I still remember very well the moment I met my teacher and Master for the first time. He was relatively small, but had a special charisma. During his lessons we, his students, absorbed every word he uttered and we knew that this man knew exactly what he was talking about.
I always tell my students that it is most important to find a teacher who has a lot of practical knowledge. At the beginning of our career as a Feng Shui adviser we don’t have any experience in handling such powerful knowledge, so we must still rely on what we have learnt from our teacher to meet the needs of our clients.
I am really fortunate that I was able to benefit from Grand Master Yap’s knowledge right from the very first hours of teaching. The experiences I encountered later always proved his lessons and advice to be correct and once again I was lucky that he gave me his mobile phone number so I could call him directly whenever I had any questions.
As soon as I heard the sad news that my teacher and mentor had passed away I booked a flight from Germany to Malaysia; following my inner voice that I needed to personally pay him the respect he deserved. He had decisively changed my life, accompanied me and continued to give me strength even from far away.
During those days I talked a lot to my colleagues and his closest students and we exchanged many small stories and anecdotes. We cried and laughed together and our shared experiences brought my friends and I even closer.
Actually I could write a book about Grand Master Yap Cheng Hai. Not only about the knowledge of Feng Shui that I received from him, but also all the explanations and stories he told which made me commit my life to teach and learn in his name. Last year I was fortunate to travel to KL twice to see him and at each visit I received new instructions and an even deeper knowledge.
In the last few years many of his admirers had the wonderful opportunity to listen to his speeches during our annual International Feng Shui Convention (IFSC). I know for sure that his words always found their way directly into the hearts of their listeners.
Following the IFSC last November, my daughter and I flew from Singapore to KL in order to meet with Grand Master Yap, listen once again to his words of wisdom and learn from him either in his office or during the meals we shared together. At the same time we attended a workshop held by James Chee, whose father was a good friend and teacher of the Wu Shu of Grand Master Yap Cheng Hai.
Afterwards we met again with Grand Master Yap and he demonstrated to us that despite his age of 87 years it was easy for him to lie down on the floor, just as a young student using his martial arts. We were all very excited about his ability and that evening he showed us many easy tricks. I will never forget these and will always carry in my heart all of these special moments; as well the movies we watched together with his beloved daughter Boon Yap.
Grand Master Yap Cheng Hai always underlined how important it was to him that I pass on his knowledge and share this valuable treasure with others. It has enriched the life of many people and I promised to follow his motto.
