Sifu Bruce Lee

The biggest influence on my martial arts philosophy by far. Commentary to follow soon.

First watch and learn.

The Year Of Living Biblically

This book has to be by far my favorite book I have read this year thus far. A.J. has a razor sharp sense of humor that literally jumps off the pages at you. If laugh out loud humor is what you like with a look at religion that has never been done before, that could quite possibly change your life. Then this marvelous book is for you.

Without further a due. I will let the author Mr. A. J. Jacobs speak for himself.



I'm really glad that it was Mr Jacobs that wrote this book and no one else. I'm also pleased that he came from a secular background and not a fundamentalist point of view, which would have made for a completely different book. As soon as I got the opportunity I actually implemented what A.J. had gotten from the Bible. Love your neighbor. Jacobs realized that he hardly knew his neighborers and made a concerted effort to change that. I actually followed his example and now have gotten to know my new neighbor (well they have been there for over a year or maybe two) and they are really nice folks.


"I'm very concerned about fundamentalism of all kinds, be it Christian Muslim or Jewish and people who say they take the holy texts literally. It colors their thinking in every form, from homosexuality to creation. Their taking parts of the Bible literally, but not taking everything literally. There just selecting. So it's selective literism."
A. J. Jacobs

Related web links
A. J. Jacobs
A. J. Jacobs Blog
Telegraph review

Dinosaur Mummy

Documentary on the DINOSAUR MUMMY

"Scientists today announced the discovery of an extraordinarily preserved "dinosaur mummy" with much of its tissues and bones still encased in an uncollapsed envelope of skin. Preliminary studies of the 67-million-year-old hadrosaur, named Dakota, are already altering theories of what the ancient creatures' skin looked like and how quickly they moved, project researchers say."

From NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC online.




















Fascinating documentary and another "GAP" found in the evolutionarily ladder. Creationists will be scrambling as we speak to say that the fossil is at most 6,000 years old. Pity the majority of the scientific community doesn't agree with them. As research continues on this amazing find, the more evidence will be uncovered to add to the mountain of evidence that already exists for Evolution.

Click here EVOLUTION IS A FACT AND THEORY to learn more.

The Four Horsemen

This really is a fascinating discussion,weather you are an atheist or a religious protagonist. I highly recommend that you take the time to watch this video.

"On the 30th of September 2007, Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, Sam Harris and Christopher Hitchens sat down for an unmoderated 2-hour discussion, convened by The Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science and filmed by Josh Timonen. In this conversation the group trades stories of the public’s reaction to their recent books, their unexpected successes, criticisms and common misrepresentations. They discuss the tough questions about religion that face the world today and propose new strategies for going forward."

From SAM HARRIS.org


Related Web links:
Daniel Dennett
Sam Harris
Richard Dawkins
Christopher Hitchens

Zimbabwe Crisis!

I could no longer delay this Blog and I feel I need to express my concerns, over the dreadfull situation this country is currently undergoing. I really feel for these poor people as there situation is so very desperate. Even when the people went to vote (at great personal risk) there democratic right has not being upheld by a corrupt and tyrant government.
Robert Mugabe has got to be the most openly corrupt President in the world. He rules his country with an iron fist, his people are suffering in poverty whilst he continues to live a life of luxury.





ZIMBABWE'S INFLATION CRISIS

"Zimbabwe's rate of inflation surged to 3,731.9%, driven by higher energy and food costs, and amplified by a drop in its currency, official figures show."

Four out of five Zimbabweans live below the bread line, people's life expectancy is lower than anywhere else in the world (33 years) and yet we are expected to believe the government of South Africa that there is no crisis?

Please take the time to watch this emotional video, "Zimbabwe Call to Action"



Here is another worthwhile video entitled: "Torture and Violence in Zimbabwe"






Web links:
Crisis In Zimbabwe
Human Rights Watch

Give My Head Peace - Live!

A couple of weeks ago my wife and I went to see, "give my head peace" live at the Ballymena town hall. I really can't remember the last time I laughed as much. Jackie and I had such a great time and the evening was a terrific success for the Ballymena Arts festival with another sold out venue.

Please watch the video below from the gone but not forgotten T.V. series.



