From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Population : 122,731 (2006)[1] (14th)
Density : 250.9/km² (649.8/sq mi) [1]
Established : 1876
Coordinates : 16°55′32″S 145°46′31″E / 16.92556°S 145
77528°E / -16.92556; 145.77528
Area: 488.1 km² (188.5 sq mi) [2]
Time zone: AEST (UTC+10)
Location:
* 1707 km (1,061 mi) NW of Brisbane
* 2420 km (1,504 mi) NNW of Sydney
Cairns is a regional city in Far North Queensland, Australia. The city
itself was named after William Wellington Cairns (the then Governor of
Queensland). It was formed to serve miners heading for the Hodgkinson River
goldfield, but experienced a decline when an easier route was discovered
from Port Douglas. It later developed into a railhead and major port for
exporting sugar cane, gold, metals, minerals and agricultural products from
surrounding coastal areas and the Atherton Tableland region.
The city is rapidly expanding, with a population of 122,731 at the 2006
census. Tourism is the largest income producer for the region, followed
closely by the sugar industry.
Cairns is located about 1,700 km (1,056 mi) from Brisbane, and about 2,420
km (1,504 mi) from Sydney by road. It is a popular travel destination for
foreign tourists because of its tropical climate and proximity to many
attractions. The Great Barrier Reef can be reached in less than an hour by
boat. Daintree National Park and Cape Tribulation, about 130 km (81 mi)
north of Cairns, are popular areas for experiencing a tropical rainforest.
It is also a starting point for people wanting to explore Cooktown, Cape
York Peninsula, and the Atherton Tableland.
The city has used its natural surroundings to its advantage, with the
construction of several small theme parks for tourists. Among them are
Rainforestation Nature Park, Tjapukai Aboriginal Cultural Park, and Kuranda
Skyrail Rainforest Cableway, which extends for 7.5 km (4.7 mi) over World
Heritage rainforest.
A notable feature of the Cairns esplanade is a swimming lagoon with
adjoining barbecue areas. In May 2003, the then Cairns Mayor Kevin Byrne
declared that topless sunbaking is permitted here, as the area is a
gathering point for people from around the world who may wish to do so. A
boardwalk allows pedestrians and cyclists to move along the foreshore from
the lagoon in a sustainable manner.
Geography
Cairns is located on the east coast of Cape York Peninsula on a coastal
strip between the Coral Sea and the Great Dividing Range. The northern part
of the city is located on Trinity Bay and the city centre is located on
Trinity Inlet. Some of the city's suburbs are located on flood plains. The
Mulgrave River and Barron River flow within the city's boundary but not
through the city itself. The city centre's foreshore is located on a mud
flat.
Cairns is a provincial city, with a linear urban layout that runs from the
south, at Edmonton, to the north, at Ellis Beach. The city is approximately
52 km (32 mi) from north to south. Cairns has experienced recent urban
sprawl, with suburbs occupying land previously used for sugar cane farming.
The Northern Beaches consist of a number of beach communities extending
north along the coast. In general, each beach suburb is located at the end
of a spur road extending from the Captain Cook Highway. From south to north,
these are Machans Beach, Holloways Beach, Yorkeys Knob, Trinity Park,
Trinity Beach, Kewarra Beach, Clifton Beach, Palm Cove, and Ellis Beach.
The suburb of Smithfield is located inland against the mountains of the
Great Dividing Range, between Yorkeys Knob and Trinity Park. It serves as
the main hub for the Northern Beaches, with a modern shopping arcade, called
Smithfield Shopping Centre.
Located south of Smithfield and inland from the Northern Beaches along the
edge of the Barron River flood plain are the suburbs of Caravonica,
Kamerunga, Freshwater, and Stratford. This area is sometimes referred to as
Freshwater Valley, though it is actually the lower part of Redlynch Valley;
further up the valley are the suburbs of Redlynch, on the western side of
Redlynch Valley, and Brinsmead on the eastern side. Stratford, Freshwater,
and Brinsmead are separated from Cairns city by Mount Whitfield (elevation
365 m (1,198 ft)) and Whitfield Range. Crystal Cascades and Copperlode Dam
are also located behind this range. This area is serviced by the Redlynch
Central Shopping Centre, a relatively new shopping centre, located in the
fast growing area of the Redlynch Valley. This shopping centre is also due
to be expanded in the future.
The city centre of Cairns is adjacent to the suburbs of Cairns North, and
Parramatta Park, Bungalow, Portsmith, and in close proximity to Westcourt,
Manunda, Manoora, Edge Hill, Whitfield, Kanimbla, Mooroobool, Earlville,
Woree and Bayview Heights. The small suburb of Aeroglen is pressed between
Mount Whitfield and the airport, on the Captain Cook Highway between Cairns
North and Stratford.
Southside Cairns, situated in a narrow area between Trinity Inlet to the
east and Lamb Range to the west, includes the suburbs of White Rock, Mount
Sheridan, Bentley Park and Edmonton. The townships of Goldsborough, Little
Mulgrave, and Aloomba are in close proximity to Gordonvale, located on the
Mulgrave River. This area is serviced by the Bruce Highway, which is to be
developed into a motorway between Woree and Gordonvale to address increasing
traffic congestion.
Nearby localities
Several other small towns and communities within Cairns' jurisdiction are
sparsely located along the Bruce highway, the furthest being Mirriwinni, 66
kilometres (41.0 mi) south of Cairns city; the largest of these townships is
Babinda, about 60 kilometres (37.3 mi) from Cairns.
The town of Kuranda is located upstream on the Barron River on the western
side of the Macalister Range, part of the Great Dividing Range. Kuranda is
located in the Tablelands local government area and, due to the geography of
the Macalister Range, is not part of the Cairns urban area; however, it
forms part of the Cairns economic catchment.
History of Cairns, Queensland
The land originally belonged to the Walubarra Yidinji people, who still
recognise indigenous property rights in the area. The area upon which the
city has been built is known in the local Yidiny language as Gimuy.
In 1770, James Cook first mapped the future site of Cairns, naming it
Trinity Bay. Closer investigation by several official expeditions 100 years
later established its potential for development into a port.
Cairns was founded in 1876, hastened by the need to export gold discovered
on the tablelands to the west of the inlet. The site was predominantly
mangrove swamps and sand ridges. The swamps were gradually cleared by
laborers, and the sand ridges were filled in with dried mud, sawdust from
local sawmills, and ballast from a quarry at Edge Hill. Debris collected
from the construction of a railway to Herberton on the Atherton Tableland, a
project which started in 1886, was also used. The railway opened up land
that was later used for agriculture on the lowlands (sugar cane, corn, rice,
bananas, pineapples), and for fruit and dairy production on the Tableland.
The success of local agriculture helped Cairns to establish itself as a port
and the creation of a harbour board in 1906 helped to support its economic
future.
During World War II, Cairns was used by the Allied Forces as a staging base
for operations in the Pacific. After World War II, Cairns slowly reinvented
itself as a centre for tourism. The opening of the Cairns International
Airport in 1984, and the building of the Cairns Convention Centre
established the city's overseas reputation as a desirable destination for
the tourism and business conference markets.
Climate
Cairns experiences a warm tropical climate, specifically a Tropical monsoon
climate (Am) under the Köppen climate classification. A wet season with
tropical monsoons runs from December to April, with a relatively dry season
from May to November, though showers are frequent for most of this period.
Mean rainfall of Cairns is 1,992.8 millimetres (78.5 in). The township of
Babinda at the southern end of the city is one of Australia's wettest towns,
recording an annual rainfall of over 4,200 millimetres (165.4 in). It has
hot, humid summers and milder temperatures in winter. Mean temperatures vary
from 25.7 °C (78.3 °F) in July to 31.4 °C (88.5 °F) in January. Monsoonal
activity during the wet season occasionally causes major flooding of the
Barron and Mulgrave Rivers, cutting off road and rail access to the city.
Tropical cyclones
Like most of North and Far North Queensland, Cairns is prone to tropical
cyclones, usually forming between November and May.
Notable cyclones that have affected the Cairns region include:
* Cyclone Larry, 2006
* Cyclone Abigail, 2001
* Cyclone Steve, 2000
* Cyclone Rona, 1999
* Cyclone Justin, 1997
Cyclone Larry
Tropical Cyclone Larry struck areas to the south of Cairns at 7 a.m. on 20
March 2006. Cyclone Larry crossed land near the town of Innisfail, 100 km
(62 mi) south of Cairns as a category five cyclone. It was downgraded to a
category four cyclone shortly before midday, and further downgraded to a
category three cyclone a few hours later. Wind gusts of up to 300 km/h (186
mph) were recorded around the Cairns region, with wind gusts up to 180 km/h
(112 mph) reported in the city. It is estimated that about one in four
houses in Cairns and surrounding areas were affected by Cyclone Larry
[citation needed]
Governance
Cairns is part of the Cairns Region local government area which is governed
by a Regional Council. The Council consists of a directly elected mayor and
10 councillors, elected from 10 single-member divisions (or wards) using an
optional preferential voting system. Elections are held every four years.
The Cairns Region consists of three former local government areas. The first
was the original City of Cairns, consisting of the Cairns City region as
listed above. The second, which was amalgamated in 1995, was the Shire of
Mulgrave (comprising the other areas, namely the Northern Beaches, Redlynch
Valley and Southside). The town of Gordonvale was once called Mulgrave. The
third area is the Shire of Douglas, which amalgamated in 2008 during major
statewide local government reforms.
At the time of the 1995 amalgamation, Cairns City had a population of
approximately 40,000 and Mulgrave Shire had a population of approximately 60
000. Both local government authorities had chambers in the Cairns CBD. The
old Cairns City Council chambers has been converted into a new city library.
In a controversial decision, new Council chambers were constructed on
previously contaminated land in the mainly industrial suburb of Portsmith.
Cairns has three representatives in the Queensland Parliament, from the
electoral districts of Barron River, Cairns and Mulgrave. The city is
represented in the Federal Parliament by representatives elected from the
districts of Leichhardt and Kennedy.
Prior to the abolition of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
Commission (ATSIC), the indigenous people in Cairns were represented by the
Cairns and District Regional Council. The Council had twelve Councillors,
who elected a chairperson from among them. The Cairns area was represented
on ATSIC by the Commissioner for Queensland North Zone. The last
Commissioner for Queensland North was Lionel Quartermaine, who also served
as ATSIC's Deputy Chair.
Economy
Cairns serves as the major commercial centre for the Far North Queensland
and Cape York Peninsula Regions. It is a base for the regional offices of
various government departments.
Tourism
Tourism plays a major part in the Cairns economy. According to Tourism
Australia, the Cairns region is the fourth-most popular destination for
international tourists in Australia after Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
While the city does not rank amongst Australia's top 10 destinations for
domestic tourism, it attracts a significant number of Australian holiday
makers given its distance from major capitals. The city's proximity to the
Great Barrier Reef, the Wet Tropics of Queensland, and the Atherton
Tableland makes it a popular destination. The city contains hundreds of
hotels, resorts, motels and backpackers hostels. Activities in the region
include golf, white water rafting, cruises to the Great Barrier Reef, and
coach tours to the Daintree Rainforest, Atherton Tableland and Paronella
Park. There are also scenic flights, day trips to Kuranda, crocodile farms,
and a food-and-wine tour visiting tropical fruit wineries.
Commercial
Several shopping centres of various sizes are located throughout Cairns. The
largest of these are Cairns Central shopping centre, located in the central
business district, and Stockland Cairns, located in the suburb of Earlville.
In Westcourt, one of the city's oldest shopping centres has been refurbished
with the city's first Direct Factory Outlet. To service the needs of
suburbs further from the city centre, shopping complexes are also located at
Mount Sheridan, Redlynch, Smithfield, and Clifton Beach.
The city is becoming a significant economical centre in not just tourism,
but in services as well, with many new office towers being built and planned
for the near future, including the Cairns Corporate Tower #2.
Media
The Cairns Post is a daily newspaper published in the city; a weekly paper,
The Cairns Sun, is also published. The Courier-Mail is a daily
Queensland-wide newspaper published in Brisbane. The Australian newspaper
also circulates widely.
The Cairns Bulletin (cairnsbulletin.com.au) is the only independent suburban
newspaper in circulation in Cairns. It is distributed from Palm Cove in the
north to Gordonvale in the south.
Cairns is served by regional affiliates of the three Australian commercial
television networks (Ten, Nine and Seven) and the two public broadcasters
(ABC and SBS). Austar Limited provides subscription satellite television
services.
Cairns radio stations include a number of public, commercial and community
broadcasters. The ABC broadcasts ABC Radio National, ABC Local, ABC Classic
FM and the Triple J youth network. Commercial radio stations include 4CA-FM,
AM846, HOT FM, SeaFM, 4CCR-FM, 87.6 XFM, 98.7FM, 101.9 Coast FM, and 104.3
4TAB sports radio.
Industry and agriculture
The land around Cairns is still used for sugar cane farming, although this
land is increasingly under pressure from new suburbs as the city grows.
Within the Cairns City Council area, sugar mills operate in Gordonvale and
Babinda.
The Barron Gorge Hydroelectric Power Station is located nearby in Kuranda,
and provides green power for some of the city's needs.
Transport
Cairns is an important transport hub in the Far North Queensland region.
Located at the base of Cape York Peninsula, it provides important transport
links between the Peninsula and Gulf of Carpentaria regions, and the areas
to the south of the state. Cairns International Airport is essential to the
viability of the area's tourism industry.
Roads
The Bruce Highway runs for 1,700 km (1,056 mi) from Brisbane, and terminates
in the Cairns CBD, from which the Captain Cook Highway (also referred to as
the Cook Highway) commences, which runs for approximately 76 km (47 mi) from
Cairns to Mossman to the northwest.
A need for future upgrades to the Bruce Highway to motorway standards
through the southern suburbs to Gordonvale has been identified in regional
planning strategies to cope with increasing congestion from rapid population
growth. This will result in overpasses at all major intersections from Woree
to Gordonvale. The motorway will divert from Bentley Park to Gordonvale,
bypassing Edmonton to reduce the affects of road noise on residential areas.
The Kennedy Highway commences at Smithfield on the Barron River flood plain
north of Cairns, and ascends the Macalister Range to the township of Kuranda
The highway then extends to the town of Mareeba on the Atherton Tableland,
and continues to communities of Cape York Peninsula. There are plans to
construct an overpass as part of the Kennedy Range Motorway, which will run
from Smithfield to Kuranda.
The Gillies Highway commences at the township of Gordonvale, and ascends the
Gillies Range (part of the Great Dividing Range) to the town of Atherton on
the Atherton Tableland, passing through the township of Yungaburra on the
way.
The controversial private road, Quaid Road, was constructed in 1989 through
what is now a Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, and links Wangetti, on the
coast just north of Cairns, to Southedge, just south of Mount Molloy. The
road is not open to the public and is not used for general traffic.
[edit] Coaches
Cairns is served by long-distance coaches to Brisbane, and regional cities
to the south. Coaches also operate west to Mount Isa via Townsville, and to
Alice Springs and Darwin in the Northern Territory. The longest running
locally owned Coach company is Tropic Wings Coach Tours, originally
established in 1981 and opperated under the name of "Blue Wings Coaches"
changing to "Tropic Wings Coach Tours" in 1984. Tropic Wings Coach Tours was
the first local company to service Kuranda on a regular basis and has
continued to service North Queensland to this day.
Public transport
A public transport network is operated throughout the city by Marlin Coast
Sunbus. A transit mall is located in the CBD, through which all services
operate. Services include most parts of the city, from Palm Cove in the
north, to Gordonvale in the south. Bus services operated by Whitecar Coaches
run to Kuranda and to the Atherton Tableland. A smaller minibus service, Jon
s Kuranda Bus runs between Cairns and Kuranda. Cairns also has one major
taxi company, Black and White Cabs, which services the Cairns region.
Rail
Cairns is the terminus for Queensland's North Coast railway line, which
follows the eastern seaboard from Brisbane. Services are operated by
Queensland Rail (QR). In April 2009, the high speed tilt train service from
Brisbane to Cairns was suspended due to safety concerns but resumed service
on 4 May. Freight trains also operate along the route, with a QR Freight
handling facility located at Portsmith.
Pacific National Queensland (a division of Pacific National, owned by
Asciano Limited) operates a rail siding at Woree. It runs private trains on
the rail network owned by the Queensland State Government and managed by QR
s Network Division.
The Kuranda Scenic Railway operates from Cairns. The tourist railway ascends
the Macalister Range and is not used for commuter services. It passes
through the suburbs of Stratford, Freshwater (stopping at Freshwater
Station) and Redlynch before reaching Kuranda.
Freight services to Forsayth were discontinued in the mid-1990s. These were
mixed freight and passenger services that served the semi-remote towns west
of the Great Dividing Range. There is now a weekly passenger-only service,
The Savannahlander, that leaves Cairns on Wednesday mornings. The
Savannahlander is run by a private company, Cairns Kuranda Steam Trains.
Cairns is served by a narrow gauge cane railway (or cane train) network that
hauls harvested sugar cane to the Mulgrave Mill located in Gordonvale. The
pressure of urban sprawl on land previously cultivated by cane farmers has
seen this network reduced over recent years. There has been discussion that
these railway corridors may be used for a possible future light rail mass
transit system, however no plans have been drawn up.[citation needed]
The use of the existing heavy rail line for commuter services between
Redlynch and Gordonvale is occasionally discussed; however this is not a
favoured option under the FNQ 2010 Regional Plan, which recommends the use
of buses.
Cairns International Airport
Cairns International Airport is located 7 km (4 mi) north of Cairns City
between the CBD and the Northern Beaches. It is Australia's seventh busiest
domestic airport and sixth busiest international airport. In 2005/2006 there
were 3.76 million international and domestic passenger movements.
The airport has a domestic terminal, a separate international terminal, and
a general aviation area. The airport handles international flights, and
flights to major Australian cities, tourist destinations, and regional
destinations throughout North Queensland. It is an important base for
general aviation serving the Cape York Peninsula and Gulf of Carpentaria
communities. The Cairns airport is also a base for the Royal Flying Doctor
Service.
Sea port
The Cairns Seaport, located on Trinity Inlet, is operated by the Cairns Port
Authority. It serves as an important port for tourist operators providing
daily reef trips. These consist of large catamarans capable of carrying over
300 passengers, as well as smaller operators that may take as few as 12
tourists. Cairns Port is also a port of call for cruise ships, such as
Captain Cook Cruises, cruising the South Pacific Ocean. It also provides
freight services to coastal townships on Cape York Peninsula, the Torres
Strait and the Gulf of Carpentaria.
Yearly cargo through the port totals 1.13 million tonnes. Almost 90% of the
trade is bulk cargoes including petroleum, sugar, molasses, fertiliser and
LP gas. A large number of fishing trawlers are also located at the port.
