapidly through day care centers and other places where people are in close contact. Thorough hand washing before and after each diaper change, before serving food, and after using the restroom may help prevent such outbreaks. If you have recently been exposed to hepatitis A and have not had hepatitis A before or have not received the hepatitis A vaccine series, ask your doctor or nurse about receiving either immune globulin or the hepatitis A vaccine. Common reasons why you may need to receive one or both of these include: * You live with someone who has hepatitis A * You recently had sexual contact with someone who has hepatitis A * You recently shared illegal drugs, either injected or noninjected, with someone who has hepatitis A * You have had close personal contact over a period of time with someone who has hepatitis A * You have eaten in a restaurant where food or food handlers were found to be infected or contaminated with hepatitis A Vaccines that protect against hepatitis A infection are available. The vaccine begins to protect 4 weeks after receiving the first dose. The 6- to 12-month booster is required for long-term protection. See: Hepatitis A vaccine Travelers should take the following precautions: Travelers should take the following precautions: * Avoid dairy products. * Avoid raw or undercooked meat and fish. * Beware of sliced fruit that may have been washed in contaminated water. Travelers should peel all fresh fruits and vegetables themselves. * Do not buy food from street vendors. * Get vaccinated against hepatitis A (and possibly hepatitis B) if traveling to countries where outbreaks of the disease occur. * Use only carbonated bottled water for brushing teeth and drinking. (Remember that ice cubes can carry infection.) * If no water is available, boiling water is the best method for eliminating hepatitis A. Bringing the water to a full boil for at least 1 minute generally makes it safe to drink. * Heated food should be hot to the touch and eaten right away.

Reverend Grandpa in Cold Sassy Tree :: Cold Sassy Tree

Reverend Grandpa in Cold Sassy Tree  Ã‚      Cold Sassy Tree  Ã‚   In life, people look for direction.   Everyone in the world needs a helping hand.   Some people turn to one another while others turn to forces, which are of great power.   People turn to great forces such as God.   There are many people who live according to the rules of God, out of the bible or whatever book they consider holy.   So therefore, these people are directed in leading a better life.   In the brilliant novel Cold Sassy Tree, by Olive Ann Burns, Grandpa is such a person.   Whenever Grandpa faces an obstacle, he turns to God.     Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Grandpa turns to God whenever he needs true help.   Grandpa is a type of person who is mild, witty, and very religious.   Grandpa uses religion to solve many of his problems.   At the beginning of the story, Miss Love was the target of gossip.   The whole entire town viewed her as an outsider and couldn’t understand why she married Grandpa, especially after his wife recently died.   After Grandpa elopes, he comes back to the house and finds a group of people mourning the sad death.   He introduces his new bride and then out of no where, Grandpa says, â€Å"Lord above, afore this gatherin’ assembled, I ask You to bless the memory of Miss Mattie Lou† (Page 99).   Everyone stood in silence as Grandpa continued the prayer.   Then all of the sudden, people also began to pray along with Grandpa.   This is amazing.   Grandpa used the power of God to divert the feelings of the crowd.   It is very sly of G randpa to do that.   Later on, Will is talking to Grandpa about his frightening encounter with the train.   Will asks Grandpa if â€Å"[he is] alive [because] of God’s will† (Page 97).   Obviously, Grandpa responds with wise words.   He tells Will that â€Å"God gave [him] a brain† (Page 97).   This shows that Grandpa believes God doesn’t do everything.   He believes God only does major things.   He isn’t there twenty four hours a day but God gives one certain abilities which help at all times.   Furthermore, Grandpa starts to give Will a sermon.   Grandpa tells him that â€Å"[One] don’t git thangs jest by astin’† (Page 98).   This shows that Grandpa is an well-educated man who understands the importance of God.   He doesn’t even waste his time asking for petty little things because he knows that God would not listen.