Web link:
Give my head peace

MMA for LEO'S

"I have modified my MMA For The Street™ program to fit the unique needs of Law Enforcement Officers.Thugs now train in MMA! Stay ahead of the curve by learning techniques & tactics they don’t know!" - Burton Richardson




It is my humble opinion that this is the most exciting innovation for Law enforcement that I have ever seen. This particular method delivers like no other, in that it deals with the reality of a modern street fight. Please check out the video and see why if you are involved in "any" type of security work that this programme
is for you.
I had the pleasure of meeting Burton in Hawaii and I felt like my eyes had been opened to the martial arts for the first time.

Web links:
MMA for leos
Jeet Kune Do Unlimited

Ulster Scots

Last Thursday evening I had the pleasure to spend an evening at Ballymena town hall with the Ulster Scots Folk orchestra. My wife and I had a great wee evening and although I had to drag Jackie kicking and screaming, but her wee foot never stopped tapping along the whole night. Ulster Scots is a very important and unique part of our cultural heritage. To find oot mere(out more), just click on the web links.

I hope you enjoy the video below:




Web links:
Ulster-Scots Agency
Ulster Scots on-line
Ulster-Scots Folk Orchestra
Ulster-Scots on BBC Radio Ulster

ABOUT ME!

Well here I am. I felt it timely for you all to meet me and my family, see where I live and share some of my interests.

My wife Jackie and baby Boy Brandon.



Notice the two longboards in the background. Jackie and I are both keen surfers, Jackie more so than me. Don't get me wrong I love surfing but I am never happy with my progress.
These pictures where taken at what I call, The "Foster Family Dojo" (or garden shed) where I train in a regular basis with a group of friends who share the same goal. That goal is to be the best martial artists that we can be and to reach our goals we must be able to fight in all the ranges of combat. Which are boxing, kickboxing, clinch, takedowns and grappling. Martial arts is my real passion!



















Aloha from the "FOSTER Family Dojo" school of martial arts.


WHERE I LIVE:

I live in a small town called Broughshane just outside Ballymena, sometimes called the gateway to Slemish where St. Patrick is said to have herded sheep.



Slemish Mountain near Broughshane




The Thatch Inn. Broughshane main street

Yes as the name denotes doe's have a thatched roof and apparently serves the best Guinness in N. Ireland. Sadly I hate the stuff, but it looks cool. Prince Charles (The future king of England) called the Thatch, "my favorite pub."


So once again. Welcome to my Blog and I hope you enjoy your visit.

Be sure to check out the web links below.

Web links:
Broughshane
Broughshane improvement committee
Staying in Broughshane
Ballymena Tourism
Discover Northern Ireland
Westbay Surfboards N. Ireland
Troggs Surf Shop N. Ireland

Free Tibet

Introduction
With the impending BEIJING OLYMPICS, I felt it timely to comment on Tibet. I have been interested in the situation in Tibet for many years and only missed out on visiting there, due to the bombing of the airport in Nepal in protest against the Iraq war.

Sometimes throughout all of my Blogs I prompt the reader to "click here" which will take you to another web site. Also everything that is in bold print (or highlighted) can be clicked on, to take you to another link. As I've stated before It is my intention to include as much information as possible and I encourage you ALL to be as interactive as possible on my Blog. So please post a comment if you have just stumbled across my Blog or know me personally.

Although lengthly. I felt it important to include some background information for the reader to better understand the history. If you can better understand history then you will be in a better position to understand current events and be able to put them into context.




The 13th Dali Lama

"From I911 to I950, Tibet successfully avoided undue foreign influence and behaved, in every respect, as a fully independent state. The I3th DALAI LAMA emphasized his country's independent status externally, in formal communications to foreign rulers, and internally, by issuing a proclamation reaffirming Tibet's independence and by strengthening the country's defenses. Tibet remained neutral during the Second World War, despite strong pressure from China and its allies, Britain and the U.S.A. The Tibetan government maintained independent international relations with all neighboring countries, most of whom had diplomatic representatives in Lhasa.



Picture of UN flag

The attitude of most foreign governments with whom Tibet maintained relations implied their recognition of Tibet's independent status. The British government bound itself not to recognize Chinese suzerainty or any other rights over Tibet unless China signed the draft SIMLA CONVENTION of I9I4 with Britain and Tibet, which China never did. Nepal's recognition was confirmed by the Nepalese government in I949, in documents presented to the United Nations CLICK HERE in support of that governments application for membership.