There is also a marina that houses private yachts and boats used for tourist
operations.
The Royal Australian Navy has a base in Cairns (HMAS Cairns). The base has a
complement of 900 personnel, and supports fourteen warships, including the
four Armidale class patrol boats of Ardent Division, four of the six
Balikpapan class landing craft, and all six ships of the Royal Australian
Navy Hydrographic Service.
The Trinity Wharf has recently been the subject of a major redevelopment to
improve the area for tourist and cruise ship operations. The freight wharves
are located to the south of Trinity Wharf further up Trinity Inlet.
Sister cities
* Papua New Guinea Lae, Papua New Guinea (Morobe Province) since 1984
* Japan Minami, Japan (Tokushima Prefecture) since 1969
* Japan Oyama, Japan (Tochigi Prefecture) since June 15, 2006
* Latvia Riga, Latvia since 1990[24]
* United States Scottsdale, Arizona (USA) since 1987
* Canada Sidney, British Columbia (Canada) since 1984
* People's Republic of China Zhanjiang, People's Republic of China
(Guangdong province) since 2004
Education
Cairns has numerous primary and secondary schools. Separate systems of
private and public schools operate in Queensland. There are 20 state primary
schools and 16 state high schools operated by the Queensland state
government Department of Education within the Cairns City Council area,
including 6 schools in the predominantly rural areas south of Gordonvale.
Roman Catholic schools are operated by Catholic Education Cairns. The Roman
Catholic system encompasses nineteen primary schools, six secondary colleges
and one P-12 college. There are almost 6,000 primary students and 3,250
secondary students enrolled in the Roman Catholic school system.
The Cairns Campus of James Cook University is located at Smithfield. The
city is also home to a TAFE college, and a School of the Air base, both
located in the inner suburb of Manunda.
Health
The Cairns Base Hospital is situated on the Cairns Esplanade and is the
major hospital for the Cape York Peninsula Region. The smaller Cairns
Private Hospital is located nearby. On the north side of the Base hospital
is located the Australian Red Cross Blood Service
Cairns is a base for the Royal Flying Doctor Service, which operates clinics
and provides emergency evacuations in remote communities throughout the
region.
Sport and recreation
Notable sporting grounds include Barlow Park, Cairns Showground and Cazaly's
Stadium, the Cairns Convention Centre (basketball), and the Cairns Hockey
Centre.
Cairns also has a National Basketball League (NBL) team, the Cairns Taipans.
The Skill360 Australia Northern Pride Queensland Cup rugby league team
played their first season in 2008, and act as a feeder team to the North
Queensland Cowboys who play in the National Rugby League. There is also a
growing base for Rugby Union in Cairns. In Cairns Australian rules football
is followed, and there is an active local league.
Cairns is a major international destination for scuba diving due to its close proximity to the Great Barrier Reef. Other recreational activities popular with tourists include whitewater rafting, skydiving, kitesurfing and snorkelling.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Port Vila
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Coordinates: 17°45′S 168°18′E / 17.75°S 168.3°E / -17.75; 168.3
Country Vanuatu
Province Shefa Province
Port Vila is the capital and largest city of Vanuatu. Situated on the south
coast of the island of Efate, in Shefa Province, the city population at last
census (1999) was 29,356, an increase of 55% on the previous census result
(1989). This suggests a 2007 population of about 40,000 or around 65% of the
province's population. Port Vila is the economic and commercial centre of
Vanuatu.
History
The area occupied by Port Vila has been inhabited by Melanesian people for
thousands of years. In 1606, the first Europeans arrived at the island, led
by Pedro Fernández de Quirós and Luis Váez de Torres. In the 19th century,
French settlers established the municipality of Franceville, which declared
independence in 1889 and became the first self-governing nation to practice
universal suffrage without distinction of sex or race. Although the
population at the time consisted of about 500 native islanders and less than
50 whites, only the latter were permitted to hold office. One of the elected
presidents was a U.S. citizen by birth, R.D. Polk.
After 1887, the territory was jointly administered by the French and the
British. This was formalized in 1906 as an Anglo-French Condominium. During
World War II, Port Vila was an American and Australian airbase. In 1987, a
cyclone severely damaged the city. Another powerful earthquake in January
2002 caused extensive damage in the capital and surrounding areas.
Economy
Port Vila is Vanuatu's most important harbour and the centre of the country
s trade. The international airport, Bauerfield International (VLI) is also
located in the city.
Major industries in the city remain agriculture and fishing. Tourism is also
becoming important, especially from Australia and New Zealand. There were
over 50,000 visitors in 1997.
Vanuatu is a tax haven, and offshore financing in Port Vila is an important
part of the economy.
Vanuatu is still dependent on foreign aid, most of which comes from
Australia and New Zealand, although in recent years aid has also come from
the People's Republic of China. Examples of aid have been New Zealand paying
to train doctors selected from the local community, then paying part of
their wages during the first year after qualification. Australia has paid
consultants to work in Port Vila Central Hospital.
35.7% of exports leave from Port Vila and 86.9% of imports arrive in Port
Vila.
Demographics
The population is around 38,000; predominately Melanesian, with small
Polynesian, Asian, Australian and European populations, mainly French and
British.
Language
Bislama is spoken by everyone as the day-to-day language. In addition,
English and French are also widespread. Other Indigenous languages are also
spoken in the city.
Religion
Christianity is the predominant religion across Vanuatu, followed by more
than 90% of the population. The largest denomination is the Presbyterian
Church, followed by one third of the population. Roman Catholicism and the
Church of Melanesia are also common, each about 15%.
Climate
Port Vila has a tropical climate, with a dry season and a hot, wet season.
Rainfall averages about 2,360 millimetres (94 in.) per year. The area also
has south-east trade winds.
Education
Port Vila is one location of the University of the South Pacific, an
educational institution co-owned by twelve Pacific countries. The Vanuatu
campus is the only law school in the university, and it also teaches
languages.
World Heritage
Port Vila was the location in August 1999 for the important UNESCO meeting "2nd World Heritage Global Strategy Meeting for the Pacific Islands Region". One of the major topics with reference to Vanuatu and the Pacific region was the question of the suitability of underwater heritage for inscription on the World Heritage List.
Coordinates: 17°45′S 168°18′E / 17.75°S 168.3°E / -17.75; 168.3
Country Vanuatu
Province Shefa Province
Port Vila is the capital and largest city of Vanuatu. Situated on the south
coast of the island of Efate, in Shefa Province, the city population at last
census (1999) was 29,356, an increase of 55% on the previous census result
(1989). This suggests a 2007 population of about 40,000 or around 65% of the
province's population. Port Vila is the economic and commercial centre of
Vanuatu.
History
The area occupied by Port Vila has been inhabited by Melanesian people for
thousands of years. In 1606, the first Europeans arrived at the island, led
by Pedro Fernández de Quirós and Luis Váez de Torres. In the 19th century,
French settlers established the municipality of Franceville, which declared
independence in 1889 and became the first self-governing nation to practice
universal suffrage without distinction of sex or race. Although the
population at the time consisted of about 500 native islanders and less than
50 whites, only the latter were permitted to hold office. One of the elected
presidents was a U.S. citizen by birth, R.D. Polk.
After 1887, the territory was jointly administered by the French and the
British. This was formalized in 1906 as an Anglo-French Condominium. During
World War II, Port Vila was an American and Australian airbase. In 1987, a
cyclone severely damaged the city. Another powerful earthquake in January
2002 caused extensive damage in the capital and surrounding areas.
Economy
Port Vila is Vanuatu's most important harbour and the centre of the country
s trade. The international airport, Bauerfield International (VLI) is also
located in the city.
Major industries in the city remain agriculture and fishing. Tourism is also
becoming important, especially from Australia and New Zealand. There were
over 50,000 visitors in 1997.
Vanuatu is a tax haven, and offshore financing in Port Vila is an important
part of the economy.
Vanuatu is still dependent on foreign aid, most of which comes from
Australia and New Zealand, although in recent years aid has also come from
the People's Republic of China. Examples of aid have been New Zealand paying
to train doctors selected from the local community, then paying part of
their wages during the first year after qualification. Australia has paid
consultants to work in Port Vila Central Hospital.
35.7% of exports leave from Port Vila and 86.9% of imports arrive in Port
Vila.
Demographics
The population is around 38,000; predominately Melanesian, with small
Polynesian, Asian, Australian and European populations, mainly French and
British.
Language
Bislama is spoken by everyone as the day-to-day language. In addition,
English and French are also widespread. Other Indigenous languages are also
spoken in the city.
Religion
Christianity is the predominant religion across Vanuatu, followed by more
than 90% of the population. The largest denomination is the Presbyterian
Church, followed by one third of the population. Roman Catholicism and the
Church of Melanesia are also common, each about 15%.
Climate
Port Vila has a tropical climate, with a dry season and a hot, wet season.
Rainfall averages about 2,360 millimetres (94 in.) per year. The area also
has south-east trade winds.
Education
Port Vila is one location of the University of the South Pacific, an
educational institution co-owned by twelve Pacific countries. The Vanuatu
campus is the only law school in the university, and it also teaches
languages.
World Heritage
Port Vila was the location in August 1999 for the important UNESCO meeting "2nd World Heritage Global Strategy Meeting for the Pacific Islands Region". One of the major topics with reference to Vanuatu and the Pacific region was the question of the suitability of underwater heritage for inscription on the World Heritage List.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Suva, Fiji
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Suva is the capital and largest city of Fiji. It is located on the southeast
coast of the island of Viti Levu, in the Central Division, Rewa Province, of
which it is the administrative centre. In 1877, it was decided to make Suva
the capital of Fiji when the geography of former main European settlement at
Levuka on the island of Ovalau proved too restrictive. The administration of
the colony was moved from Levuka to Suva in 1882. At the 2007 census the
city of Suva had a population of 85,691. Including independent suburbs, the
population of the Greater Suva urban area was 172,399 at the 2007 census
[not in citation given].
Physical Characteristics
Suva is the commercial and political centre of Fiji, though not necessarily
the cultural centre, and the largest urban area in the South Pacific outside
of Australia and New Zealand. It is Fiji's main port city.
Although Suva is on a peninsula, and almost surrounded by sea, the nearest
beach is 40 kilometres (25 mi) away at Pacific Harbour, and the nearby coast
is lined by mangroves. A significant part of the city centre, including the
old Parliament Buildings, is built on reclaimed mangrove swamp.
Suva is noted for its considerable rainfall, it has a markedly higher
rainfall than Nadi and the western side of Viti Levu, which is known to Suva
citizens as "the burning west". The First Governor of Fiji, Sir Aurthur
Gordon, allegedly remarked that it rained in Suva like he had seen no where
else before and that there was hardly a day without rain.
Landmarks
A well-known landmark is the Suva City Library or the Carnegie Library,
built in 1909 as well as many other colonial buildings.
The Government buildings complex sits on what was once the flowing waters of
a creek. This was drained in 1935 and over five kilometres of reinforced
concrete pilings were driven into the creek bed to support the massive
buildings to be erected. After the foundation stone was laid in 1937, the
building was completed in 1939; a new wing was completed in 1967. Parliament
however, was moved to a new complex on Ratu Sukuna Road in 1992.
Government House was formerly the residence of Fiji's colonial Governors and
following independence in 1970, Governors-General. It is now the official
residence of Fiji's President. Originally erected in 1882, it had to be
rebuilt in 1928, following its destruction by lightning in 1921.
The Suva campus of the University of the South Pacific (USP) occupies what
was once a New Zealand military base. It is the largest of the many USP
campuses dotted throughout the South Pacific and the largest University in
the Pacific islands outside Hawai'i.
The Fiji Museum, located in Thurston Gardens, was founded in 1904 and
originally occupied the old town hall, but moved to its present location in
1954. The museum houses the most extensive collection of Fijian artifacts in
the world, and is also a research and educational institution, specializing
in archeology, the preservation of Fiji's oral tradition, and the
publication of material on Fiji's language and culture.
Suva has around 78 parks, these include the new Takashi Suzuki Garden, Apted
Park at Suva Point which is a popular spot for viewing sunrise and sunset,
Thurston Gardens which was opened in 1913 and has flora from throughout the
South Pacific.
Suva also has many shopping and retail areas, notably Cumming street, which
has since colonial times, been a vibrant and colourful shopping area.
Features of these street include the original colonial buildings and narrow
roads. More modern shopping malls, such as the Suva Central Shopping Mall,
Mid-City Mall as well as the MHCC are all part of the developments to give
the city a modern and sophisticated look.
Demographics of Suva
Suva is a multiracial and multicultural city. Indigenous Fijians and
Indo-Fijians, the two principal ethnic groups of Fiji, comprise the bulk of
Suva's population, but the city is also home to the majority of Fiji's
ethnic minority populations, which include Caucasians (Europeans or
Kaivalagi), Part-Europeans (of European and Fijian Descent) and Chinese,
amongst others. The majority of expatriates working in Fiji are also based
in Suva. The most widely spoken language is English, but Fijian, Hindustani,
Cantonese, and other Indian languages are also spoken by their respective
communities.
Institutions
Suva is host to more international and regional intergovernmental agencies
and NGOs than any other Pacific Island capital. Some of the bodies with a
presence in Suva are:
* The TRAFFIC Oceania South Pacific Programme - funded by the UK Foreign and
Commonwealth Office, is located in Suva, in the offices of the WWF South
Pacific Programme. The programme assists in the implementation of CITES, but
also strengthens collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature.
* The Fiji School of Medicine - which is now classed as a regional agency
and a member of the Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific
* The University of the South Pacific which operates a campus in Suva as
well as at other South Pacific locations.
* The Fiji Institute of Technology which is a major polytechnic in Fiji and
caters students from many small Pacific Island nations. It also has centres
in other Fiji towns of Nadi, Ba and Labasa.
* The Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC)
* The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
* The South Pacific Applied Geoscience Commission.
Municipal government
Suva has municipal status and is governed by a Lord Mayor and a 20-member
city council. However, The current interim-government has reformed and
restructured all municipal councils as of October, 2008 and the position of
Mayor is now void.
History
In return for a promise to pay off debts owed to the United States by the
Bauan chieftain, Seru Epenisa Cakobau, the Australian-based Polynesia
Company was granted 5000 km² of land, 575 km² of it near what was then the
village of Suva, in 1868. The original intention was to develop a cotton
farming industry, but the land and climate proved unsuitable.
Following the annexation of the Fiji Islands by the United Kingdom in 1874,
the colonial authorities decided to move the capital to Suva from Levuka in
1877. The transfer was made official in 1882. Colonel F.E. Pratt of the
Royal Engineers was appointed Surveyor-General in 1875 and designed the new
capital, assisted by W. Stephens and Colonel R.W. Stewart.
Following the promulgation of the Municipal Constitution Ordinance of 1909,
Suva acquired municipal status in 1910. The town initially comprised one
square mile; these boundaries remained intact until 1952 when the Muanikau
and Samabula wards were annexed, expanding its territory to 13 square
kilometers. In October that year, Suva was proclaimed a City - Fiji's first.
Tamavua was subsequently annexed; the most recent extension of the city
boundaries has been to incorporate the Cunningham area to the north of the
city. Urban sprawl has resulted in a number of suburbs that remain outside
of the city limits; together with the city itself, they form a metropolitan
area known as the Greater Suva Area.
The city hosted the 2003 South Pacific Games, being the third time in the
event's 40 year history that they had been held in Suva. As part of the
hosting of the event a new gymnasium and indoor sports center, swimming pool
and stadium, field hockey pitch and stands were built in the area around
Suva, funded by the government and a $16 million People's Republic of China
aid package.
Transportation
Nausori International Airport caters mainly to the domestic market, but can serve smaller international aircraft. It also has service to its immediate Pacific neighbors such as Tuvalu and Tonga.
Monday, October 19, 2009
International Date Line
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The International Date Line (IDL) is an imaginary line on the surface of the
The International Date Line (IDL) is an imaginary line on the surface of the
Earth opposite the Prime Meridian where the date changes as one travels east
or west across it. Roughly along 180° longitude, with diversions to pass
around some territories and island groups, it mostly corresponds to the time
zone boundary separating −12 and +12 hours Coordinated Universal Time (UTC)
(Greenwich Mean Time – GMT). Crossing the IDL travelling east results in a
day or approximately 24 hours being subtracted, and crossing west results in
a day being added. The exact number of hours depends on the time zones.
Geography
For part of its length, the International Date Line follows the meridian of
180° longitude, roughly down the middle of the Pacific Ocean. In order to
keep from crossing nations internally, however, the line deviates to pass
around the far east of Russia and various island groups in the Pacific.
In the north the date line swings to the east through the Bering Strait and
then west past the Aleutian Islands in order to keep Alaska (part of the
United States) and Russia, which are due north and south of each other in
that region, on opposite sides of the line and in agreement with the date in
the rest of those countries. As a result of this line-adjusting, the right
to call itself "The Last Place on Earth" (that is, the latest place) goes to
the westernmost Aleutian Island of Attu.
The date line passes equidistantly between the two Diomede Islands—Little
Diomede Island (US) and Big Diomede Island (Russia)—at a distance of 1.5 km
(1 mi) from each island.
The date line circumvents the territory of Kiribati by swinging far to the
east, almost reaching the 150° meridian.
In the South Pacific the date line swings east such that Wallis and Futuna,
Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand's Kermadec Islands have the same date but Samoa
is one day earlier.
The International Date Line can cause confusion among airline travelers. The
most troublesome situation usually occurs with short journeys from west to
east. To travel from Tonga to Samoa by air, for example, takes approximately
two hours but involves crossing the International Date Line, causing
passengers to arrive the day before they left. This often causes confusion
in travel schedules, like hotel bookings (unless those schedules quote times
in UTC, but they typically do not since they must match domestic travel
times, local transport, or meeting times). Some examples of time zone
adjustments for real air trips are: Alaska-Siberia 21 hours, New
Zealand-Cook Islands 22 hours, and Samoa-Tonga 24 hours.
If someone circumnavigates the globe in an airplane from east to west (the
same direction as Magellan), they should subtract one hour for every 15° of
longitude crossed, losing 24 hours for one circuit of the globe; but 24
hours are added when crossing the International Date Line (from east to
west). The International Date Line must therefore be observed in conjunction
with Earth's time zones: the net adjustment to one's watch is zero. If one
crosses the date line at precisely midnight, going westward, one skips an
entire day; while going eastward, one repeats the entire day.
For two hours every day, at UTC 10:00–11:59, there are actually three
different days observed at the same time. At UTC time Thursday 10:15, for
example, it is Wednesday 23:15 in Samoa, which is eleven hours behind UTC,
and it is Friday 00:15 in Kiritimati (separated from Samoa by the IDL),
which is fourteen hours ahead of UTC. For the first hour (UTC 10:00–10:59),
this phenomenon affects inhabited territories, whereas during the second
hour (UTC 11:00–11:59) it only affects an uninhabited maritime time zone
twelve hours behind UTC.
