"My father met Norman Bethune in Spain during his recovery from battle injuries. Influenced by him, my father aspired to come to China, where he met my mother and later had me," said Michael Crook, chairman of the International Committee for the Promotion of Chinese Industrial Cooperatives. His parents, David and Isabel Crook, played an important role in training a large number of foreign-language professionals for China. "The spirit of Bethune has not faded with time; instead, it has been widely inherited and carried forward in both China and Canada," said Hu Jinqiang, director of the North China Military Martyrs Cemetery. Hu noted that today Bethune is not just a name but a symbol of internationalism, humanism and selfless dedication. "We commemorate him to inspire more people to remember history and carry forward his spirit."

China: Passing of Canadian Surgeon – Norman Bethune [1890-1939] – Commemorated! (22.12.2024)

This year marks the 85th death anniversary of Bethune, who died of blood poisoning at the age of 49 on Nov. 12, 1939 in China while aiding the Chinese people in their fight against Japanese aggression. His remains were relocated to the cemetery in 1953.

The commemoration began at 10 a.m., with participants bowing before the surgeon’s tomb and presenting flower baskets.

“My father met Norman Bethune in Spain during his recovery from battle injuries. Influenced by him, my father aspired to come to China, where he met my mother and later had me,” said Michael Crook, chairman of the International Committee for the Promotion of Chinese Industrial Cooperatives.

His parents, David and Isabel Crook, played an important role in training a large number of foreign-language professionals for China.

“The spirit of Bethune has not faded with time; instead, it has been widely inherited and carried forward in both China and Canada,” said Hu Jinqiang, director of the North China Military Martyrs Cemetery.

An Injured Stonewall Jackson!

How Confederate General “Stonewall” Jackson Overcame Disability! (20.11.2024)

The Ancient Greek idea of inner strength – mediated through a cultivated wisdom – was the Classical model Stonewall Jackson used to enhance his own health and social standing. Due to his honesty and humility, those who personally encountered his personality were always drawn toward his charisma. Although his family were not willing to “waste” money on a military education for their son, a friend of the family was made aware of an unusual Scholarship being offered which permitted “one” successful candidate to enter West Point to train as an “Officer” in the US Army. Around five very clever men competed for this Scholarship – and it was predictably won by an impoverished “Lawyer”. However, this “Lawyer” came from a privileged background and lasted just one-day when subjected to military discipline at West Point. The Scholarship was once again thrown open to the four remaining men – through another round of examinations – and Stonewall Jackson prevailed. This is how Stonewall Jackson gained access to West Point.

Richard Hunn: The South-Paw Guitar Player! (15.10.2023)

his is how I ended-up training under Mangala Thero (in 1996) at the Ganga Ramaya Temple (in Beruwela) – situated in Sri Lanka. I have subsequently discovered that Mangala Mahathero has passed away after spending the last decade of his life living and meditating in isolation. I am told that Richard Hunn would sit ‘still’ for hours on end in various Zen Temples throughout the Kyoto area. Although outwardly he was practicing ‘Zen’ – inwardly he was practicing ‘Caodong’ Ch’an – the preferred lineage of Master Xu Yun (1840-1959). Although none of us know how long we will be on this Earth – we must remain vigilant and use our time effectively and productively! Not a single second must be wasted when it comes to self-cultivation! Instead of reading this board – look within! Richard Hunn was my academic and spiritual teacher between 1989-2006. He taught me to read and translate properly every modern and traditional Chinese language ideogram – whilst also conveying to me the teachings of the authentic Chinese Ch’an Buddhist tradition!

Buddhism: The (1971) Rita Curran Murder – William Richard DeRoos Identified as Killer! (26.3.2023) 

The Vermont Police appear to be attempting to build a ‘racist’ narrative which associates hedonistic drug-taking with the practice of Buddhism. The idea is that ‘drugs’ and ‘Buddhism’ are ‘violent’ and ‘defiant’ of all the norms of Western civilisation – and this is ‘why’ Rita Curran was killed! I would suspect that spaced-out hippies are the least likely of anyone to commit violent crime and that the ‘White’ (conservative) Police are a little confused in their narrative building. If William DeRoos did commit this murder (and the DNA evidence does support this hypothesis) – then he committed this crime because he possesses some type of mental and behavioural ‘illness’ – and not because he chose to align himself with the peaceful and wisdom producing teachings of the Buddha. As for drug-taking – there is no evidence of this at all until much later in his life – the reason for which I would suspect some sort of painful ‘illness’. As always – think for yourself when weighing-up the evidence.

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