The turning point in Tibet's history came in I949, when the People's Liberation Army of the PRC first crossed into Tibet. After defeating the small Tibetan army, the Chinese government imposed the so-called "17- POINT AGREEMENT for the Peaceful Liberation of Tibet" on the Tibetan government in May I951. Because it was signed under duress, the agreement was void under international law. The presence of 40,000 troops in Tibet, the threat of an immediate occupation of Lhasa and the prospect of the total obliteration of the Tibetan state left Tibetans little choice.

"It should be noted that numerous countries made statements in the course of UN General Assembly debates following the invasion of Tibet that reflected their recognition of Tibet's independent status. Thus, for example, the delegate from the Philippines declared: "It is clear that on the eve of the invasion I950, Tibet was not under the rule of any foreign country." The delegate from Thailand reminded the assembly that the majority of states "refute the contention that Tibet is part of China." The US joined most other UN members in condemning the Chinese "aggression" and "invasion" of Tibet."

Taken from SAVE TIBET website.


My commentary:

I have different opinions on the CURRENT SITUATION IN TIBET

Whilst initially I was disgusted at the Olympic committee agreeing to hold the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. After some deliberation I concluded the following. It is my opinion that whilst the I.O.C. are in direst violation of the OLYMPIC ETHICAL CHARTER
I still think that holding the games in China can turn out to be a good thing. How can this be? I believe that China's human rights violation will be highlighted like never before.


The suffering of China's own people will not be forgotten by me, even though this is a Blog dedicated to Free Tibet. I feel it important to comment that thousands of people are being executed each year, (please watch the video) people are being imprisoned without trial and tortured. It is worthwhile to note that Chinese people where kicked out of their homes to make way for the new Olympic stadium. These poor people where not given an option or alternative accommodation, but kicked out into the streets. If China cannot look after it's own people in a land where there is no free speech, how does the world expect it to look after indigenous Tibetans.
Since 1950 the Chinese have been responsible for the deaths of 1.2 million Tibetans. Think about that. This was systematic cultural genocide! The world watched and did nothing.
Now the world is watching and the media is managing to get some reports out of Tibet. It has been said that because of this that the Chinese will show some restraint.


This is the Chinese showing restraint?

BBC news Report




Excellent ITN report


Excellent interview with the Dali Lama, CLICK HERE







WEB LINKS:

DALI LAMA
FREE TIBET
TIBET
SAVE TIBET
STUDENTS FOR A FREE TIBET
THE GOVERNMENT OF TIBET IN EXILE

The Goldie Hawn Foundation

After watching an interview with Hollywood star Goldie Hawn, I knew I had to check out her foundation.

THE HAWN FOUNDATION - Change the world. One mind at a time.

"Founded in 2003 by award winning actress, director and producer Goldie Hawn, The Hawn Foundation is dedicated to supporting children by advancing mindfulness training in educational, healthcare and community-based settings."

On Buddhism:

"I've been practicing Buddhism for a while. So, I call myself a Jew-Bu, because my tribe is still Jew. But my philosophy and my practice is really Buddhist," says Hawn. "Buddhism is really, one of its main practices is understanding and experiencing compassion, and how that ultimately is a road to happiness."

For those of you who want to know more about Buddhism and how it can change your life, please click HERE

Buddhism is sometimes referred to as, "science of the mind". The techniques employed by the GH Foundation are scientifically TESTED


MINDFULNESS

Is there not a more deserving person to start mindfulness development than your children? Is not the future of our planet in their hands?

"At The Hawn Foundation, we share the dreams of all teachers and parents to help children achieve excellence, both in and outside of school. When kids learn simple mindfulness-based techniques (also called attention training), they gain critical skills to understand their own thoughts and feelings, and behave in more healthy, responsive ways."



Mindfulness is the awareness of the present moment. The bill boards and T.V. adverts direct our attention to the next must have product. It is very difficult to be mindful when our minds are so full of clutter. Difficult but not impossible. I believe mindfulness to be the by product of meditation (see my other blog on this subject) If everyone was more aware of the present moment and carefully considered their actions, then the world would be a better place. For every positive or negative action, there is an equal reaction.

About Mindful Focused Awareness:

"Mindful focused awareness means being aware of your own mind. When you practice mindfulness, you cultivate more awareness and insight into each day, moment by moment.
The better we can understand our own minds (made up of thoughts and feelings), the more aware of and in control we are over our own behavior. Rather than judging and reacting what occurs in our experience, we learn to observe and respond. Mindfulness helps us conduct our lives in a way that is healthy, responsible and joyful."