Cultural references
The first date line problem occurred in association with the
circumnavigation of the globe by Magellan's expedition (1519–1522). The
surviving crew returned to a Spanish stopover sure of the day of the week,
as attested by various carefully maintained sailing logs. Nevertheless,
those on land insisted the day was different. This phenomenon, now readily
understandable, caused great excitement at the time, to the extent that a
special delegation was sent to the Pope to explain this temporal oddity to
him.
The effect of ignoring the date line is also seen in Jules Verne's book
Around the World in Eighty Days, in which the travelers, led by Phileas Fogg
return to London after a trip around the world, thinking that they have
lost the bet that is the central premise of the story. Having traveled the
direction opposite to the one taken by Magellan, they believe the date there
to be one day later than it truly is.
Lest anyone accuse Fogg of cheating by obtaining one extra day, this is not
so. Assuming a constant eastward speed, each travel day was 18 minutes short
of a full 24 hours, accumulating to one full day, which they failed to
correct as we would by setting our calendar back a day in mid-Pacific. Also,
similar information is found in The Twenty-One Balloons.
The date line is also a central factor in Umberto Eco's book The Island of
the Day Before, in which the protagonist finds himself on a becalmed ship,
with an island close at hand on the other side of the International Date
Line. Unable to swim, the protagonist's writings indulge in increasingly
confused speculation of the physical, metaphysical and religious import of
the date line.
De facto and de jure date lines
The IDL drawn on the map on this page and all other maps is now and always
has been an artificial construct of cartographers—it is de facto. No
international organization nor any treaty between nations has fixed the
straight line" segments and their junctions. All nations unilaterally
determine their standard time zones, which are applicable only on land and
adjacent territorial waters. These national zones do not extend into
international waters. Indeed, the 1884 International Meridian Conference
explicitly refused to propose or agree to any time zones, stating that they
were outside its purview. The conference resolved that the Universal Day
(midnight-to-midnight Greenwich Mean Time), which it did agree to, "shall
not interfere with the use of local or standard time where desirable".
The nautical date line is a de jure construction determined by international
agreement. It is the result of the 1917 Anglo-French Conference on
Time-keeping at Sea, which recommended that all ships, both military and
civilian, adopt hourly standard time zones on the high seas. The United
States, for example, adopted its recommendation for US military and merchant
marine ships in 1920. This date line is implied but not explicitly drawn on
time zone maps. It follows the 180° meridian except where it is interrupted
by territorial waters adjacent to land, forming gaps—it is a pole-to-pole
dashed line. Ships must adopt the standard time of a country if they are
within its territorial waters, but must revert to international time zones
(15° wide pole-to-pole gores) as soon as they leave its territorial waters.
In reality they use these time zones only for radio communication etc.
Internally in the ship, e.g. for work and meal hours they use a suitable
time zone of their own wish. The 15° gore that is offset from UTC by twelve
hours is bisected by the nautical date line into two 7.5° gores that differ
from UTC by ±12 hours.
Historical alterations
The Philippines, as part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, long had its most
important communication with Acapulco in Mexico, and was accordingly placed
on the east side of the date line, despite being at the western edge of the
Pacific Ocean. 00:01 Tuesday in London was 17:21 Monday in Acapulco and
about 08:05 Monday in Manila. During the 1840s, trade interests turned to
China, the Dutch East Indies and adjacent areas, and the Philippines was
changed to the west side of the date line. Monday, 30 December 1844 (ending
up as a 365-day year, despite being a leap year) was followed by Wednesday,
1 January 1845.
Until 1867, Alaska began Russia's day, with the date line following the
partially defined border between Russian Alaska and British North America,
including the colony of British Columbia. The day before the purchase by the
United States took effect, it was Friday, 6 October 1867, in the Julian
calendar (used by Russia at the time), which would have been 18 October in
the Gregorian calendar. The time in New Archangel would have been 12:00 when
it was 12:02, Thursday, 17 October, at the future site of Whitehorse, Yukon,
and 12:49, 17 October, at the future site of Vancouver, British Columbia.
With the transfer of governance, the date line was shifted (moving Alaska
back a day), and the calendar was changed (moving Alaska ahead 12 days), and
being effective at midnight the calendar moved ahead one day as well, for a
net change of 11 days. Friday, 6 October, was followed by Friday, 18 October
(not Saturday, 7 October).
Samoa changed in 1892, eight years following the international conference
that would result in de facto development of the Date Line. The king was
persuaded by American traders to adopt the American date, being three hours
behind California, to replace the former Asian date, being four hours ahead
of Japan. The change was made at the end of the day on Monday, 4 July 1892,
so there were 367 days (1892 being a leap year), including two occurrences
of Monday, 4 July.
The central Pacific Republic of Kiribati introduced a change of date for its
eastern half on 1 January 1995, from time zones −11 and −10 to +13 and +14.
Before this, the country was divided by the date line. This meant that the
date line in effect moved eastwards to go around this country. As a British
colony, Kiribati was centered in the Gilbert Islands, just west of the old
date line. Upon independence in 1979, the new republic acquired the Phoenix
and Line Islands from the United States and the country found itself
straddling the date line. Government offices on opposite sides of the line
could only communicate by radio or telephone on the four days of the week
when both sides experienced weekdays simultaneously. A consequence of this
time zone revision was that Kiribati, by virtue of its easternmost
possession, the uninhabited Caroline Atoll at 150°25′ west, started the year
2000 on its territory before any other country on earth, a feature which the
Kiribati government capitalized upon as a potential tourist draw. But Ariel
and Berger comment that the international community has not taken this date
line adjustment very seriously, noting that most world atlases still ignore
this Kiribati dateline shift and they continue to represent the
International Date as a straight line in the Kiribati area.
Jewish date lines
The concept of an international date line is first mentioned in a 12th
century Talmudic commentary which seems to indicate that the day changes in
an area where the time is six hours ahead of Jerusalem (90 degrees east of
Jerusalem, a line running through the Philippines). This line which he
refers to as the K'tzai Hamizrach (the easternmost line) is used to
calculate the day of Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year. According to some
sources it is alluded to in the Talmud (Rosh Hashana and Eruvin) as well as
in the Jerusalem Talmud.
The date line poses a problem for religious travelers relative to the day on which to observe the Shabbat and Holidays. The Shabbat is on the seventh day of the week which is constant if you stay on the same side of the date line. The problem occurs when a Jewish traveler crosses the line and for him it is Friday but for the city he is visiting, it is Saturday. Most authorities[by whom?] hold that he should keep his own calendar (so it is still Friday for him) until he meets locals for whom it is Saturday and only then would he use the local calendar.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Origin of Samoa
The origin of Samoa, according to the stories told by the chiefs, is that Samoan people are actually from unknown land call "Savaiki", which most people believe is in Savaii. According to the ancient Samoan belief, everyone in the Polynesian area is from Savaiki. This is in accord with folk stories from other cultures in the Polynesian area: The Tongans believed that they are from Hauaiki, Maori people believe that they are from Hawaiki, Hawaiians believed that they are from Hawaii. It was originally believed that all Polynesians migrated from Hawaii, but DNA analysis indicates that these cultures are closely related to Samoans. It is thought that migration patterns from Samoa led the Polynesian people northward to Hawaii, southward to Maori, eastward to Fiji and westward to Tonga.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Tutuila, Pago Pago, American Samoa
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Pago Pago is located in American Samoa
Coordinates: 14°16′46″S 170°42′02″W / 14.27944°S 170.70056°W / -14.27944;
-170.70056
Country United States
Territory American Samoa
Pago Pago in English, by native Samoan speakers, Pango Pango, is the
capital of American Samoa. Its 2000 population was 11,500. The village is
located in Pago Pago Harbor, on the island of Tutuila. Tourism,
entertainment, food, and tuna canning are the primary industries here. From
1878 to 1951, this was a coaling and repair station for the U.S. Navy. A
portion of the docks at Fagatogo in Pago Pago Harbor. In the background is
the Rainmaker (Pioa) Mountain. Fagatogo was struck by a tsunami on 29
September 2009, causing moderate damage and rock slides.
A statue of Starkist Tuna mascot Charlie the Tuna at the company cannery in
Atu'u, Pago Pago, American Samoa
Pago Pago is one of the several villages in the Urban agglomeration of Pago
Pago along the shore of Pago Pago Harbor located at the very eastern part
(inside) of the embayment. The area includes a number of villages, among
them Fagatogo, the legislative and judicial area, and Utulei, the executive
area.
However, because the name Pago Pago is associated with the harbor itself -
the only significant port of call in American Samoa - Pago Pago is now
generally applied not only to the village itself, but to the whole harbor
area and to the villages in it. It is in this sense that Pago Pago becomes
the de facto capital town of American Samoa.
Pago Pago is a mixture of colorful semi-urban communities, a small town,
tuna canneries (which provide employment for a third of the population of
Tutuila) and a harbor surrounded by dramatic cliffs, which plunge almost
straight into the sea. A climb to the summit of Mt. Alava (see National Park
of American Samoa) provides a magnificent bird's-eye view of the harbor and
town.
In January 1942 Pago Pago Harbor was shelled by a Japanese submarine, but
this remained the only action on the islands during World War II.
Until 1980, one could experience the view from the peak by taking an aerial
tramway over the harbor, but on April 17 of that year a U.S. Navy plane,
flying overhead as part of the Flag Day celebrations, struck the cable; the
plane crashed into a wing of the Rainmaker Hotel. The tram remains unusable,
although according to Lonely Planet, plans have been put forth to reopen it.
Less spectacular, but worth the drive, is the view from the top of the pass
above Aua Village on the road to Afono.
Both the port itself and the legislature of American Samoa — known as the
Fono" are in Fagatogo, a village adjacent to Pago Pago. Similarly, the once
famous Rainmaker Hotel (now closed) is in the village of Utule'i, adjacent
to Fagatogo along the south shore of the long harbor. The canneries are in
Atu'u, on the harbor's north shore. It is suggested that one must avoid
eating any fish or invertebrate caught in Pago Pago Harbor because they are
contaminated with heavy metals and other pollutants.
On September 29, 2009, an earthquake struck in the South Pacific, near Samoa
and American Samoa, sending a tsunami into Pago Pago and surrounding areas.
The tsunami caused damage ranging from moderate to severe to villages,
buildings and vehicles and caused an unknown number of deaths.
Alasan Mengapa Harus Membunyikan Klakson Saat Melintasi Rel Kereta Api
Menurut teori analisis, induksi magnetik dari gesekan roda kereta dan
rel, mengganggu elektrisitas kendaraan yg ada diatas rel. Itupun kalau
mesin kendaraan dalam kondisi idle (langsam). Maka mesin akan mati.
(Tapi bila mesin dalam kondisi di-gas kencang, medan magnet tak cukup
kuat mematikan listrik kendaraan). Untuk memicu arus listrik awal, maka
pencetlah klakson cukup lama. Karena klakson langsung dapat arus dari
accu. Pancingan arus inilah yang dipakai untuk mulai starter lagi.
rel, mengganggu elektrisitas kendaraan yg ada diatas rel. Itupun kalau
mesin kendaraan dalam kondisi idle (langsam). Maka mesin akan mati.
(Tapi bila mesin dalam kondisi di-gas kencang, medan magnet tak cukup
kuat mematikan listrik kendaraan). Untuk memicu arus listrik awal, maka
pencetlah klakson cukup lama. Karena klakson langsung dapat arus dari
accu. Pancingan arus inilah yang dipakai untuk mulai starter lagi.
Darmawacana Prabu Darmayasa di Pura Agung Tirta Buana Bekasi
Pada tanggal 5 April 2009, Prabu Darmayasa memberikan darmawacana di Pura
Bekasi jam 10.00 pagi di acara arisan Tempek Harapan Jaya. Dalam acara
tersebut Prabu menguraikan beberapa hal sbb:
1) Mantram penyucian diri
Setiap membicarakan hal-hal suci biasakan kita membaca mantram penyucian
diri walaupun di rumah sudah mandi dengan bersih. Untuk mandi ada berbagai
macam mandi yaitu mandi dengan sabun, mandi dengan abu suci dan mandi dengan
srawanam. Disamping itu ada juga mandi dengan mantram dan salah satu
mantramnya adalah sbb:
OM APAWITRA PAWITROWA
SARWAWASTANG GATOPI WA
YAH SMARET PUNDARIKAKSAM
SA BAHYA ABHYANTARA SUCIH
SRI WISNU, SRI WISNU, SRI WISNU
ARTINYA:
Ya Tuhan, apakah hamba dalam keadaan suci atau tidak suci, atau dalam
keadaan apa pun hamba, -- dengan mengingat Pundarikasam (Tuhan YME) di dalam
hati, mohon hamba disucikan lahir bathin.
Jika membersihkan diri dengan air, sebelum mandi ucapkan mantram berikut
pada air yang akan disiramkan ke tubuh
OM GANGGE CA YAMUNA CAIWA
GODAWARI SARASWATI
NARMADE SINDHO KAWERI
JALE'SMIN SANNIDHIM KURU
Artinya:
Om , Ya Dewi Gangga, Dewi Saraswati, Dewi Yamuna, Dewi Godawari, Dewi
Narmada, Dewi Sindhu dan Dewi Kaweri, semoga Anda semua berkenan datang dan
berkumpul di dalam air ini untuk menyucikan diri hamba lahir batin.
Mantra itu bukan kata-kata yang tersusun secara biasa yang dibuat oleh
seseorang tapi mantra itu adalah suatu formula yang didapat oleh resi-resi
dari Tuhan. Mantra ini banyak bertebaran di angkasa. Para resi disebut resi
karena beliau sudah mampu melihat mantra. Mantra ini diturunkan oleh Tuhan
sudah menjadi formula Sama halnya dengan obat sudah menajadi formula untuk
menyembuhkan suatu penyakit. Demikian pula mantra ini sudah diturunkan jadi
formula untuk tujuan-tujuan tertentu.
Dengan mengucapkan mantra, maka mantram akan langsung bekerja didalam diri
kita sendiri. Jika mantra penyucian diri yang tersebut diatas diucapkan
berkali-kali maka mantra itu suatu saat akan dapat menyucikan diri kita.
Bukti mantra bukan sembarang kata-kata dapat dilihat pada air yang diberi
mantra lalu dicipratkan pada orang yang kesurupan, maka orang kesurupan itu
langsung jadi sadar.
2) Belajar Bhagawadgita
Bhagawad gita yang di pelajari di Pura bekasi yaitu Bhagawadgita BAB VI
sloka 21.
PRAPAYA PUNYA KRTAM LOKAM
USITVA SASVATIH SAMAH
SUCINAM SRI MATAM GEHE
YOGA BHRASTO BHIJAYATE
Artinya:
Sesudah seorang yogi yang tidak mencapai sukses menikmati selama
bertahun-tahun di planit-planit mahluk yang saleh, ia dilahirkan dalam
keluarga orang saleh atau dalam keluarga bangsawan yang kaya.
Bhagawadgita sangat perlu dibaca atau dikumandangkan di rumah setiap hari
tidak perlu banyak-banyak cukup satu sloka setiap hari maka rumah akan
terasa damai tenang dsbnya. Perlu diketahui kalau belajar Bhagawadgita
sebaiknya dari bahasa aslinya yaitu bahasa sansekerta. Walaupun tidak
mengerti artinya tapi begitu membaca bhagawad gita langsung nyambung dengan
Tuhan.. Karena Bhagawadgita diturunkan dalam bahasa aslinya langsung oleh
Tuhan.. Jika jari tangan dimasukkan kecolokan listrik kita terasa kena strum
maka begitupula bila kita membaca bhabagawad gita kita langsung kena strum
walaupun kita tidak mengerti arti sloka itu.
3) Membentuk Pribadi anak
Pada umumnya orang tua mengutamakan membentuk anaknya menjadi anak yang
pintar dan sukses. Begitu sukses anaknya bukannya menghormati orang tua tapi
anak sering menajdikan orang tua sebagai musuh. Bahkan tidak jarang orang
tua dijadikan pembantu di rumahnya. Inilah kesalahan orang tua dalam
membentuk pribadi anak. Seharusnya orang tua dalam mendidik anak harus
mengutakamakan pembentukan pribadi anak yang baik atau suputra. Karena anak
suputra akan dapat menyelamatkan orang tua dari neraka dan anak suputra juga
dapat menebus dosa leluhur maupun keturunannya seperti yang dikatakan oleh
sloka Manawa Dharmasastra III.37 sbb:
Dasa puurwaanparaan wamsyaan
Aatmaanam caikavimcakam.
Braahmiiputrah sukrita krnmoca
Yedenasah ptrrna
Artinya:
Putra yang lahir dari perkawinan Brahma Wiwaha, jika melakukan hal-hal yang
baik dan berguna, Putra itu akan dapat menebus dosa sepuluh tingkat leluhur
dan sepuluh tingkat keturunnanya. Ia sendiri sebagai orang yang kedua puluh
satu manikmati pahala perbuatan baik itu.
Ada salah satu teknik yang mudah untuk membentuk pribadi anak agar menjadi
anak yang baik.
a) Pagi-pagi saat brahma muhurta bangunlah dan duduk mehadap ke timur. Sebut
nama Tuhan beberapa kali setelah itu lakukan meditasi. Setelah meditasi
bayangkan wajah anak dan doakan anak menjadi anak yang baik atau suputra dan
menghormati orang tua. Doakan pula si anak agar menjadi anak yang sukses.
Hal ini lebih baik dilakukan oleh si ibu setiap pagi.
b) Ambil foto anak dan dupa dinyalakan kemudian dupa diputar-putar didepan
foto sambil membayangkan mengambil sifat-sifat buruk dari si anak lalu dupa
di tancapkan di depan halaman rumah. Sangat penting menyalakan dupa didepan
foto anak karena dupa dapat mengambil keburukan-keburukan anak dan
membuangnya ke udara.
Setelah prabu Darmayasa menguraikan hal-hal seperti diatas, lalu dilanjutkan
dengan diskusi. Nampaknya para pendengar sangat antusias sekali mengikuti
dharmawacana ini sampai-sampai waktu sudah melewati jam makan siang tidak
terasa.
Demikian resume yang dapat saya sampaikan dan jika terdapat hal-hal kurang
berkenan mohon dimaafkan. Bagi anggota Hdnet yang hadir pada waktu itu mohon
koreksi jika ada kesalahan.