This is from a recent article from, The INDEPENDENT newspaper:

"A motion to be debated at the ATL's annual conference in Torquay next Tuesday says: "Conference notes with deep concern that many children in our schools appear unhappy and anxious." Over the next two weeks, ATL members will discuss several topics relating to the mental health of primary age children and the pressures they face in modern society. Another motion on the ATL's agenda warns that "social dysfunction and family breakdown are damaging the educational attainment of children and the performance of schools and colleges", while a third speaks of the growing number of pupils being driven to suicide by "academic, social and peer pressure". The recent spate of teenage suicides in Bridgend, South Wales, is symptomatic of the unease felt by today's children, delegates will hear."

For the full article, please click HERE

Mindfulness exercise:

1) The next time you are walking from A to B be aware of the present moment. Please be aware of where you are right now. Don't be thinking of your destination (B) before you get there, or about what you will be watching that night on T.V. Instead focus and be mindful of what's going on around and don't miss out on the beauty of the present moment. If you are with someone, then give them your full attention and be mindful of what they are saying.

2) Wash the dishes to wash the dishes! Yes that's right. When you are washing the dishes I want you to try and think about nothing else but washing the dishes and not about the cup of tea that you are going to enjoy when you are finished. This is a difficult exercise and of course this applies to ALL activities.

Web Links:
The Hawn Foundation

La Boca Belfast

"Named after the vibrant, Bohemian dockside district of Buenos Aires, La Boca is Belfast's first Argentine style restaurant. Located on Fountain Street it is a 3 minute walk from the front of the City Hall past the Linenhall Library. Its high ceiling and solid beech wood furniture create a stunning fifty seater diningroom."

Jackie and I where very lucky on Monday past as the weather held out and delivered us a fresh crisp winters day. After a delightful days shopping in Belfast City shopping, Jackie and I stumbled across this amazing Argentinian restaurant. This was one of those unique restaurants that transported you to another country and gave you that, "where on vacation" kind of feel. The fish I got was just incredible and Jackie's traditional street vender spicy sandwich was the bees knees!



If you are ever visiting Belfast, be sure to check out this outstanding restaurant and let yourself be transported to Buenos Aires on a warm sunny day.
We really felt blessed after our perfect wee day, as by the time we reached home it was snowing, then it rained.

Later I will do another Blob about Belfast city. The past the present and the future on a city which I love. Meantime I hope you enjoyed my review and don't forget to leave a comment.



Web Link:

La Boca

Rage Against The Machine

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE

I felt that it was time to blog about something different. Most of us like music and I'm no different so I would like to present to you my favorite band.
Rage Against The Machine.......
Not only are there music original, furious, energetic and funky, but lyrically there music packs a social punch that powers their music through speakers like a sledge hammer. Rage's music dvd, "The battle of Mexico City" remains my favorite music DVD of all time. I don't believe I have ever seen such a performance from any other band.



Possibly it is a coincidence that their lyrics are left wing, therefore coincide with my political beliefs. Still for me as I get older the more important lyrics become and the more I can identify with a band if they have something important to say.



I am also pleased to announce that R.A.T.M. are back to-gether and are currently touring the world, adding more and more dates with each passing week.

Below is my favorite Rage song: FREEDOM

Web Links:

RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE
Axis Of Justice
The Nightwatchman

FAIRTRADE

Hi everyone! I have decided to blog about Fairtrade to coincide with

Fairtrade fortnight 25th February - 9th March

Below is a statement by the Fairtrade organization:

OUR VISION

"Our vision is of a world in which justice and sustainable development are at the heart of trade structures and practices so that everyone, through their work, can maintain a decent and dignified livelihood and develop their full potential.