Tulisan ini diresume oleh I Made Winadi Yasa
Bekasi jam 10.00 pagi di acara arisan Tempek Harapan Jaya. Dalam acara
tersebut Prabu menguraikan beberapa hal sbb:
1) Mantram penyucian diri
Setiap membicarakan hal-hal suci biasakan kita membaca mantram penyucian
diri walaupun di rumah sudah mandi dengan bersih. Untuk mandi ada berbagai
macam mandi yaitu mandi dengan sabun, mandi dengan abu suci dan mandi dengan
srawanam. Disamping itu ada juga mandi dengan mantram dan salah satu
mantramnya adalah sbb:
OM APAWITRA PAWITROWA
SARWAWASTANG GATOPI WA
YAH SMARET PUNDARIKAKSAM
SA BAHYA ABHYANTARA SUCIH
SRI WISNU, SRI WISNU, SRI WISNU
ARTINYA:
Ya Tuhan, apakah hamba dalam keadaan suci atau tidak suci, atau dalam
keadaan apa pun hamba, -- dengan mengingat Pundarikasam (Tuhan YME) di dalam
hati, mohon hamba disucikan lahir bathin.
Jika membersihkan diri dengan air, sebelum mandi ucapkan mantram berikut
pada air yang akan disiramkan ke tubuh
OM GANGGE CA YAMUNA CAIWA
GODAWARI SARASWATI
NARMADE SINDHO KAWERI
JALE'SMIN SANNIDHIM KURU
Artinya:
Om , Ya Dewi Gangga, Dewi Saraswati, Dewi Yamuna, Dewi Godawari, Dewi
Narmada, Dewi Sindhu dan Dewi Kaweri, semoga Anda semua berkenan datang dan
berkumpul di dalam air ini untuk menyucikan diri hamba lahir batin.
Mantra itu bukan kata-kata yang tersusun secara biasa yang dibuat oleh
seseorang tapi mantra itu adalah suatu formula yang didapat oleh resi-resi
dari Tuhan. Mantra ini banyak bertebaran di angkasa. Para resi disebut resi
karena beliau sudah mampu melihat mantra. Mantra ini diturunkan oleh Tuhan
sudah menjadi formula Sama halnya dengan obat sudah menajadi formula untuk
menyembuhkan suatu penyakit. Demikian pula mantra ini sudah diturunkan jadi
formula untuk tujuan-tujuan tertentu.
Dengan mengucapkan mantra, maka mantram akan langsung bekerja didalam diri
kita sendiri. Jika mantra penyucian diri yang tersebut diatas diucapkan
berkali-kali maka mantra itu suatu saat akan dapat menyucikan diri kita.
Bukti mantra bukan sembarang kata-kata dapat dilihat pada air yang diberi
mantra lalu dicipratkan pada orang yang kesurupan, maka orang kesurupan itu
langsung jadi sadar.
2) Belajar Bhagawadgita
Bhagawad gita yang di pelajari di Pura bekasi yaitu Bhagawadgita BAB VI
sloka 21.
PRAPAYA PUNYA KRTAM LOKAM
USITVA SASVATIH SAMAH
SUCINAM SRI MATAM GEHE
YOGA BHRASTO BHIJAYATE
Artinya:
Sesudah seorang yogi yang tidak mencapai sukses menikmati selama
bertahun-tahun di planit-planit mahluk yang saleh, ia dilahirkan dalam
keluarga orang saleh atau dalam keluarga bangsawan yang kaya.
Bhagawadgita sangat perlu dibaca atau dikumandangkan di rumah setiap hari
tidak perlu banyak-banyak cukup satu sloka setiap hari maka rumah akan
terasa damai tenang dsbnya. Perlu diketahui kalau belajar Bhagawadgita
sebaiknya dari bahasa aslinya yaitu bahasa sansekerta. Walaupun tidak
mengerti artinya tapi begitu membaca bhagawad gita langsung nyambung dengan
Tuhan.. Karena Bhagawadgita diturunkan dalam bahasa aslinya langsung oleh
Tuhan.. Jika jari tangan dimasukkan kecolokan listrik kita terasa kena strum
maka begitupula bila kita membaca bhabagawad gita kita langsung kena strum
walaupun kita tidak mengerti arti sloka itu.
3) Membentuk Pribadi anak
Pada umumnya orang tua mengutamakan membentuk anaknya menjadi anak yang
pintar dan sukses. Begitu sukses anaknya bukannya menghormati orang tua tapi
anak sering menajdikan orang tua sebagai musuh. Bahkan tidak jarang orang
tua dijadikan pembantu di rumahnya. Inilah kesalahan orang tua dalam
membentuk pribadi anak. Seharusnya orang tua dalam mendidik anak harus
mengutakamakan pembentukan pribadi anak yang baik atau suputra. Karena anak
suputra akan dapat menyelamatkan orang tua dari neraka dan anak suputra juga
dapat menebus dosa leluhur maupun keturunannya seperti yang dikatakan oleh
sloka Manawa Dharmasastra III.37 sbb:
Dasa puurwaanparaan wamsyaan
Aatmaanam caikavimcakam.
Braahmiiputrah sukrita krnmoca
Yedenasah ptrrna
Artinya:
Putra yang lahir dari perkawinan Brahma Wiwaha, jika melakukan hal-hal yang
baik dan berguna, Putra itu akan dapat menebus dosa sepuluh tingkat leluhur
dan sepuluh tingkat keturunnanya. Ia sendiri sebagai orang yang kedua puluh
satu manikmati pahala perbuatan baik itu.
Ada salah satu teknik yang mudah untuk membentuk pribadi anak agar menjadi
anak yang baik.
a) Pagi-pagi saat brahma muhurta bangunlah dan duduk mehadap ke timur. Sebut
nama Tuhan beberapa kali setelah itu lakukan meditasi. Setelah meditasi
bayangkan wajah anak dan doakan anak menjadi anak yang baik atau suputra dan
menghormati orang tua. Doakan pula si anak agar menjadi anak yang sukses.
Hal ini lebih baik dilakukan oleh si ibu setiap pagi.
b) Ambil foto anak dan dupa dinyalakan kemudian dupa diputar-putar didepan
foto sambil membayangkan mengambil sifat-sifat buruk dari si anak lalu dupa
di tancapkan di depan halaman rumah. Sangat penting menyalakan dupa didepan
foto anak karena dupa dapat mengambil keburukan-keburukan anak dan
membuangnya ke udara.
Setelah prabu Darmayasa menguraikan hal-hal seperti diatas, lalu dilanjutkan
dengan diskusi. Nampaknya para pendengar sangat antusias sekali mengikuti
dharmawacana ini sampai-sampai waktu sudah melewati jam makan siang tidak
terasa.
Demikian resume yang dapat saya sampaikan dan jika terdapat hal-hal kurang
berkenan mohon dimaafkan. Bagi anggota Hdnet yang hadir pada waktu itu mohon
koreksi jika ada kesalahan.
Tulisan ini diresume oleh I Made Winadi Yasa
Captain James Cook – The Discoverer
James Cook was born in Yorkshire, England in 1728 to a farmhand from
Scotland. His first exposure to the sea came at the age of 18 when he was
apprenticed to John Walker, a well-known ship owner. At 21, he was rated
"able seaman" and worked on board ships in the North Sea trade. Being some
of the most challenging seas in the world, this was good training for his
future career. After 8 years at sea and working up the ranks, he was
offered the command of a bark. He chose instead to become an able seaman for
the Royal Navy. A tall man with a striking appearance and an excellent
power of command, he again rose through the ranks, and at the age of 29 he
was made Master of the HMS Pembroke. During the Seven Years War with France
(1756 - 1763), he was active in the Royal Navy and afterward began his
career in exploration.
In 1768, the Royal Admiralty organized the first scientific expedition to
the South Pacific and appointed James Cook as Commander of the HMS Endeavor.
He was called on to find the mysterious southern continent, or Terra
Australis, which was believed by philosophers to exist in order to balance
the northern continents. On this voyage, Cook charted all of New Zealand
and in 1770 came across the southeast coast of Australia. With the success
of this voyage behind him, he began to organize a more ambitious voyage.
Cook was sent with two ships to make the first circumnavigation and
penetration of Antarctica. On this voyage (1772-1775), he successfully
completed the first circumnavigation in the high latitudes and charted Tonga
Easter Island, New Caledonia, the South Sandwich Islands and South Georgia
Island.
The third voyage (1776-1779) was in search of a northwest passage around Canada and Alaska or a northeast passage around Siberia. This was unsuccessful because a passage navigable by sail ships did not exist. However, he did succeed in charting much of the North American coast. It was this voyage that led to his death. During an argument, he was slain by Polynesian natives on the beach at Kealakehua Bay, Hawaii. James Cook's discoveries extended to the fields of anthropology, natural science, medicine, seamanship, navigation and geography. His contributions changed the map of the world more than any single man in history.
Scotland. His first exposure to the sea came at the age of 18 when he was
apprenticed to John Walker, a well-known ship owner. At 21, he was rated
"able seaman" and worked on board ships in the North Sea trade. Being some
of the most challenging seas in the world, this was good training for his
future career. After 8 years at sea and working up the ranks, he was
offered the command of a bark. He chose instead to become an able seaman for
the Royal Navy. A tall man with a striking appearance and an excellent
power of command, he again rose through the ranks, and at the age of 29 he
was made Master of the HMS Pembroke. During the Seven Years War with France
(1756 - 1763), he was active in the Royal Navy and afterward began his
career in exploration.
In 1768, the Royal Admiralty organized the first scientific expedition to
the South Pacific and appointed James Cook as Commander of the HMS Endeavor.
He was called on to find the mysterious southern continent, or Terra
Australis, which was believed by philosophers to exist in order to balance
the northern continents. On this voyage, Cook charted all of New Zealand
and in 1770 came across the southeast coast of Australia. With the success
of this voyage behind him, he began to organize a more ambitious voyage.
Cook was sent with two ships to make the first circumnavigation and
penetration of Antarctica. On this voyage (1772-1775), he successfully
completed the first circumnavigation in the high latitudes and charted Tonga
Easter Island, New Caledonia, the South Sandwich Islands and South Georgia
Island.
The third voyage (1776-1779) was in search of a northwest passage around Canada and Alaska or a northeast passage around Siberia. This was unsuccessful because a passage navigable by sail ships did not exist. However, he did succeed in charting much of the North American coast. It was this voyage that led to his death. During an argument, he was slain by Polynesian natives on the beach at Kealakehua Bay, Hawaii. James Cook's discoveries extended to the fields of anthropology, natural science, medicine, seamanship, navigation and geography. His contributions changed the map of the world more than any single man in history.
Memaksimalkan Potensi Kepemimpinan dalam Diri Kita (Hindari Kesombongan)
Oleh: Grace Sabarus
Wajah Alexander Hamilton tercetak di uang kertas sepuluh dollar Amerika.
Dialah orang pertama yang menjadi pejabat sekelas pemimpin puncak Bank
Indonesia. Dia mendesain sistem keuangan negeri itu dan merupakan pahlawan
dalam perang revolusi. Tapi, ketika sejumlah nama diperhitungkan sebagai
American Founding Fathers, Hamilton tidak termasuk di antaranya. Mengapa?
Kesombongan.
Wajah Alexander Hamilton tercetak di uang kertas sepuluh dollar Amerika.
Dialah orang pertama yang menjadi pejabat sekelas pemimpin puncak Bank
Indonesia. Dia mendesain sistem keuangan negeri itu dan merupakan pahlawan
dalam perang revolusi. Tapi, ketika sejumlah nama diperhitungkan sebagai
American Founding Fathers, Hamilton tidak termasuk di antaranya. Mengapa?
Kesombongan.
Sikap Hamilton yang mementingkan diri sendiri dan ketidakmampuannya
mengatasi performance feedback dari orang-orang yang bekerja dengannya
menyabot karirnya. Ego benar-benar telah membunuhnya. Ini bukan ungkapan.
Dia tertembak dan terbunuh ketika terjadi duel dengan politisi Aaron Burr.
Kepemimpinannya jauh dari efektif dan rekonsiliasi tidak ada dalam kamusnya
ketika berada dalam perselisihan pendapat dengan rekan kerja. Sikap tidak
menerima masukan tertumpuk menjadi tembok batu dan membayangi hubungannya
dengan orang lain. Kesombongan mendahului kehancuran, pepatah kuno ini
terbukti.
Problem Terbesar
Pride dalam Bahasa Inggris bisa berarti harga diri dan penghargaan pada diri
sendiri. Saya lebih suka menggunakan istilah Self-Image atau Gambar-Diri
untuk pengertian ini. Tapi, pride juga bisa berarti kejahatan mematikan yang
mempertontonkan kesombongan dan arogansi. Ketika seseorang dipenuhi oleh
kesombongan, ia akan menjadi kaku, keras kepala dan menciptakan perselisihan
dengan orang lain. Kesombongan menghalangi pemimpin mengenali kekuatan
anggota tim. Karena sikapnya yang self-centred, berpusat pada diri sendiri,
ia gagal mengapresiasi kekuatan mereka. Dia merendahkan manfaat kerja sama,
dan mengandalkan kekuatannya sendiri untuk menyelesaikan masalah dan
memajukan organisasi.
Kesombongan juga mendorong kita menjadi sulit diajar. Pemimpin yang merasa
sudah menguasai semua hal tidak tertarik untuk mengalami pertumbuhan pribadi
Egonya menuntun dia untuk yakin bahwa dia telah tiba di puncak dan menolak
untuk belajar dari kehidupan, dari orang lain maupun dari setiap situasi
yang dihadapinya. Kesombongan juga menutup pintu hati dari umpan balik orang
lain pada kita. Stephen Covey menulis di bukunya yang terkenal The Seven
Habits of Highly Effective People, "It takes humility to seek feedback. It
takes wisdom to understand it, analyze it, and appropriately act on it."
Ketika pertama kali bekerja dengan pemimpin saya, feedback yang saya terima
sangat menyakitkan. Pola pikir masing-masing seperti jurang lebar yang
panjang dan tidak jelas titik temunya. Satu tahun saya membangun tembok batu
dan interaksi sehari-hari semakin tajam. Sampai suatu titik saya tidak kuat
lagi memelihara kesombongan yang mengacaukan efektivitas kepemimpinan.
Memilih untuk melakukan apa yang Covey katakan memberi kelegaan. Memeluk
kerendahan-hati dengan mengakui kesombongan serta meminta maaf kepada
pemimpin. Malu hati? Pasti. Tapi, tidak layak dipertahankan, karena kelegaan
yang saya alami jauh lebih berharga. Satu wisdom saya peroleh, semakin hari
semakin mudah menerima feedback, karena kerendahan-hati mulai bekerja hari
demi hari. Belum sempurna, karena terkadang hati masih terasa panas.
Feedback dan kritikan tetap berlangsung sampai hari ini. Tepi, ada perubahan
respon karena kesadaran emosi mulai bertumbuh.
Mengakui kesalahan juga merupakan penghalang terbesar seorang pemimpin
menjadi efektif. Teriakan Duke of Wellington kepada bawahannya menjadi
lelucon korporasi, "God knows I have many faults, but being wrong is not one
of them!" Kesombongan tidak memberi ruang untuk gagal. Boss will never be
wrong. Salahkan orang lain dan tolak bukti kesalahan, inilah filosofi
kesombongan.
Kesombongan akan mencegah Anda mengalami hidup yang lebih baik. Lebih baik
mempertahankan status quo daripada terbuka kepada pembaharuan. Apalagi bila
perubahan dilakukan pemimpin baru yang ingin merombak sistem yang
dibangunnya. Bertahan dengan kantong kulit tua akan membuatnya pecah ketika
anggur baru dituang di organisasinya. Akan sulit bagi pemimpin membuat
rencana pengembangan potensi pribadi, karena kesombongan menghalanginya
untuk melakukan self-assessment. Jalan menuju visi hidupnya tidak tampak.
Kesombongan tidak mengizinkan ia menjadi pribadi yang maksimal. Ketika
menderita dikendalikan oleh kesombongan, setiap hari memikirkan kritikan
atasan. Setelah mengakui kesalahan dan meminta maaf, fokus shifting kepada
visi organisasi dan visi pribadi.
Yang paling tragis, kesombongan menghancurkan hubungan. Lawan kata dari
menghargai orang lain bukanlah membenci orang lain tapi mementingkan diri
sendiri. Ketika pemimpin menjadi self-absorbed atau fokus terhadap hidup dan
kepentingan diri sendiri, ia akan mengisolasi dirinya dari kehangatan
hubungan dengan orang lain. Kepedulian sejati terhadap orang lain bukan
diuji dengan berapa besar kesetiaan kita kepadanya ketika ia jatuh. Apakah
kita merasakan semangat kegembiraannya ketika ia sukses, itulah ukuran
kepedulian sejati.
Salah satu klien saya tidak mendapatkan promosi jabatan selama enam tahun
sekali pun prestasinya diakui. Penderitaannya sangat terasa sehingga saya
turut prihatin dan berharap bersamanya. Ketika ia memberitakan promosinya
tahun lalu, tidak ada kegembiraan melebihi rasa syukur saat ia mengalami
salah satu terobosan hidup: bertekun dalam penantian. Bukan saya otoritas
yang memberinya promosi atau pembawa kabar baik itu. Tapi, saya peroleh
wisdom: ketika saya turut dalam penderitaannya dengan memberi pengharapan
dan dorongan, saya turut serta dalam kegembiraannya. Ini memberi gairah baru
untuk semakin berfokus kepada keberhasilan orang lain mengalami pertumbuhan.
Bagaimana Memperbaikinya?
Pepatah kuno berkata, "Bila kesombongan menguasai seseorang, ia akan
merendahkan orang lain. Tapi, di mana ada kerendahan-hati, wisdom akan
mengikutinya."Salah satu cara memperoleh kerendahan-hati dimulai dengan
mengakui kesombongan kita. Rendah hati adalah lawan kata sombong. Inilah
demonstrasi sikap kita menghargai orang lain dan memuliakan Penguasa Tunggal
hidup kita.
Setelah mengakui kesombongan, carilah tuntunan dan koreksi. Latih diri
menjadi pribadi yang mudah diajar dan dibentuk. Selain itu, jadilah pelayan
bagi orang lain dengan memenuhi kebutuhan utamanya: kata-kata yang
mengangkat kekuatan batin. Bersyukur atas posisi kepemimpinan dan bersyukur
atas sejumlah bawahan yang dipercayakan kepada kita juga akan menolong
menghancurkan ego. Bagaimana dengan mentertawakan ego yang selalu berusaha
menguasai kita? Baik juga untuk meningkatkan self-awareness.
Setiap Anda masuk dalam peran kepemimpinan, ingatlah Alexander Hamilton.
Kita bisa saja memiliki banyak pencapaian namun tanpa kerendahan-hati dan
bersyukur, pemimpin dalam diri kita tidak menjadi maksimal. Membereskan
problema kesombongan akan meningkatkan hubungan-hubungan Anda dan mengangkat
kredibilitas sebagai pemimpin.