To achieve this vision, Fairtrade seeks to transform trading structures and practices in favour of the poor and disadvantaged. By facilitating trading partnerships based on equity and transparency, Fairtrade contributes to sustainable development for marginalised producers, workers and their communities. Through demonstration of alternatives to conventional trade and other forms of advocacy, the Fairtrade movement empowers citizens to campaign for an international trade system based on justice and fairness.
Our mission
The Foundation’s mission is to work with businesses, community groups and individuals to improve the trading position of producer organisations in the South and to deliver sustainable livelihoods for farmers, workers and their communities by –

* being a passionate and ambitious development organisation committed to tackling poverty and injustice through trade
* using certification and product labelling, through the FAIRTRADE Mark, as a tool for our development goals
* bringing together producers and consumers in a citizens’ movement for change
* being recognised as the UK’s leading authority on Fairtrade

What we do

Our four key areas of activity are:

* Providing an independent certification of the trade chain, licensing use of the FAIRTRADE Mark as a consumer guarantee on products
* Facilitating the market to grow demand for Fairtrade and enable producers to sell to traders and retailers
* Working with our partners to support producer organisations and their networks
* Raising public awareness of the need for Fairtrade and the importance of the FAIRTRADE Mark

The Foundation works to the definition of Fair Trade agreed by FINE, a working group of the four international Fair Trade networks (Fairtrade Labelling Organisations International, International Fair Trade Association, Network of European World Shops and the European Fair Trade Association):

"Fair trade is a trading partnership, based on dialogue, transparency and respect that seeks greater equity in international trade. It contributes to sustainable development by offering better trading conditions to, and securing the rights of, marginalised producers and workers – especially in the South".



My commentary:

I have been a supporter of Fairtrade for a few years now and even ran a few events at my former workplace. I believe it to be of most importance to, "think before you drink" and for each individual to have a social conscience. We in the west live a very comfortable lifestyle compared to most of the population living in the developing worlds. The least we can do is to give them some assistance so they can develop their own economy, devise a sustainable infrastructure and therefore lift people out of poverty by providing long time jobs for the future.

Please take the time to watch this VERY important video:

Web links:
FairTrade
Rainforest alliance
Marks and Spencers Fairtrade

Juno Movie review

Words can't describe how much I adored this remarkable offbeat movie. It is unassuming, hip and with a dialogue that is as sharp as a razor. Juno played by the remarkable Ellen Page tells the story of an amazing smart young girls journey through her pregnancy. Whilst this movie certainly is sweet it lacks the over sentimentality scrips that flow out of Hollywood!

This movie is charming, feel good, emotional, original fresh and interesting.
Go see this movie now if you know what's good for you.


Cast & Credits
Juno MacGuff: Ellen Page
Paulie Bleeker: Michael Cera
Vanessa Loring: Jennifer Garner
Mark Loring: Jason Bateman
Bren MacGuff: Allison Janney
Mac MacGuff: J.K. Simmons

Fox Searchlight presents a film directed by Jason Reitman. Written by Diablo Cody. Running time: 92 minutes. Rated PG-13

Below is a review by movie critic Roger Ebert

By Roger Ebert

"Jason Reitman's "Juno" is just about the best movie of the year. It is very smart, very funny and very touching; it begins with the pacing of a screwball comedy and ends as a portrait of characters we have come to love. Strange, how during Juno's hip dialogue and cocky bravado, we begin to understand the young woman inside, and we want to hug her.

Has there been a better performance this year than Ellen Page's creation of Juno? I don't think so. If most actors agree that comedy is harder than drama, then harder still is comedy depending on a quick mind, utter self-confidence, and an ability to stop just short of going too far. Page's presence and timing are extraordinary. I have seen her in only two films, she is only 20, and I think she will be one of the great actors of her time."


Web link:

Juno

Watch the trailer:



Music from the picture:

MICHAEL MOORE

FOCUS ON:

MICHAEL MOORE

Michael Moore is probely one of, if not my favorite documentary makers. To-day let's focus on Michael. What he's good at and not so good at.

Below is part one of an interview with CNN's Wolf Blitzer.



Please be sure to follow up and watch part two!

What Michael Moore doe's right.

Whatever you think of him, it is my opinion that Moore's heart is always in the right place, whenever he chooses to tackle a particular subject matter. He can make you laugh, cry or even enrage you and hopefully you will become active or think about the world in a different way. His outspoken views challenges us all and love or loathe him he has something of tremdous value to contribute to our society.For his most recent movie "SICKO" he tackles the American health service. With particular focus on health insurance and how corrupt they are. As always it's a case of prophet over people.

Below is the first few minutes of the movie Sicko. Just to wet your appetite.



What doe's Michael do wrong?