Salary Negotiation Etiquette
Tips from your friends at Hospitality Talent Scouts!
During the interview process, salary discussions and negotiations are
usually, if not always, the last thing discussed. This is often after
numerous interviews that may be rigorous in nature. When you think about it,
how the whole thing works really is kind of humorous.
Hotel and restaurant managers spend all day long figuring out, and talking
about, how they can enhance the guest experience so they can make more
income for their owners or shareholders. There is nothing wrong with that,
after all, because hotels and restaurants are businesses, and businesses are
in business to make money, right?
Then why is it taboo to talk about salaries up front in an interview? What's
wrong with discussing early in an interview how much income the candidate
can make for themselves or their family to support the necessities that come
with living or having the funds to support education, retirement, etc.?
Aren't these good and reasonable questions?
Is it really an issue of tradition or etiquette, or is it an issue of an
individual's motivation? Is wanting to earn more money and talking about it
up front considered shallow? Individually, it might be considered that way,
although a business has the same aspirations. So what's the difference?
The difference is that businesses are looking for individuals who are
passionate in what they do, and therefore money is a reward, not the primary
driver. Businesses want people who are motivated to be of service to others.
In the hospitality industry, this is what drives guest satisfaction and, in
the end, what drives profits.
Proper etiquette says that if you want the job, and if you want a better
chance at getting the salary you want then first do a good job of showing
your value to the business and let salary be the last item on the agenda!
Weda Sumber Ajaran Agama Hindu
Pengertian Weda
Sumber ajaran agama Hindu adalah Kitab Suci Weda, yaitu kitab yang berisikan
ajaran kesucian yang diwahyukan oleh Hyang Widhi Wasa melalui para Maha Rsi.
Weda merupakan jiwa yang meresapi seluruh ajaran Hindu, laksana sumber air
yang mengalir terus melalui sungai-sungai yang amat panjang dalam sepanjang
abad. Weda adalah sabda suci atau wahyu Tuhan Yang Maha Esa.
Weda secara ethimologinya berasal dari kata "Vid" (bahasa sansekerta), yang
artinya mengetahui atau pengetahuan. Weda adalah ilmu pengetahuan suci yang
maha sempurna dan kekal abadi serta berasal dari Hyang Widhi Wasa. Kitab
Suci Weda dikenal pula dengan Sruti, yang artinya bahwa kitab suci Weda
adalah wahyu yang diterima melalui pendengaran suci dengan kemekaran intuisi
para maha Rsi. Juga disebut kitab mantra karena memuat nyanyian-nyanyian
pujaan. Dengan demikian yang dimaksud dengan Weda adalah Sruti dan merupakan
kitab yang tidak boleh diragukan kebenarannya dan berasal dari Hyang Widhi
Wasa.
Bahasa Weda
Bahasa yang dipergunakan dalam Weda disebut bahasa Sansekerta, Nama
sansekerta dipopulerkan oleh Maharsi Panini, yaitu seorang penulis Tata
Bahasa Sensekerta yang berjudul Astadhyayi yang sampai kini masih menjadi
buku pedoman pokok dalam mempelajari Sansekerta.
Sebelum nama Sansekerta menjadi populer, maka bahasa yang dipergunakan dalam
Weda dikenal dengan nama Daiwi Wak (bahasa/sabda Dewata). Tokoh yang
merintis penggunaan tata bahasa Sansekerta ialah Rsi Panini. Kemudian
dilanjutkan oleh Rsi Patanjali dengan karyanya adalah kitab Bhasa. Jejak
Patanjali diikuti pula oleh Rsi Wararuci.
Pembagian dan Isi Weda
Weda adalah kitab suci yang mencakup berbagai aspek kehidupan yang
diperlukan oleh manusia. Berdasarkan materi, isi dan luas lingkupnya, maka
jenis buku weda itu banyak. Maha Rsi Manu membagi jenis isi Weda itu ke
dalam dua kelompok besar yaitu Weda Sruti dan Weda Smerti. Pembagian ini
juga dipergunakan untuk menamakan semua jenis buku yang dikelompokkan
sebagai kitab Weda, baik yang telah berkembang dan tumbuh menurut tafsir
sebagaimana dilakukan secara turun temurun menurut tradisi maupun sebagai
wahyu yang berlaku secara institusional ilmiah.
Kelompok Weda Sruti isinya hanya memuat wahyu, sedangkan kelompok Smerti
isinya bersumber dari Weda Sruti, jadi merupakan manual, yakni buku pedoman
yang sisinya tidak bertentangan dengan Sruti. Baik Sruti maupun Smerti,
keduanya adalah sumber ajaran agama Hindu yang tidak boleh diragukan
kebenarannya.
Agaknya sloka berikut ini mempertegas pernyataan di atas:
Srutistu wedo wijneyo dharma
sastram tu wai smerth,
te sarrtheswamimamsye tab
hyam dharmohi nirbabhau. (M. Dh.11.1o).
Artinya:
Sesungguhnya Sruti adalah Weda, demikian pula Smrti itu adalah dharma sastra
keduanya harus tidak boleh diragukan dalam hal apapun juga karena keduanya
adalah kitab suci yang menjadi sumber ajaran agama Hindu. (Dharma)
Weda khilo dharma mulam
smrti sile ca tad widam,
acarasca iwa sadhunam
atmanastustireqaca. (M. Dh. II.6).
Artinya:
Seluruh Weda merupakan sumber utama dari pada agama Hindu (Dharma), kemudian
barulah Smerti di samping Sila (kebiasaan- kebiasaan yang baik dari
orang-orang yang menghayati Weda). dan kemudian acara yaitu tradisi dari
orang-orang suci serta akhirnya Atmasturi (rasa puas diri sendiri).
Srutir wedah samakhyato
dharmasastram tu wai smrth,
te sarwatheswam imamsye
tabhyam dharmo winir bhrtah. (S.S.37).
Artinya:
Ketahuilah olehmu Sruti itu adalah Weda (dan) Smerti itu sesungguhnya adalah
dharmasastra; keduanya harus diyakini kebenarannya dan dijadikan jalan serta
dituruti agar sempurnalah dalam dharma itu.
Dari sloka-sloka diatas, maka tegaslah bahwa Sruti dan Smerti merupakan
dasar utama ajaran Hindu yang kebenarannya tidak boleh dibantah. Sruti dan
Smerti merupakan dasar yang harus dipegang teguh, supaya dituruti ajarannya
untuk setiap usaha.
Untuk mempermudah sistem pembahasan materi isi Weda, maka dibawah ini akan
diuraikan tiap-tiap bagian dari Weda itu sebagai berikut:
SRUTI
Sruti adalah kitab wahyu yang diturunkan secara langsung oleh Tuhan (Hyang
Widhi Wasa) melalui para maha Rsi. Sruti adalah Weda yang sebenarnya
(originair) yang diterima melalui pendengaran, yang diturunkan sesuai
periodesasinya dalam empat kelompok atau himpunan. Oleh karena itu Weda
Sruti disebut juga Catur Weda atau Catur Weda Samhita (Samhita artinya
himpunan). Adapun kitab-kitab Catur Weda tersebut adalah:
Rg. Weda atau Rg Weda Samhita.
Adalah wahyu yang paling pertama diturunkan sehingga merupakan Weda yang
tertua. Rg Weda berisikan nyanyian-nyanyian pujaan, terdiri dari 10.552
mantra dan seluruhnya terbagi dalam 10 mandala. Mandala II sampai dengan
VIII, disamping menguraikan tentang wahyu juga menyebutkan Sapta Rsi sebagai
penerima wahyu. Wahyu Rg Weda dikumpulkan atau dihimpun oleh Rsi Pulaha.
Sama Weda Samhita.
Adalah Weda yang merupakan kumpulan mantra dan memuat ajaran mengenai
lagu-lagu pujaan. Sama Weda terdiri dari 1.875 mantra. Wahyu Sama Weda
dihimpun oleh Rsi Jaimini.
Yajur Weda Samhita.
Adalah Weda yang terdiri atas mantra-mantra dan sebagian besar berasal dari
Rg. Weda. Yajur Weda memuat ajaran mengenai pokok-pokok yajus. Keseluruhan
mantranya berjumlah 1.975 mantra. Yajur Weda terdiri atas dua aliran, yaitu
Yayur Weda Putih dan Yayur Weda Hitam. Wahyu Yayur Weda dihimpun oleh Rsi
Waisampayana.
Atharwa Weda Samhita
Adalah kumpulan mantra-mantra yang memuat ajaran yang bersifat magis.
Atharwa Weda terdiri dari 5.987 mantra, yang juga banyak berasal dari Rg.
Weda. Isinya adalah doa-doa untuk kehidupan sehari-hari seperti mohon
kesembuhan dan lain-lain. Wahyu Atharwa Weda dihimpun oleh Rsi Sumantu.
Sebagaimana nama-nama tempat yang disebutkan dalam Rg. Weda maka dapat
diperkirakan bahwa wahyu Rg Weda dikodifikasikan di daerah Punjab. Sedangkan
ketiga Weda yang lain (Sama, Yayur, dan Atharwa Weda), dikodifikasikan di
daerah Doab (daerah dua sungai yakni lembah sungai Gangga dan Yamuna.
Masing-masing bagian Catur Weda memiliki kitab-kitab Brahmana yang isinya
adalah penjelasan tentang bagaimana mempergunakan mantra dalam rangkain
upacara. Disamping kitab Brahmana, Kitab-kitab Catur Weda juga memiliki
Aranyaka dan Upanisad.
Kitab Aranyaka isinya adalah penjelasan-penjelasan terhadap bagian mantra
dan Brahmana. Sedangkan kitab Upanisad mengandung ajaran filsafat, yang
berisikan mengenai bagaimana cara melenyapkan awidya (kebodohan),
menguraikan tentang hubungan Atman dengan Brahman serta mengupas tentang
tabir rahasia alam semesta dengan segala isinya. Kitab-kitab brahmana
digolongkan ke dalam Karma Kandha sedangkan kitab-kitab Upanishad
digolonglan ke dalam Jnana Kanda.
SMERTI
Smerti adalah Weda yang disusun kembali berdasarkan ingatan. Penyusunan ini
didasarkan atas pengelompokan isi materi secara sistematis menurut bidang
profesi. Secara garis besarnya Smerti dapat digolongkan ke dalam dua
kelompok besar, yakni kelompok Wedangga (Sadangga), dan kelompok Upaweda.
Kelompok Wedangga:
Kelompok ini disebut juga Sadangga. Wedangga terdiri dari enam bidang Weda
yaitu:
(1).Siksa (Phonetika)
Isinya memuat petunjuk-petunjuk tentang cara tepat dalam pengucapan mantra
serta rendah tekanan suara.
(2).Wyakarana (Tata Bahasa)
Merupakan suplemen batang tubuh Weda dan dianggap sangat penting serta
menentukan, karena untuk mengerti dan menghayati Weda Sruti, tidak mungkin
tanpa bantuan pengertian dan bahasa yang benar.
(3).Chanda (Lagu)
Adalah cabang Weda yang khusus membahas aspek ikatan bahasa yang disebut
lagu. Sejak dari sejarah penulisan Weda, peranan Chanda sangat penting.
Karena dengan Chanda itu, semua ayat-ayat itu dapat dipelihara turun temurun
seperti nyanyian yang mudah diingat.
(4).Nirukta
Memuat berbagai penafsiran otentik mengenai kata-kata yang terdapat di dalam
Weda.
(5).Jyotisa (Astronomi)
Merupakan pelengkap Weda yang isinya memuat pokok-pokok ajaran astronomi
yang diperlukan untuk pedoman dalam melakukan yadnya, isinya adalah membahas
tata surya, bulan dan badan angkasa lainnya yang dianggap mempunyai pengaruh
di dalam pelaksanaan yadnya.
(6).Kalpa
Merupakan kelompok Wedangga (Sadangga) yang terbesar dan penting. Menurut
jenis isinya, Kalpa terbagi atas beberapa bidang, yaitu bidang Srauta,
bidang Grhya, bidang Dharma, dan bidang Sulwa. Srauta memuat berbagai ajaran
mengenai tata cara melakukan yajna, penebusan dosa dan lain-lain, terutama
yang berhubungan dengan upacara keagamaan. Sedangkan kitab Grhyasutra,
memuat berbagai ajaran mengenai peraturan pelaksanaan yajna yang harus
dilakukan oleh orang-orang yang berumah tangga. Lebih lanjut, bagian
Dharmasutra adalah membahas berbagai aspek tentang peraturan hidup
bermasyarakat dan bernegara. Dan Sulwasutra, adalah memuat
peraturan-peraturan mengenai tata cara membuat tempat peribadatan, misalnya
Pura, Candi dan bangunan-bangunan suci lainnya yang berhubungan dengan ilmu
arsitektur.
Kelompok Upaweda:
Adalah kelompok kedua yang sama pentingnya dengan Wedangga. Kelompok Upaweda
terdiri dari beberapa jenis, yaitu:
(1).Itihasa
Merupakan jenis epos yang terdiri dari dua macam yaitu Ramayana dan
Mahabharata. Kitab Ramayana ditulis oleh Rsi Walmiki. Seluruh isinya
dikelompokkan kedalam tujuh Kanda dan berbentuk syair. Jumlah syairnya
sekitar 24.000 syair. Adapun ketujuh kanda tersebut adalah Ayodhya Kanda,
Bala Kanda, Kiskinda Kanda, Sundara Kanda, Yudha Kanda dan Utara Kanda.
Tiap-tiap Kanda itu merupakan satu kejadian yang menggambarkan ceritra yang
menarik. Di Indonesia cerita Ramayana sangat populer yang digubah ke dalam
bentuk Kekawin dan berbahasa Jawa Kuno. Kekawin ini merupakan kakawin tertua
yang disusun sekitar abad ke-8.
Disamping Ramayana, epos besar lainnya adalah Mahabharata. Kitab ini disusun
oleh maharsi Wyasa. Isinya adalah menceritakan kehidupan keluarga Bharata
dan menggambarkan pecahnya perang saudara diantara bangsa Arya sendiri.
Ditinjau dari arti Itihasa (berasal dari kata "Iti", "ha" dan "asa" artinya
adalah "sesungguhnya kejadian itu begitulah nyatanya") maka Mahabharata itu
gambaran sejarah, yang memuat mengenai kehidupan keagamaan, sosial dan
politik menurut ajaran Hindu. Kitab Mahabharata meliputi 18 Parwa, yaitu
Adiparwa, Sabhaparwa, Wanaparwa, Wirataparwa, Udyogaparwa, Bhismaparwa,
Dronaparwa, Karnaparwa, Salyaparwa, Sauptikaparwa, Santiparwa,
Anusasanaparwa, Aswamedhikaparwa, Asramawasikaparwa, Mausalaparwa,
Mahaprastanikaparwa, dan Swargarohanaparwa.
Diantara parwa-parwa tersebut, terutama di dalam Bhismaparwa terdapatlah
kitab Bhagavad Gita, yang amat masyur isinya adalah wejangan Sri Krsna
kepada Arjuna tentang ajaran filsafat yang amat tinggi.
(2).Purana
Merupakan kumpulan cerita-cerita kuno yang menyangkut penciptaan dunia dan
silsilah para raja yang memerintah di dunia, juga mengenai silsilah
dewa-dewa dan bhatara, cerita mengenai silsilah keturunaan dan perkembangan
dinasti Suryawangsa dan Candrawangsa serta memuat ceitra-ceritra yang
menggambarkan pembuktian-pembuktian hukum yang pernah di jalankan. Selain
itu Kitab Purana juga memuat pokok-pokok pemikiran yang menguraikan tentang
ceritra kejadian alam semesta, doa-doa dan mantra untuk sembahyang, cara
melakukan puasa, tatacara upacara keagamaan dan petunjuk-petunjuk mengenai
cara bertirtayatra atau berziarah ke tempat-tempat suci. Dan yang terpenting
dari kitab-kitab Purana adalah memuat pokok-pokok ajaran mengenai Theisme
(Ketuhanan) yang dianut menurut berbagai madzab Hindu. Adapun kitab-kitab
Purana itu terdiri dari 18 buah, yaitu Purana, Bhawisya Purana, Wamana
Purana, Brahma Purana, Wisnu Purana, Narada Purana, Bhagawata Purana, Garuda
Purana, Padma Purana, Waraha Purana, Matsya Purana, Kurma Purana, Lingga
Purana, Siwa Purana, Skanda Purana dan Agni Purana.
(3).Arthasastra
Adalah jenis ilmu pemerintahan negara. Isinya merupakan pokok-pokok
pemikiran ilmu politik. Sebagai cabang ilmu, jenis ilmu ini disebut
Nitisastra atau Rajadharma atau pula Dandaniti. Ada beberapa buku yang
dikodifikasikan ke dalam jenis ini adalah kitab Usana, Nitisara, Sukraniti
dan Arthasastra. Ada beberapa Acarya terkenal di bidang Nitisastra adalah
Bhagawan Brhaspati, Bhagawan Usana, Bhagawan Parasara dan Rsi Canakya.
(4).Ayur Weda
Adalah kitab yang menyangkut bidang kesehatan jasmani dan rohani dengan
berbagai sistem sifatnya. Ayur Weda adalah filsafat kehidupan, baik etis
maupun medis. Oleh karena demikian, maka luas lingkup ajaran yang
dikodifikasikan di dalam Ayur Weda meliputi bidang yang amat luas dan
merupakan hal-hal yang hidup. Menurut isinya, Ayur Weda meliptui delapan
bidang ilmu, yaitu ilmu bedah, ilmu penyakit, ilmu obat-obatan, ilmu
psikotherapy, ilmu pendiudikan anak-anak (ilmu jiwa anak), ilmu toksikologi,
ilmu mujizat dan ilmu jiwa remaja.
Disamping Ayur Weda, ada pula kitab Caraka Samhita yang ditulis oleh Maharsi
Punarwasu. Kitab inipun memuat delapan bidang ajaran (ilmu), yakni Ilmu
pengobatan, Ilmu mengenai berbagai jens penyakit yang umum, ilmu pathologi,
ilmu anatomi dan embriologi, ilmu diagnosis dan pragnosis, pokok-pokok ilmu
therapy, Kalpasthana dan Siddhistana. Kitab yang sejenis pula dengan
Ayurweda, adalah kitab Yogasara dan Yogasastra. Kitab ini ditulis oleh
Bhagawan Nagaryuna. isinya memuat pokok-pokok ilmu yoga yang dirangkaikan
dengan sistem anatomi yang penting artinya dalam pembinaan kesehatan jasmani
dan rohani.
(5).Gandharwaweda
Adalah kitab yang membahas berbagai aspek cabang ilmu seni. Ada beberapa
buku penting yang termasuk Gandharwaweda ini adalah Natyasastra (yang
meliputi Natyawedagama dan Dewadasasahasri), Rasarnawa, Rasaratnasamuscaya
dan lain-lain.