This is an observation from the movie Sicko, but I think it is a theme that runs through most of his movies and his books. Moore comes over to England to take a look at our N.H.S. He seems genuinely bemused that all perscripines are the same price and then goes on to marvel about how good or even perfect the NHS is. Mr. Moore fails to address the local issues and how the system is crumbling due to many contributing factors. Due to the recent flux of foreign migrant workers the NHS has been put under tremendous stress, as none of this was planned for by the government. The irony and enigma is that it is foreign workers that is holding the system together, but workers
from the Eastern Block are putting a strain on an already overstretched system. Moore of course doesn't address any of this and has made a few sweeping statements about Northern Irish politics and Palestine, which have annoyed a number of people, including myself. What doe's this really show us though? It shows us that he is human and therefore not perfect. Can anyone really say that they are? I just wanted to address that just because you really admire someone, does not mean they are above criticism.

Closing words

I consider myself a big fan of Michael Moore. He does even address what I criticized him for in the second part of the Wolf Blitzer CNN interview. Still I look forward to ALL his releases and applaud him for his genuine concern for his fellow human being who are not as well off as himself. This type of compassion is rare and Michael should be applauded!

Web link:

Michael Moore

Zazen

"When you do Zazen, find a quiet place where you can sit without disturbances. It should be neither too dark nor too bright, warm in the winter and cool in the summer. The sitting place should be neat and clean".

"If possible, a statue of Manjushri Bodhisattva should be enshrined in the room. If there is none available, any statue or painting of a Buddha or a Bodhisattva is fine. Also, when possible, place an offering of flowers on the altar and burn incense".

For those of you who are not Buddhist, you can make a small adjustment. If you are a Christian then you can have a picture of Christ, a small cross, or a picture of The Virgin Mary if you are Catholic. Pictures of words from the Koran or indeed the Koran would be suitable for a Muslim or the Torah if you are Jewish. If you have no religious affiliation then just a quiet room with no paraphernalia will suffice.

"First we should practise consistently and regularly on a daily basis. Everyone should form - and try to live by - an intention to do some formal practise every day, even if it is only ten or fifteen minutes of sitting. Regularity is very important, that is hard, hard training".

From, Don't know mind. The Spirit of Korean Zen. By Richard Shrobe

Beginners who might feel intimidated by the question, "How much should I practise," should pay attention to what Shrobe is saying. Do not feel as I did for so long, in that if I only practise for ten or fifteen minutes that it wasn't good enough. We all have busy lives and Zen is not to make your life more busy or to create more stress for you. Rather it is for you to learn how to best deal with life. One should be mindful that suffering is part of life. Sadly it is unavoidable and therefore we sold not take it personally or be shocked when suffering incures. Still it is not to say that by practising Zen that therefore stress is eliminated. For this would be impossible as life is suffering. What it can do is to help deal with stress whenever it arises. Like the Chinese philosophy of the bamboo, we should learn not to be stiff like stone, but blow with the wind and bend to survive. SO it is ok to feel stress but one must be mindful and not let it rule your life. One must be careful and not develop a victim mentality of, "why me?" Why not you? You are nothing special and just the same as everyone else. That is just like Zen and meditation practise. Nothing special. Attach nothing extra or special to your practise and be mindful of each moment.
What comes after the next moment. The next moment. That's all you have. That's all we know we have for sure.

Mindfullness is a by product of meditation. It is perhaps the most important thing that I have learned from Zen practice.




BEGINNERS FIRST EXERCISE

Even though the title suggests that this exercise is for beginners, experts can use this to and this may be the only technique you may ever use. That's ok. If we do Zazen (Zazen means sitting meditation)

Sit in a position that feels comfortable to you. For information on how to sit click HERE
You can sit on a chair, lie down or just sit on the Zafu (cushion) with your ankles crossed.

As for your POSTURE

First of all as you breathe in count to one. As you breathe out count to two
Breathe in three and breathe out four. You are not counting out loud but inwardly with your breathe. Continue counting in this manner until you reach ten. Whenever you loose count (trust me you will) please just start at one again and continue as before. If you have time I would like you all to do this for twenty minutes. If not then even five, ten or fifteen will be sufficient. Remember that it is important to be consistent and even ten minutes a day is considered hard training.

Click HERE for more important information on how to sit and regulate the breathe.