Dari uraian di atas, maka jelaslah bahwa kelompok Weda Smerti meliptui
banyak buku dan kodifikasinya menurut jenis bidang-bidang tertentu. Ditambah
lagi kitab-kitab agama misalnya Saiwa Agama, Vaisnawa Agama dan Sakta Agama
dan kitab-kitab Darsana yaitu Nyaya, Waisesika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa dan
Wedanta. Kedua terakhir ini termasuk golongan filsafat yang mengakui
otoritas kitab Weda dan mendasarkan ajarannya pada Upanisad. Dengan uraian
ini kiranya dapat diperkirakan betapa luasnya Weda itu, mencakup seluruh
aspek kehidupan manusia. Di dalam ajaran Weda, yang perlu adalah disiplin
ilmu, karena tiap ilmu akan menunjuk pada satu aspek dengan sumber-sumber
yang pasti pula. Hal inilah yang perlu diperhatikan dan dihayati untuk dapat
mengenal isi Weda secara sempurna.
Tuntunan Dasar Agama Hindu (milik Departemen Agama)
Disusun oleh Drs. Anak Agung Gde Oka Netra
Sumber ajaran agama Hindu adalah Kitab Suci Weda, yaitu kitab yang berisikan
ajaran kesucian yang diwahyukan oleh Hyang Widhi Wasa melalui para Maha Rsi.
Weda merupakan jiwa yang meresapi seluruh ajaran Hindu, laksana sumber air
yang mengalir terus melalui sungai-sungai yang amat panjang dalam sepanjang
abad. Weda adalah sabda suci atau wahyu Tuhan Yang Maha Esa.
Weda secara ethimologinya berasal dari kata "Vid" (bahasa sansekerta), yang
artinya mengetahui atau pengetahuan. Weda adalah ilmu pengetahuan suci yang
maha sempurna dan kekal abadi serta berasal dari Hyang Widhi Wasa. Kitab
Suci Weda dikenal pula dengan Sruti, yang artinya bahwa kitab suci Weda
adalah wahyu yang diterima melalui pendengaran suci dengan kemekaran intuisi
para maha Rsi. Juga disebut kitab mantra karena memuat nyanyian-nyanyian
pujaan. Dengan demikian yang dimaksud dengan Weda adalah Sruti dan merupakan
kitab yang tidak boleh diragukan kebenarannya dan berasal dari Hyang Widhi
Wasa.
Bahasa Weda
Bahasa yang dipergunakan dalam Weda disebut bahasa Sansekerta, Nama
sansekerta dipopulerkan oleh Maharsi Panini, yaitu seorang penulis Tata
Bahasa Sensekerta yang berjudul Astadhyayi yang sampai kini masih menjadi
buku pedoman pokok dalam mempelajari Sansekerta.
Sebelum nama Sansekerta menjadi populer, maka bahasa yang dipergunakan dalam
Weda dikenal dengan nama Daiwi Wak (bahasa/sabda Dewata). Tokoh yang
merintis penggunaan tata bahasa Sansekerta ialah Rsi Panini. Kemudian
dilanjutkan oleh Rsi Patanjali dengan karyanya adalah kitab Bhasa. Jejak
Patanjali diikuti pula oleh Rsi Wararuci.
Pembagian dan Isi Weda
Weda adalah kitab suci yang mencakup berbagai aspek kehidupan yang
diperlukan oleh manusia. Berdasarkan materi, isi dan luas lingkupnya, maka
jenis buku weda itu banyak. Maha Rsi Manu membagi jenis isi Weda itu ke
dalam dua kelompok besar yaitu Weda Sruti dan Weda Smerti. Pembagian ini
juga dipergunakan untuk menamakan semua jenis buku yang dikelompokkan
sebagai kitab Weda, baik yang telah berkembang dan tumbuh menurut tafsir
sebagaimana dilakukan secara turun temurun menurut tradisi maupun sebagai
wahyu yang berlaku secara institusional ilmiah.
Kelompok Weda Sruti isinya hanya memuat wahyu, sedangkan kelompok Smerti
isinya bersumber dari Weda Sruti, jadi merupakan manual, yakni buku pedoman
yang sisinya tidak bertentangan dengan Sruti. Baik Sruti maupun Smerti,
keduanya adalah sumber ajaran agama Hindu yang tidak boleh diragukan
kebenarannya.
Agaknya sloka berikut ini mempertegas pernyataan di atas:
Srutistu wedo wijneyo dharma
sastram tu wai smerth,
te sarrtheswamimamsye tab
hyam dharmohi nirbabhau. (M. Dh.11.1o).
Artinya:
Sesungguhnya Sruti adalah Weda, demikian pula Smrti itu adalah dharma sastra
keduanya harus tidak boleh diragukan dalam hal apapun juga karena keduanya
adalah kitab suci yang menjadi sumber ajaran agama Hindu. (Dharma)
Weda khilo dharma mulam
smrti sile ca tad widam,
acarasca iwa sadhunam
atmanastustireqaca. (M. Dh. II.6).
Artinya:
Seluruh Weda merupakan sumber utama dari pada agama Hindu (Dharma), kemudian
barulah Smerti di samping Sila (kebiasaan- kebiasaan yang baik dari
orang-orang yang menghayati Weda). dan kemudian acara yaitu tradisi dari
orang-orang suci serta akhirnya Atmasturi (rasa puas diri sendiri).
Srutir wedah samakhyato
dharmasastram tu wai smrth,
te sarwatheswam imamsye
tabhyam dharmo winir bhrtah. (S.S.37).
Artinya:
Ketahuilah olehmu Sruti itu adalah Weda (dan) Smerti itu sesungguhnya adalah
dharmasastra; keduanya harus diyakini kebenarannya dan dijadikan jalan serta
dituruti agar sempurnalah dalam dharma itu.
Dari sloka-sloka diatas, maka tegaslah bahwa Sruti dan Smerti merupakan
dasar utama ajaran Hindu yang kebenarannya tidak boleh dibantah. Sruti dan
Smerti merupakan dasar yang harus dipegang teguh, supaya dituruti ajarannya
untuk setiap usaha.
Untuk mempermudah sistem pembahasan materi isi Weda, maka dibawah ini akan
diuraikan tiap-tiap bagian dari Weda itu sebagai berikut:
SRUTI
Sruti adalah kitab wahyu yang diturunkan secara langsung oleh Tuhan (Hyang
Widhi Wasa) melalui para maha Rsi. Sruti adalah Weda yang sebenarnya
(originair) yang diterima melalui pendengaran, yang diturunkan sesuai
periodesasinya dalam empat kelompok atau himpunan. Oleh karena itu Weda
Sruti disebut juga Catur Weda atau Catur Weda Samhita (Samhita artinya
himpunan). Adapun kitab-kitab Catur Weda tersebut adalah:
Rg. Weda atau Rg Weda Samhita.
Adalah wahyu yang paling pertama diturunkan sehingga merupakan Weda yang
tertua. Rg Weda berisikan nyanyian-nyanyian pujaan, terdiri dari 10.552
mantra dan seluruhnya terbagi dalam 10 mandala. Mandala II sampai dengan
VIII, disamping menguraikan tentang wahyu juga menyebutkan Sapta Rsi sebagai
penerima wahyu. Wahyu Rg Weda dikumpulkan atau dihimpun oleh Rsi Pulaha.
Sama Weda Samhita.
Adalah Weda yang merupakan kumpulan mantra dan memuat ajaran mengenai
lagu-lagu pujaan. Sama Weda terdiri dari 1.875 mantra. Wahyu Sama Weda
dihimpun oleh Rsi Jaimini.
Yajur Weda Samhita.
Adalah Weda yang terdiri atas mantra-mantra dan sebagian besar berasal dari
Rg. Weda. Yajur Weda memuat ajaran mengenai pokok-pokok yajus. Keseluruhan
mantranya berjumlah 1.975 mantra. Yajur Weda terdiri atas dua aliran, yaitu
Yayur Weda Putih dan Yayur Weda Hitam. Wahyu Yayur Weda dihimpun oleh Rsi
Waisampayana.
Atharwa Weda Samhita
Adalah kumpulan mantra-mantra yang memuat ajaran yang bersifat magis.
Atharwa Weda terdiri dari 5.987 mantra, yang juga banyak berasal dari Rg.
Weda. Isinya adalah doa-doa untuk kehidupan sehari-hari seperti mohon
kesembuhan dan lain-lain. Wahyu Atharwa Weda dihimpun oleh Rsi Sumantu.
Sebagaimana nama-nama tempat yang disebutkan dalam Rg. Weda maka dapat
diperkirakan bahwa wahyu Rg Weda dikodifikasikan di daerah Punjab. Sedangkan
ketiga Weda yang lain (Sama, Yayur, dan Atharwa Weda), dikodifikasikan di
daerah Doab (daerah dua sungai yakni lembah sungai Gangga dan Yamuna.
Masing-masing bagian Catur Weda memiliki kitab-kitab Brahmana yang isinya
adalah penjelasan tentang bagaimana mempergunakan mantra dalam rangkain
upacara. Disamping kitab Brahmana, Kitab-kitab Catur Weda juga memiliki
Aranyaka dan Upanisad.
Kitab Aranyaka isinya adalah penjelasan-penjelasan terhadap bagian mantra
dan Brahmana. Sedangkan kitab Upanisad mengandung ajaran filsafat, yang
berisikan mengenai bagaimana cara melenyapkan awidya (kebodohan),
menguraikan tentang hubungan Atman dengan Brahman serta mengupas tentang
tabir rahasia alam semesta dengan segala isinya. Kitab-kitab brahmana
digolongkan ke dalam Karma Kandha sedangkan kitab-kitab Upanishad
digolonglan ke dalam Jnana Kanda.
SMERTI
Smerti adalah Weda yang disusun kembali berdasarkan ingatan. Penyusunan ini
didasarkan atas pengelompokan isi materi secara sistematis menurut bidang
profesi. Secara garis besarnya Smerti dapat digolongkan ke dalam dua
kelompok besar, yakni kelompok Wedangga (Sadangga), dan kelompok Upaweda.
Kelompok Wedangga:
Kelompok ini disebut juga Sadangga. Wedangga terdiri dari enam bidang Weda
yaitu:
(1).Siksa (Phonetika)
Isinya memuat petunjuk-petunjuk tentang cara tepat dalam pengucapan mantra
serta rendah tekanan suara.
(2).Wyakarana (Tata Bahasa)
Merupakan suplemen batang tubuh Weda dan dianggap sangat penting serta
menentukan, karena untuk mengerti dan menghayati Weda Sruti, tidak mungkin
tanpa bantuan pengertian dan bahasa yang benar.
(3).Chanda (Lagu)
Adalah cabang Weda yang khusus membahas aspek ikatan bahasa yang disebut
lagu. Sejak dari sejarah penulisan Weda, peranan Chanda sangat penting.
Karena dengan Chanda itu, semua ayat-ayat itu dapat dipelihara turun temurun
seperti nyanyian yang mudah diingat.
(4).Nirukta
Memuat berbagai penafsiran otentik mengenai kata-kata yang terdapat di dalam
Weda.
(5).Jyotisa (Astronomi)
Merupakan pelengkap Weda yang isinya memuat pokok-pokok ajaran astronomi
yang diperlukan untuk pedoman dalam melakukan yadnya, isinya adalah membahas
tata surya, bulan dan badan angkasa lainnya yang dianggap mempunyai pengaruh
di dalam pelaksanaan yadnya.
(6).Kalpa
Merupakan kelompok Wedangga (Sadangga) yang terbesar dan penting. Menurut
jenis isinya, Kalpa terbagi atas beberapa bidang, yaitu bidang Srauta,
bidang Grhya, bidang Dharma, dan bidang Sulwa. Srauta memuat berbagai ajaran
mengenai tata cara melakukan yajna, penebusan dosa dan lain-lain, terutama
yang berhubungan dengan upacara keagamaan. Sedangkan kitab Grhyasutra,
memuat berbagai ajaran mengenai peraturan pelaksanaan yajna yang harus
dilakukan oleh orang-orang yang berumah tangga. Lebih lanjut, bagian
Dharmasutra adalah membahas berbagai aspek tentang peraturan hidup
bermasyarakat dan bernegara. Dan Sulwasutra, adalah memuat
peraturan-peraturan mengenai tata cara membuat tempat peribadatan, misalnya
Pura, Candi dan bangunan-bangunan suci lainnya yang berhubungan dengan ilmu
arsitektur.
Kelompok Upaweda:
Adalah kelompok kedua yang sama pentingnya dengan Wedangga. Kelompok Upaweda
terdiri dari beberapa jenis, yaitu:
(1).Itihasa
Merupakan jenis epos yang terdiri dari dua macam yaitu Ramayana dan
Mahabharata. Kitab Ramayana ditulis oleh Rsi Walmiki. Seluruh isinya
dikelompokkan kedalam tujuh Kanda dan berbentuk syair. Jumlah syairnya
sekitar 24.000 syair. Adapun ketujuh kanda tersebut adalah Ayodhya Kanda,
Bala Kanda, Kiskinda Kanda, Sundara Kanda, Yudha Kanda dan Utara Kanda.
Tiap-tiap Kanda itu merupakan satu kejadian yang menggambarkan ceritra yang
menarik. Di Indonesia cerita Ramayana sangat populer yang digubah ke dalam
bentuk Kekawin dan berbahasa Jawa Kuno. Kekawin ini merupakan kakawin tertua
yang disusun sekitar abad ke-8.
Disamping Ramayana, epos besar lainnya adalah Mahabharata. Kitab ini disusun
oleh maharsi Wyasa. Isinya adalah menceritakan kehidupan keluarga Bharata
dan menggambarkan pecahnya perang saudara diantara bangsa Arya sendiri.
Ditinjau dari arti Itihasa (berasal dari kata "Iti", "ha" dan "asa" artinya
adalah "sesungguhnya kejadian itu begitulah nyatanya") maka Mahabharata itu
gambaran sejarah, yang memuat mengenai kehidupan keagamaan, sosial dan
politik menurut ajaran Hindu. Kitab Mahabharata meliputi 18 Parwa, yaitu
Adiparwa, Sabhaparwa, Wanaparwa, Wirataparwa, Udyogaparwa, Bhismaparwa,
Dronaparwa, Karnaparwa, Salyaparwa, Sauptikaparwa, Santiparwa,
Anusasanaparwa, Aswamedhikaparwa, Asramawasikaparwa, Mausalaparwa,
Mahaprastanikaparwa, dan Swargarohanaparwa.
Diantara parwa-parwa tersebut, terutama di dalam Bhismaparwa terdapatlah
kitab Bhagavad Gita, yang amat masyur isinya adalah wejangan Sri Krsna
kepada Arjuna tentang ajaran filsafat yang amat tinggi.
(2).Purana
Merupakan kumpulan cerita-cerita kuno yang menyangkut penciptaan dunia dan
silsilah para raja yang memerintah di dunia, juga mengenai silsilah
dewa-dewa dan bhatara, cerita mengenai silsilah keturunaan dan perkembangan
dinasti Suryawangsa dan Candrawangsa serta memuat ceitra-ceritra yang
menggambarkan pembuktian-pembuktian hukum yang pernah di jalankan. Selain
itu Kitab Purana juga memuat pokok-pokok pemikiran yang menguraikan tentang
ceritra kejadian alam semesta, doa-doa dan mantra untuk sembahyang, cara
melakukan puasa, tatacara upacara keagamaan dan petunjuk-petunjuk mengenai
cara bertirtayatra atau berziarah ke tempat-tempat suci. Dan yang terpenting
dari kitab-kitab Purana adalah memuat pokok-pokok ajaran mengenai Theisme
(Ketuhanan) yang dianut menurut berbagai madzab Hindu. Adapun kitab-kitab
Purana itu terdiri dari 18 buah, yaitu Purana, Bhawisya Purana, Wamana
Purana, Brahma Purana, Wisnu Purana, Narada Purana, Bhagawata Purana, Garuda
Purana, Padma Purana, Waraha Purana, Matsya Purana, Kurma Purana, Lingga
Purana, Siwa Purana, Skanda Purana dan Agni Purana.
(3).Arthasastra
Adalah jenis ilmu pemerintahan negara. Isinya merupakan pokok-pokok
pemikiran ilmu politik. Sebagai cabang ilmu, jenis ilmu ini disebut
Nitisastra atau Rajadharma atau pula Dandaniti. Ada beberapa buku yang
dikodifikasikan ke dalam jenis ini adalah kitab Usana, Nitisara, Sukraniti
dan Arthasastra. Ada beberapa Acarya terkenal di bidang Nitisastra adalah
Bhagawan Brhaspati, Bhagawan Usana, Bhagawan Parasara dan Rsi Canakya.
(4).Ayur Weda
Adalah kitab yang menyangkut bidang kesehatan jasmani dan rohani dengan
berbagai sistem sifatnya. Ayur Weda adalah filsafat kehidupan, baik etis
maupun medis. Oleh karena demikian, maka luas lingkup ajaran yang
dikodifikasikan di dalam Ayur Weda meliputi bidang yang amat luas dan
merupakan hal-hal yang hidup. Menurut isinya, Ayur Weda meliptui delapan
bidang ilmu, yaitu ilmu bedah, ilmu penyakit, ilmu obat-obatan, ilmu
psikotherapy, ilmu pendiudikan anak-anak (ilmu jiwa anak), ilmu toksikologi,
ilmu mujizat dan ilmu jiwa remaja.
Disamping Ayur Weda, ada pula kitab Caraka Samhita yang ditulis oleh Maharsi
Punarwasu. Kitab inipun memuat delapan bidang ajaran (ilmu), yakni Ilmu
pengobatan, Ilmu mengenai berbagai jens penyakit yang umum, ilmu pathologi,
ilmu anatomi dan embriologi, ilmu diagnosis dan pragnosis, pokok-pokok ilmu
therapy, Kalpasthana dan Siddhistana. Kitab yang sejenis pula dengan
Ayurweda, adalah kitab Yogasara dan Yogasastra. Kitab ini ditulis oleh
Bhagawan Nagaryuna. isinya memuat pokok-pokok ilmu yoga yang dirangkaikan
dengan sistem anatomi yang penting artinya dalam pembinaan kesehatan jasmani
dan rohani.
(5).Gandharwaweda
Adalah kitab yang membahas berbagai aspek cabang ilmu seni. Ada beberapa
buku penting yang termasuk Gandharwaweda ini adalah Natyasastra (yang
meliputi Natyawedagama dan Dewadasasahasri), Rasarnawa, Rasaratnasamuscaya
dan lain-lain.
Dari uraian di atas, maka jelaslah bahwa kelompok Weda Smerti meliptui
banyak buku dan kodifikasinya menurut jenis bidang-bidang tertentu. Ditambah
lagi kitab-kitab agama misalnya Saiwa Agama, Vaisnawa Agama dan Sakta Agama
dan kitab-kitab Darsana yaitu Nyaya, Waisesika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa dan
Wedanta. Kedua terakhir ini termasuk golongan filsafat yang mengakui
otoritas kitab Weda dan mendasarkan ajarannya pada Upanisad. Dengan uraian
ini kiranya dapat diperkirakan betapa luasnya Weda itu, mencakup seluruh
aspek kehidupan manusia. Di dalam ajaran Weda, yang perlu adalah disiplin
ilmu, karena tiap ilmu akan menunjuk pada satu aspek dengan sumber-sumber
yang pasti pula. Hal inilah yang perlu diperhatikan dan dihayati untuk dapat
mengenal isi Weda secara sempurna.
Tuntunan Dasar Agama Hindu (milik Departemen Agama)
Disusun oleh Drs. Anak Agung Gde Oka Netra
Friday, October 16, 2009
The Cook Islands
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Flag Coat of arms
Anthem: Te Atua Mou E
God is Truth
The Cook Islands are a self-governing parliamentary democracy in free
association with New Zealand. The fifteen small islands in this South
Pacific Ocean country have a total land area of 240 square kilometres (92.7
sq mi), but the Cook Islands Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covers 1.8
million square kilometres (0.7 million sq mi) of ocean.
The main population centres are on the island of Rarotonga (14,153 as of
2006), where there is an international airport. There is also a much larger
population of Cook Islanders in New Zealand, particularly the North Island
in the 2006 census, 58,008 self-identified as being of ethnic Cook Island
Māori descent.
With over 90,000 visitors travelling to the islands in 2006, tourism is the
country's number one industry, and the leading element of the economy, far
ahead of offshore banking, pearls, marine and fruit exports.
Defence is the responsibility of New Zealand, in consultation with the Cook
Islands and at its request. In recent times, the Cook Islands have adopted
an increasingly independent foreign policy.
Politics of the Cook Islands
The politics of the Cook Islands takes place in a framework of a
parliamentary representative democratic associated state, whereby the Queen
of New Zealand, represented in the Cook Islands by the Queen's
Representative, is Head of State and the Chief Minister is the head of
government. There is a pluriform multi-party system and the islands are
self-governing in free association with New Zealand and fully responsible
for both internal and external affairs. New Zealand no longer has any
responsibility for external affairs. As of 2005, it has diplomatic relations
in its own name with eighteen other countries. Executive power is exercised
by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and
the Parliament of the Cook Islands.
The Cook Islands are not United Nations full members but participate in WHO
and UNESCO, and are an associate member of the Economic and Social
Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).
The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.
Geography
The Cook Islands are in the South Pacific Ocean, north-east of New Zealand,
between French Polynesia and Fiji. There are fifteen major islands, spread
over 2.2 million square kilometres of ocean, divided into two distinct
groups: the Southern Cook Islands, and the Northern Cook Islands of coral
atolls. The islands were formed by volcanic activity; the northern group is
older and consists of six atolls (sunken volcanoes topped by coral growth).
The climate is moderate to tropical.
The 15 islands and two reefs are grouped as follows:
* Southern Cook Islands:
o Nga-pu-Toru ("Three Roots", the group name for the easternmost
islands of Southern Group)
+ Atiu (Enua Manu or Island of Birds)
+ Ma'uke (Akatokamanava)
+ Mitiaro (Nukuroa)
o Remaining islands of the South:
+ Aitutaki (Araura Enua)
+ Mangaia (Auau Enua)
+ Rarotonga (Tumutevarovaro) and also with the capital,
Avarua.
+ Palmerston Island (Pamati) (sometimes grouped with the
Northern Group)
+ Manuae
+ Takutea
+ Winslow Reef (submerged)
* Northern Cook Islands:
o Manihiki (Te Fuinga O niva)
o Nassau ( Te Nuku o Ngalewu )
o Penrhyn Island (Tongareva or Mangarongaro)
o Pukapuka (Te Ulu o te Watu)
o Rakahanga (Tapuahua)
o Suwarrow also called Suvorov
o Tema Reef (submerged)
Administrative subdivisions
There are island councils on all of the inhabited outer islands (Outer
Islands Local Government Act 1987, with amendments up to 2004 and Palmerston
Island Local Government Act 1993) except Nassau, which is governed by
Pukapuka (Suwarrow, with only one caretaker living on the island, also
governed by Pukapuka, is not counted with the inhabited islands in this
context). Each council is headed by a mayor.
The ten Outer Islands councils are
Aitutaki (including uninhabited Manuae)
Mangaia
Atiu (including uninhabited Takutea)
Ma'uke
Mitiaro
Manihiki
Penrhyn
Rakahanga
Pukapuka (including Nassau and Suwarrow)
Palmerston
Districts of Rarotonga.
The three vaka councils of main island Rarotonga established in 1997
(Rarotonga Local Government Act 1997), that were also headed by mayors, were
abolished in February 2008, despite much controversy.
The three Vaka councils on the main island Rarotonga were
Te au o tonga (equivalent to Avarua, the national capital of the Cook
Islands)
Puaikura
Takitumu
On the lowest level, there are village committees. Nassau, which is governed
by Pukapuka, has an island committee (Nassau Island Committee), which
advises the Pukapuka Island Council on matters concerning its own island.
History of the Cook Islands
The Cook Islands were first settled in the 6th century A.D. by Polynesian
people who migrated from nearby Tahiti, to the southeast.
Spanish ships visited the islands in the sixteenth century; the first
written record of contact with the Islands came with the sighting of
Pukapuka by Spanish sailor Álvaro de Mendaña in 1595 who called it San
Bernardo (Saint Bernard). Portuguese-Spaniard Pedro Fernández de Quirós,
made the first recorded European landing in the islands when he set foot on
Rakahanga in 1606, calling it Gente Hermosa (Beautiful People).
British navigator Captain James Cook arrived in 1773 and 1777 and named the
islands the Hervey Islands; the name "Cook Islands", in honour of Cook,
appeared on a Russian naval chart published in the 1820s.
In 1813, John Williams, a missionary on the Endeavour (not the same ship as
that of Cook), made the first official sighting of the island of Rarotonga.
The first recorded landing on Rarotonga by Europeans was in 1814 by the
Cumberland; trouble broke out between the sailors and the Islanders and many
were killed on both sides.
The islands saw no more Europeans until missionaries arrived from England in
1821. Christianity quickly took hold in the culture and many islanders
continue to be Christian believers today.
The Cook Islands became a British protectorate at their own request in 1888,
mainly to thwart French expansionism. They were transferred to New Zealand
in 1901. They remained a New Zealand protectorate until 1965, at which point
they became a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand.
In that year, Albert Henry of the Cook Islands Party was elected as the
first Prime Minister. Sir Albert Henry led the country until he was accused
of vote-rigging. He was succeeded in 1978 by Tom Davis of the Democratic
Party.
Today, the Cook Islands are essentially independent ("self-governing in free
association with New Zealand") but New Zealand is tasked with overseeing the
country's defence.
On June 11, 1980, the United States signed a treaty with the Cook Islands
specifying the maritime border between the Cook Islands and American Samoa
and also relinquishing its claim to the islands of Penrhyn, Pukapuka,
Manihiki, and Rakahanga.
Culture
The languages of the Cook Islands include English, Cook Islands Maori, or
Rarotongan," and Pukapukan. Dialects of Cook Islands Maori include Penrhyn;
Rakahanga-Manihiki; the Ngaputoru dialect of Atiu, Mitiaro, and Mauke; the
Aitutaki dialect; and the Mangaian dialect. Cook Islands Maori and its
dialectic variants are closely related to both Tahitian and to New Zealand
Māori. Pukapukan, by contrast, is considered closely related to the Samoan
language. Both English and Cook Islands Maori are considered official
languages of the Cook Islands.
Art
Carving - Woodcarving is a common art form in the Cook Islands. Sculpture in
stone is much rarer although there are some excellent carvings in basalt by
Mike Tavioni. The proximity of islands in the southern group helped produce
a homogeneous style of carving but which had special developments in each
island. Rarotonga is known for its fisherman's gods and staff-gods, Atiu for
its wooden seats, Mitiaro, Ma'uke and Atiu for mace and slab gods and
Mangaia for its ceremonial adzes. Most of the original wood carvings were
either spirited away by early European collectors or were burned in large
numbers by missionary zealots. Today, carving is no longer the major art
form with the same spiritual and cultural emphasis given to it by the Maori
in New Zealand. However, there are continual efforts to interest young
people in their heritage and some good work is being turned out under the
guidance of older carvers. Atiu, in particular, has a strong tradition of
crafts both in carving and local fibre arts such as tapa. Mangaia is the
source of many fine adzes carved in a distinctive, idiosyncratic style with
the so-called double-k design. Mangaia also produces food pounders carved
from the heavy calcite found in its extensive limestone caves.
Weaving - The outer islands produce traditional weaving of mats, basketware
and hats. Particularly fine examples of rito hats are worn by women to
church on Sundays. They are made from the uncurled immature fibre of the
coconut palm and are of very high quality. The Polynesian equivalent of
Panama hats, they are highly valued and are keenly sought by Polynesian
visitors from Tahiti. Often, they are decorated with hatbands made of
minuscule pupu shells which are painted and stitched on by hand. Although
pupu are found on other islands the collection and use of them in decorative
work has become a speciality of Mangaia. The weaving of rito is a speciality
of the northern island of Penrhyn.
Tivaevae - A major art form in the Cook Islands is tivaevae. This is, in
essence, the art of making of tropical Island scenery handmade patchwork
quilts. Introduced by the wives of missionaries in the 19th century, the
craft grew into a communal activity and is probably one of the main reasons
for its popularity. The Cook Islands make some of the most beautiful
displays of tivaevae the eye can see.
Contemporary Art - The Cook Islands has produced notable and internationally
recognised contemporary artists and the main island of Rarotonga has an
exceptionally vibrant contemporary arts scene. Those born of Cook Islander
heritage include painter (and photographer) Mahiriki Tangaroa, sculptors
Eruera (Ted) Nia (originally a film maker) and master carver Mike Tavioni,
painter (and Polynesian tattoo enthusiast) Upoko'ina Ian George,
Aitutakian-born painter Tim Manavaroa Buchanan, Loretta Reynolds, and
multi-media, installation and community-project artist Ani O'Neil, all of
whom currently live on the main island of Rarotonga. New Zealand-based Cook
Islander artists include Michel Tuffrey, print-maker David Teata, Richard
Shortland Cooper, and Jim Vivieaere, who has mentored many of his
compatriots and is a well-known curator and installation artist. Most of
these artists have studied at university art schools in New Zealand and
continue to enjoy close links with the New Zealand art scene. However, Apii
Rongo, a comparably younger painter, is developing his career entirely on
Rarotonga.
Artists of non-Cook Islander heritage currently working in Rarotonga include
Judith Kunzel, Joan Rolls Gragg and Kay George, who is also known for her
exquisite fabric designs.
On Rarotonga, the main commercial galleries are Beachcomber Contemporary Art
(Taputapuatea, Avarua) run by Ben Bergman, and The Art Gallery ('Arorangi),
run by Kay and Ian George. The Cook Islands National Museum also exhibits
art.
Biology
The National Flower of the Cook Islands is the Tiare māori or Tiale māoli (Penrhyn, Nassau, Pukapuka). The Cook Islands are infested with Polynesian rats. The infestation has devastated the bird population on the islands.
Flag Coat of arms
Anthem: Te Atua Mou E
God is Truth
The Cook Islands are a self-governing parliamentary democracy in free
association with New Zealand. The fifteen small islands in this South
Pacific Ocean country have a total land area of 240 square kilometres (92.7
sq mi), but the Cook Islands Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) covers 1.8
million square kilometres (0.7 million sq mi) of ocean.
The main population centres are on the island of Rarotonga (14,153 as of
2006), where there is an international airport. There is also a much larger
population of Cook Islanders in New Zealand, particularly the North Island
in the 2006 census, 58,008 self-identified as being of ethnic Cook Island
Māori descent.
With over 90,000 visitors travelling to the islands in 2006, tourism is the
country's number one industry, and the leading element of the economy, far
ahead of offshore banking, pearls, marine and fruit exports.
Defence is the responsibility of New Zealand, in consultation with the Cook
Islands and at its request. In recent times, the Cook Islands have adopted
an increasingly independent foreign policy.
Politics of the Cook Islands
The politics of the Cook Islands takes place in a framework of a
parliamentary representative democratic associated state, whereby the Queen
of New Zealand, represented in the Cook Islands by the Queen's
Representative, is Head of State and the Chief Minister is the head of
government. There is a pluriform multi-party system and the islands are
self-governing in free association with New Zealand and fully responsible
for both internal and external affairs. New Zealand no longer has any
responsibility for external affairs. As of 2005, it has diplomatic relations
in its own name with eighteen other countries. Executive power is exercised
by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and
the Parliament of the Cook Islands.
The Cook Islands are not United Nations full members but participate in WHO
and UNESCO, and are an associate member of the Economic and Social
Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).
The Judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.
Geography
The Cook Islands are in the South Pacific Ocean, north-east of New Zealand,
between French Polynesia and Fiji. There are fifteen major islands, spread
over 2.2 million square kilometres of ocean, divided into two distinct
groups: the Southern Cook Islands, and the Northern Cook Islands of coral
atolls. The islands were formed by volcanic activity; the northern group is
older and consists of six atolls (sunken volcanoes topped by coral growth).
The climate is moderate to tropical.
The 15 islands and two reefs are grouped as follows:
* Southern Cook Islands:
o Nga-pu-Toru ("Three Roots", the group name for the easternmost
islands of Southern Group)
+ Atiu (Enua Manu or Island of Birds)
+ Ma'uke (Akatokamanava)
+ Mitiaro (Nukuroa)
o Remaining islands of the South:
+ Aitutaki (Araura Enua)
+ Mangaia (Auau Enua)
+ Rarotonga (Tumutevarovaro) and also with the capital,
Avarua.
+ Palmerston Island (Pamati) (sometimes grouped with the
Northern Group)
+ Manuae
+ Takutea
+ Winslow Reef (submerged)
* Northern Cook Islands:
o Manihiki (Te Fuinga O niva)
o Nassau ( Te Nuku o Ngalewu )
o Penrhyn Island (Tongareva or Mangarongaro)
o Pukapuka (Te Ulu o te Watu)
o Rakahanga (Tapuahua)
o Suwarrow also called Suvorov
o Tema Reef (submerged)
Administrative subdivisions
There are island councils on all of the inhabited outer islands (Outer
Islands Local Government Act 1987, with amendments up to 2004 and Palmerston
Island Local Government Act 1993) except Nassau, which is governed by
Pukapuka (Suwarrow, with only one caretaker living on the island, also
governed by Pukapuka, is not counted with the inhabited islands in this
context). Each council is headed by a mayor.
The ten Outer Islands councils are
Aitutaki (including uninhabited Manuae)
Mangaia
Atiu (including uninhabited Takutea)
Ma'uke
Mitiaro
Manihiki
Penrhyn
Rakahanga
Pukapuka (including Nassau and Suwarrow)
Palmerston
Districts of Rarotonga.
The three vaka councils of main island Rarotonga established in 1997
(Rarotonga Local Government Act 1997), that were also headed by mayors, were
abolished in February 2008, despite much controversy.
The three Vaka councils on the main island Rarotonga were
Te au o tonga (equivalent to Avarua, the national capital of the Cook
Islands)
Puaikura
Takitumu
On the lowest level, there are village committees. Nassau, which is governed
by Pukapuka, has an island committee (Nassau Island Committee), which
advises the Pukapuka Island Council on matters concerning its own island.
History of the Cook Islands
The Cook Islands were first settled in the 6th century A.D. by Polynesian
people who migrated from nearby Tahiti, to the southeast.
Spanish ships visited the islands in the sixteenth century; the first
written record of contact with the Islands came with the sighting of
Pukapuka by Spanish sailor Álvaro de Mendaña in 1595 who called it San
Bernardo (Saint Bernard). Portuguese-Spaniard Pedro Fernández de Quirós,
made the first recorded European landing in the islands when he set foot on
Rakahanga in 1606, calling it Gente Hermosa (Beautiful People).
British navigator Captain James Cook arrived in 1773 and 1777 and named the
islands the Hervey Islands; the name "Cook Islands", in honour of Cook,
appeared on a Russian naval chart published in the 1820s.
In 1813, John Williams, a missionary on the Endeavour (not the same ship as
that of Cook), made the first official sighting of the island of Rarotonga.
The first recorded landing on Rarotonga by Europeans was in 1814 by the
Cumberland; trouble broke out between the sailors and the Islanders and many
were killed on both sides.
The islands saw no more Europeans until missionaries arrived from England in
1821. Christianity quickly took hold in the culture and many islanders
continue to be Christian believers today.
The Cook Islands became a British protectorate at their own request in 1888,
mainly to thwart French expansionism. They were transferred to New Zealand
in 1901. They remained a New Zealand protectorate until 1965, at which point
they became a self-governing territory in free association with New Zealand.
In that year, Albert Henry of the Cook Islands Party was elected as the
first Prime Minister. Sir Albert Henry led the country until he was accused
of vote-rigging. He was succeeded in 1978 by Tom Davis of the Democratic
Party.
Today, the Cook Islands are essentially independent ("self-governing in free
association with New Zealand") but New Zealand is tasked with overseeing the
country's defence.
On June 11, 1980, the United States signed a treaty with the Cook Islands
specifying the maritime border between the Cook Islands and American Samoa
and also relinquishing its claim to the islands of Penrhyn, Pukapuka,
Manihiki, and Rakahanga.
Culture
The languages of the Cook Islands include English, Cook Islands Maori, or
Rarotongan," and Pukapukan. Dialects of Cook Islands Maori include Penrhyn;
Rakahanga-Manihiki; the Ngaputoru dialect of Atiu, Mitiaro, and Mauke; the
Aitutaki dialect; and the Mangaian dialect. Cook Islands Maori and its
dialectic variants are closely related to both Tahitian and to New Zealand
Māori. Pukapukan, by contrast, is considered closely related to the Samoan
language. Both English and Cook Islands Maori are considered official
languages of the Cook Islands.