The above picture is a portrait of my favorite author on Zen called Shunryu Suzuki. He wrote a book called Zen mind beginners mind and you can purchase it by clicking HERE
Suzuki is perhaps my most influential Zen teacher and I recommend this book for it's clarity and insightfullness. Also it is very informal and therefore very accessible to everyone.
It is easy to begin with beginners mind. But very difficult to keep it. By keeping to the spirit of Beginners mind I believe it stops one from becoming arrogant. Please take the time to read this remarkable book. It is remarkable because it is so ordinary.

Charters for Beginners Mind, by Shunryu Suzuki




If you have any questions or please do not hesitate to post a comment. I would love to hear from you. If you would like me to post a link to your Zen group or website I would be delighted to.

Related Web links:

Soto Zen
Belfast Zen
Ballymena Zen
Rinzai Zen

Baby Bible Bashers!

Samuel Boutwell is a seven-year-old preacher. He takes his vocation to save sinners from rotting in eternal hell extremely seriously.

"Most Saturdays he stands in front of his local abortion clinic in Jackson, Mississippi and, bible in hand, bellows:

‘Don’t kill your child! Repent! God loves the little children!’.

"Baby Bible Bashers follows the extraordinary stories of three of the Lord’s ‘chosen children’, and their relationships with God, their families and their congregations.

In addition to Samuel, we meet nine-year-old Florida firebrand Terry Durham, who likes nothing more than to don his oversize blue suit and alligator shoes, and whip the crowd into a frenzy. Terry holds the honor of having been the world’s youngest ordained minister at just six.

Brazilian sensation Ana Carolina Dias began preaching at just three years of age and regularly commands TV audiences of millions. Her mission: to save the hardened gang members and drug dealers of Rio’s shantytowns.

This film by BAFTA award-winning director Amelia Hann, follows these pint-size preachers as they go about their missionary work spreading the word to ‘drunkards, adulterers and thieves’ and uncovers the unsettling and often disturbing truth behind child evangelism.

Seven-year-old evangelist Samuel Boutwell began preaching when he was just a toddler. Sinners he has to convert include drunkards, liars, fornicators, adulterers, thieves, homosexuals, blasphemers, hypocrites and money-lovers.

Samuel descends from a long line of preachers - his parents are unrivalled in their commitment. The film follows Samuel and his family on their crusade across America to save as many souls as they can."

"Terry’s congregation believe he has a direct link with God and can channel supernatural powers. Terry’s father has a master plan for his son’s rise to stardom. “In the next few years, I’m seeing Terry pastoring a 30,000-member church,” he says."

"Samuel and his family reach New York. Displaying signs that condemn most people to hell, including homosexuals, they soon spark a reaction - but in Samuel’s eyes, these people are rejecting God and embracing the Devil."

"Despite their differences, these three children are united by an overwhelming fear of the Devil. Obeying their parents is their best bet of escaping an eternity in hell."

"Samuel’s father is already planning new mission trips, despite the reaction in New York. “If you don’t repent, you’re going to hell - and like I say, worms will be eating you,” says Samuel."

My Commentary:

I can really sympathize with the argument that these poor kind are a victim of child abuse. Obviously in these cases the abuse is psychological and not physical. None the less it is my opinion that these poor kids are suffering long term damage that will culminate into them becoming dogmatic Christian fundamentalists. Meantime what sort of childhood do you think these kids are having? Young Samuel pictured above is convinced that worms will be eating people in hell and Terry is being exploited for profit by his own mun and Dad.
I believe these children are being brainwashed from an early age and are not being taught to evaluate evidence. The damage already done to young Samuel is evident from the program and it is clear that he will grow up encased in dogma and fundamentalism and therefore sadly won't be able to practice what is of most important in religion. Compassion. Of course his parents will argue that they are being compassionate by ensuring that Samuel is on a fast track course to heaven and that they are doing there very best to ensure others follow this program also.
However as this young man is being home schooled he will never understand another religion, won't be able to evaluate evidence and will never understand that he can't prove that heaven exists and because it says so in a book, doe's not make it so.

Closing arguments:

Watching this documentary was like watching a car wreck. You know you shouldn't but you just can't turn away. This pro gramme was disturbing and I wonder how many other children across the U.S. are being indoctrinated in this manner. I fear for these children I really do and feel very sorry for them. Instead of worrying about a heaven or hell or about a holy book, these kids should be enjoying a normal carefree childhood. Instead they are being put through rigorous and systematic psychological child abuse.

Related Web Links:

Baby Bible Bashers
A Look At Child Evangelists