Art
Carving - Woodcarving is a common art form in the Cook Islands. Sculpture in
stone is much rarer although there are some excellent carvings in basalt by
Mike Tavioni. The proximity of islands in the southern group helped produce
a homogeneous style of carving but which had special developments in each
island. Rarotonga is known for its fisherman's gods and staff-gods, Atiu for
its wooden seats, Mitiaro, Ma'uke and Atiu for mace and slab gods and
Mangaia for its ceremonial adzes. Most of the original wood carvings were
either spirited away by early European collectors or were burned in large
numbers by missionary zealots. Today, carving is no longer the major art
form with the same spiritual and cultural emphasis given to it by the Maori
in New Zealand. However, there are continual efforts to interest young
people in their heritage and some good work is being turned out under the
guidance of older carvers. Atiu, in particular, has a strong tradition of
crafts both in carving and local fibre arts such as tapa. Mangaia is the
source of many fine adzes carved in a distinctive, idiosyncratic style with
the so-called double-k design. Mangaia also produces food pounders carved
from the heavy calcite found in its extensive limestone caves.
Weaving - The outer islands produce traditional weaving of mats, basketware
and hats. Particularly fine examples of rito hats are worn by women to
church on Sundays. They are made from the uncurled immature fibre of the
coconut palm and are of very high quality. The Polynesian equivalent of
Panama hats, they are highly valued and are keenly sought by Polynesian
visitors from Tahiti. Often, they are decorated with hatbands made of
minuscule pupu shells which are painted and stitched on by hand. Although
pupu are found on other islands the collection and use of them in decorative
work has become a speciality of Mangaia. The weaving of rito is a speciality
of the northern island of Penrhyn.
Tivaevae - A major art form in the Cook Islands is tivaevae. This is, in
essence, the art of making of tropical Island scenery handmade patchwork
quilts. Introduced by the wives of missionaries in the 19th century, the
craft grew into a communal activity and is probably one of the main reasons
for its popularity. The Cook Islands make some of the most beautiful
displays of tivaevae the eye can see.
Contemporary Art - The Cook Islands has produced notable and internationally
recognised contemporary artists and the main island of Rarotonga has an
exceptionally vibrant contemporary arts scene. Those born of Cook Islander
heritage include painter (and photographer) Mahiriki Tangaroa, sculptors
Eruera (Ted) Nia (originally a film maker) and master carver Mike Tavioni,
painter (and Polynesian tattoo enthusiast) Upoko'ina Ian George,
Aitutakian-born painter Tim Manavaroa Buchanan, Loretta Reynolds, and
multi-media, installation and community-project artist Ani O'Neil, all of
whom currently live on the main island of Rarotonga. New Zealand-based Cook
Islander artists include Michel Tuffrey, print-maker David Teata, Richard
Shortland Cooper, and Jim Vivieaere, who has mentored many of his
compatriots and is a well-known curator and installation artist. Most of
these artists have studied at university art schools in New Zealand and
continue to enjoy close links with the New Zealand art scene. However, Apii
Rongo, a comparably younger painter, is developing his career entirely on
Rarotonga.
Artists of non-Cook Islander heritage currently working in Rarotonga include
Judith Kunzel, Joan Rolls Gragg and Kay George, who is also known for her
exquisite fabric designs.
On Rarotonga, the main commercial galleries are Beachcomber Contemporary Art
(Taputapuatea, Avarua) run by Ben Bergman, and The Art Gallery ('Arorangi),
run by Kay and Ian George. The Cook Islands National Museum also exhibits
art.
Biology
The National Flower of the Cook Islands is the Tiare māori or Tiale māoli (Penrhyn, Nassau, Pukapuka). The Cook Islands are infested with Polynesian rats. The infestation has devastated the bird population on the islands.
Treaty of Rarotonga
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Treaty of Rarotonga is the common name for the South Pacific Nuclear
Free Zone Treaty, which formalizes a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the South
Pacific. The treaty bans the use, testing, and possession of nuclear weapons
within the borders of the zone.
It was signed by the South Pacific nations of Australia, the Cook Islands,
Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon
Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Western Samoa on the island of Rarotonga
(where the capital of the Cook Islands is located) on August 6, 1985, and
has since been ratified by all of those states.
The Federal States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, and Palau are not
eligible, since they are part of the so-called Compact of Free Association
which provides access to nuclear submarines of the United States of America.
Protocols binding other states
There are three protocols to the treaty, which have been signed by the five
declared nuclear states, with the exception of Protocol 1 for China and
Russia who have no territory in the Zone.
1. no manufacture, stationing or testing in their territories within the
Zone
2. no use against the Parties to the Treaty, or against territories where
Protocol 1 is in force
3. no testing within the Zone
In 1996 France and the United Kingdom signed and ratified the three
protocols. The USA signed them the same year but never ratified them. China
signed and ratified protocols 2 and 3 in 1987.
The treaty's different provisions apply variously to the Zone, to the
territories within the Zone, or globally.
"South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone" means the area :
* south of the Equator
* north of the 60th parallel south (the northern limit of the Antarctic
Treaty zone)
* east of the 115th meridian east
* west of the 115th meridian west (the western limit of the Treaty of
Tlatelolco Latin American Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone)
plus three projections north of the Equator to include the territory and
territorial waters of Papua New Guinea, Nauru, and Kiribati, but minus the
northwest corner beyond Australian territorial waters and near Indonesia
(and the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone).
Several islands in the Indian Ocean also belong to Australia and are
therefore part of the zone.
"Territory" means internal waters, territorial sea and archipelagic waters,
the seabed and subsoil beneath, the land territory and the airspace above
them. It does not include international waters. Article 2 says "Nothing in
this Treaty shall prejudice or in any way affect the rights, or the exercise
of the rights, of any State under international law with regard to freedom
of the seas."
The Treaty is an agreement between nation-states and as such of course
cannot apply to those who have not signed the treaty or protocols, for
example the four countries not signatories to the Non-Proliferation Treaty,
who are all nuclear powers.
List of states and territories
* The only territory north of the Equator that is part of the Zone is in
Kiribati, the only state straddling the Equator.
* Micronesia is outside the Zone except for Kiribati.
* Melanesia is inside the Zone except for Indonesia which is in the
Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone.
* Polynesia is inside the Zone except for Easter Island which is in the
Latin American Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone, the Polynesian outliers of
Kapingamarangi and Nukuoro in Micronesia, Hawaii, and several uninhabited US
Minor Outlying Islands.
The Treaty of Rarotonga is the common name for the South Pacific Nuclear
Free Zone Treaty, which formalizes a nuclear-weapon-free zone in the South
Pacific. The treaty bans the use, testing, and possession of nuclear weapons
within the borders of the zone.
It was signed by the South Pacific nations of Australia, the Cook Islands,
Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon
Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Western Samoa on the island of Rarotonga
(where the capital of the Cook Islands is located) on August 6, 1985, and
has since been ratified by all of those states.
The Federal States of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, and Palau are not
eligible, since they are part of the so-called Compact of Free Association
which provides access to nuclear submarines of the United States of America.
Protocols binding other states
There are three protocols to the treaty, which have been signed by the five
declared nuclear states, with the exception of Protocol 1 for China and
Russia who have no territory in the Zone.
1. no manufacture, stationing or testing in their territories within the
Zone
2. no use against the Parties to the Treaty, or against territories where
Protocol 1 is in force
3. no testing within the Zone
In 1996 France and the United Kingdom signed and ratified the three
protocols. The USA signed them the same year but never ratified them. China
signed and ratified protocols 2 and 3 in 1987.
The treaty's different provisions apply variously to the Zone, to the
territories within the Zone, or globally.
"South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone" means the area :
* south of the Equator
* north of the 60th parallel south (the northern limit of the Antarctic
Treaty zone)
* east of the 115th meridian east
* west of the 115th meridian west (the western limit of the Treaty of
Tlatelolco Latin American Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone)
plus three projections north of the Equator to include the territory and
territorial waters of Papua New Guinea, Nauru, and Kiribati, but minus the
northwest corner beyond Australian territorial waters and near Indonesia
(and the Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone).
Several islands in the Indian Ocean also belong to Australia and are
therefore part of the zone.
"Territory" means internal waters, territorial sea and archipelagic waters,
the seabed and subsoil beneath, the land territory and the airspace above
them. It does not include international waters. Article 2 says "Nothing in
this Treaty shall prejudice or in any way affect the rights, or the exercise
of the rights, of any State under international law with regard to freedom
of the seas."
The Treaty is an agreement between nation-states and as such of course
cannot apply to those who have not signed the treaty or protocols, for
example the four countries not signatories to the Non-Proliferation Treaty,
who are all nuclear powers.
List of states and territories
* The only territory north of the Equator that is part of the Zone is in
Kiribati, the only state straddling the Equator.
* Micronesia is outside the Zone except for Kiribati.
* Melanesia is inside the Zone except for Indonesia which is in the
Southeast Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone.
* Polynesia is inside the Zone except for Easter Island which is in the
Latin American Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone, the Polynesian outliers of
Kapingamarangi and Nukuoro in Micronesia, Hawaii, and several uninhabited US
Minor Outlying Islands.
Avatiu, Rarotonga
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Kingdom of Rarotonga, (Cook Islands Maori: Mātāmuatanga Rarotonga) named
after the island of Rarotonga, was an independent kingdom established in the
present-day Cook Islands in 1858. In 1888 it became a protectorate of the
United Kingdom by its own request, and in 1893 the name was changed to the
Cook Islands Federation.
Rarotonga is the most populous island in a group of islands known as the
Cook Islands, with a population of 14,153 (census 2006).
Cook Islands' Parliament buildings, as well as the international airport,
are located on Rarotonga. Because it is the most populous island, Cook
Islanders may be referred to as Rarotongan, but they may in fact come from
one of the other 15 islands in the group, such as Aitutaki or Mangaia.
Rarotonga is also a very popular tourist destination with many resorts,
hotels and motels. The chief town, Avarua, on the north coast, is also the
capital of the Cook Islands.
Geography
The island of Rarotonga stands over 14,750 feet (4,500 meters) above the
ocean floor. The island is 20 miles (32 km) in circumference and has an area
of 26 square miles (67.19 km²). At a depth of 13,000 ft (4,000 m), the
volcano is nearly 31 miles (50 km) in diameter. Te Manga, at 2,140 ft (658
m) above sea level, is the highest peak on the island.
The island is surrounded by a lagoon, which often extends more than a
hundred yards (meters) to the reef, then sloping steeply to deep water. The
reef fronts the shore to the north of the island, making the lagoon there
unsuitable for swimming and water sports, but to the south east,
particularly around Muri, the lagoon is at its widest and deepest. This part
of the island is the most popular with tourists for swimming, snorkelling
and boating. Agricultural terraces, flats, and swamps surround the central
mountain area.
Along the southeast coast, off Muri Beach are four small coral islets within
a few hundred meters of the shore, within the fringing coral reef, listed
from north to south with their areas in hectares:
1. Mo tutapu 11.0
2. Oneroa 10.6
3. Koromiri 3.0
4. Taakoka 1.7
The interior of the island is dominated by eroded volcanic peaks cloaked in
dense vegetation. Paved and unpaved roads allow access to valleys but the
interior of the island remains largely unpopulated due to forbidding terrain
and lack of infrastructure.
A large tract of land has been set aside in the south east as the Takitumu
Conservation Area to protect the islands' native birds and plants,
especially the endangered Kakerori, the Rarotonga Flycatcher.
Science
On May 30, 1965, five sounding rockets were launched from Rarotonga for
studying a solar eclipse.
Subdivisions
Rarotonga is divided into five districts. Avarua constitutes the large north
district.
Places of interest
Palm-studded white sandy beaches fringe most of the island, and there is a
popular cross-island walk that connects Avatiu valley with the south side of
the island. This walk passes Te Rua Manga, the prominent needle-shaped rock
visible from the air and some coastal areas. Hikes can also be taken to
Raemaru, or flat-top mountain. Other stops should include Wigmore Falls and
the ancient marae, Arai te Tonga.
Popular island activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, bike riding,
horse back riding, hiking, deep-sea fishing, boat tours, scenic flights,
restaurants, dancing, island shows, squash, tennis, zipping around on mopeds
and sleeping on the beach. There are also many churches open for service on
Sunday, and the beautiful a capella singing alone makes them a must. The
pace of life is so relaxed at night people congregate at the sea wall which
skirts the end of the runway and watch the jets land.
Transport
There are three harbours, Avatiu, Avarua and Avana of which only Avatiu
harbour is of any commercial significance. Avatiu harbour serves a small
fleet of inter-islands and fishing vessels and cargo ships regularly call
from New Zealand. Large cruise ships have to anchor off shore.
Rarotonga is encircled by a main "ring" road that traces the coast. In
places there is also a secondary ring road slightly further inland. Due to
the mountainous interior, there is no road crossing the island. Rarotonga
only has two bus routes: Clockwise & Anti-Clockwise. Although they have bus
stops, the bus drivers drive around picking up anyone they see and dropping
them off when the passengers want them to.
Rarotonga International Airport is the main hub of inter-island
transportation with daily flights to Aitutaki, regular flights to Atiu,
Mangaia, Mauke and Mitiaro and occasional flights to the remote Northern
Atolls of Manihiki, Tongareva (Penrhyn) and Pukapuka all operated by the
local Airline Air Rarotonga.
The Kingdom of Rarotonga, (Cook Islands Maori: Mātāmuatanga Rarotonga) named
after the island of Rarotonga, was an independent kingdom established in the
present-day Cook Islands in 1858. In 1888 it became a protectorate of the
United Kingdom by its own request, and in 1893 the name was changed to the
Cook Islands Federation.
Rarotonga is the most populous island in a group of islands known as the
Cook Islands, with a population of 14,153 (census 2006).
Cook Islands' Parliament buildings, as well as the international airport,
are located on Rarotonga. Because it is the most populous island, Cook
Islanders may be referred to as Rarotongan, but they may in fact come from
one of the other 15 islands in the group, such as Aitutaki or Mangaia.
Rarotonga is also a very popular tourist destination with many resorts,
hotels and motels. The chief town, Avarua, on the north coast, is also the
capital of the Cook Islands.
Geography
The island of Rarotonga stands over 14,750 feet (4,500 meters) above the
ocean floor. The island is 20 miles (32 km) in circumference and has an area
of 26 square miles (67.19 km²). At a depth of 13,000 ft (4,000 m), the
volcano is nearly 31 miles (50 km) in diameter. Te Manga, at 2,140 ft (658
m) above sea level, is the highest peak on the island.
The island is surrounded by a lagoon, which often extends more than a
hundred yards (meters) to the reef, then sloping steeply to deep water. The
reef fronts the shore to the north of the island, making the lagoon there
unsuitable for swimming and water sports, but to the south east,
particularly around Muri, the lagoon is at its widest and deepest. This part
of the island is the most popular with tourists for swimming, snorkelling
and boating. Agricultural terraces, flats, and swamps surround the central
mountain area.
Along the southeast coast, off Muri Beach are four small coral islets within
a few hundred meters of the shore, within the fringing coral reef, listed
from north to south with their areas in hectares:
1. Mo tutapu 11.0
2. Oneroa 10.6
3. Koromiri 3.0
4. Taakoka 1.7
The interior of the island is dominated by eroded volcanic peaks cloaked in
dense vegetation. Paved and unpaved roads allow access to valleys but the
interior of the island remains largely unpopulated due to forbidding terrain
and lack of infrastructure.
A large tract of land has been set aside in the south east as the Takitumu
Conservation Area to protect the islands' native birds and plants,
especially the endangered Kakerori, the Rarotonga Flycatcher.
Science
On May 30, 1965, five sounding rockets were launched from Rarotonga for
studying a solar eclipse.
Subdivisions
Rarotonga is divided into five districts. Avarua constitutes the large north
district.
Places of interest
Palm-studded white sandy beaches fringe most of the island, and there is a
popular cross-island walk that connects Avatiu valley with the south side of
the island. This walk passes Te Rua Manga, the prominent needle-shaped rock
visible from the air and some coastal areas. Hikes can also be taken to
Raemaru, or flat-top mountain. Other stops should include Wigmore Falls and
the ancient marae, Arai te Tonga.
Popular island activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, bike riding,
horse back riding, hiking, deep-sea fishing, boat tours, scenic flights,
restaurants, dancing, island shows, squash, tennis, zipping around on mopeds
and sleeping on the beach. There are also many churches open for service on
Sunday, and the beautiful a capella singing alone makes them a must. The
pace of life is so relaxed at night people congregate at the sea wall which
skirts the end of the runway and watch the jets land.
Transport
There are three harbours, Avatiu, Avarua and Avana of which only Avatiu
harbour is of any commercial significance. Avatiu harbour serves a small
fleet of inter-islands and fishing vessels and cargo ships regularly call
from New Zealand. Large cruise ships have to anchor off shore.
Rarotonga is encircled by a main "ring" road that traces the coast. In
places there is also a secondary ring road slightly further inland. Due to
the mountainous interior, there is no road crossing the island. Rarotonga
only has two bus routes: Clockwise & Anti-Clockwise. Although they have bus
stops, the bus drivers drive around picking up anyone they see and dropping
them off when the passengers want them to.
Rarotonga International Airport is the main hub of inter-island
transportation with daily flights to Aitutaki, regular flights to Atiu,
Mangaia, Mauke and Mitiaro and occasional flights to the remote Northern
Atolls of Manihiki, Tongareva (Penrhyn) and Pukapuka all operated by the
local Airline Air Rarotonga.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Uturoa, Raiatea
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raiatea
Somewhat smaller than Tahiti, Raiatea is the second largest of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. The proper spelling of the name, rarely used though, in the Tahitian language is Ra'iatea, meaning bright sky; Ulieta is an obsolete transcription commonly used in the 19th century. The chief town on Raiatea is Uturoa, administrative center for the Leeward Islands (French Îles Sous-le-vent). The islands of Raiatea and Tahaa are both enclosed by the same coral reef, and may once have been a single island. Raiatea is both the largest and most populated island in the Leeward Islands, with a land area of 167.7 km² (64.7 sq. miles) and a total population of 12,024 inhabitants at the August 2007 census. The population density is 72 inhabitants per km². Ra'iatea is widely regarded as the 'center' of Polynesia and it is likely that the organised migrations to Hawaii, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and other parts of East Polynesia started at Ra'iatea. A traditional name for the island is Havai'i fanau fenua (Hawai'i bearer of land).
Somewhat smaller than Tahiti, Raiatea is the second largest of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. The proper spelling of the name, rarely used though, in the Tahitian language is Ra'iatea, meaning bright sky; Ulieta is an obsolete transcription commonly used in the 19th century. The chief town on Raiatea is Uturoa, administrative center for the Leeward Islands (French Îles Sous-le-vent). The islands of Raiatea and Tahaa are both enclosed by the same coral reef, and may once have been a single island. Raiatea is both the largest and most populated island in the Leeward Islands, with a land area of 167.7 km² (64.7 sq. miles) and a total population of 12,024 inhabitants at the August 2007 census. The population density is 72 inhabitants per km². Ra'iatea is widely regarded as the 'center' of Polynesia and it is likely that the organised migrations to Hawaii, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and other parts of East Polynesia started at Ra'iatea. A traditional name for the island is Havai'i fanau fenua (Hawai'i bearer of land).
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