Brother Saunders was a famous and successful professional football player and manager in the U.K. He led Aston Villa to the championship of the Wembley Football Game in 1981 and was selected “the Manager of the Year” for his outstanding achievement in Football. In spite of all the success and achievement, he had been searching for the right path of truth but hardly felt satisfied until he found Master Ching Hai.

I worked for almost 40 years in professional football, more than 10 years as a player and then several decades as a manager. Working as a professional sportsman requires not only the natural abilities that you are born with, but also years of dedicated training and absolute fitness. Large numbers of players and managers dedicate themselves to the game just the same as I did, but have very limited success. I was one of the lucky ones!

We had many successful times and plenty to celebrate but the winning and celebrations were always a big letdown to me. I felt that something was missing. I was never satisfied. When I should have been elated and happy I often felt empty and frustrated. “What was wrong?” “What was missing?”

I quickly began to realize that everything in this life is already decided. If you are destined to win something then you will win it. What is meant to

happen will happen. It also became quite clear that nothing ever happens by chance. There is always a reason for everything. You are always in the right place at the right time.

A few years ago, when my wife and I watched a video of the Sai Baba we knew immediately what we should do; we went to India for several weeks to learn more about Sai Baba. Our experiences with Sai Baba have let us know more. It is him, perhaps, who led us to Master Ching Hai.

Last year I went to the “Mind, Body, Soul Festival” in London and the very last thing I picked up was one of Master Ching Hai's sample booklets. I read this on the train going back home and was especially interested in the Questions and Answers section. Some weeks later I got the feeling that I should do something about this booklet. So I read it again and then phoned the contact person at the Oxford Center to get more information.

This year I was initiated at Oxford and now regularly practice the Quan Yin Method. My meditation which had been “a bit hit and miss” is now well focused. All the years of blood and sweat, success and acclaim now count for nothing at all. They just don't matter. Our new understanding of life, at times give us a feeling of an altered consciousness and makes us more aware. But underlying everything is a deep feeling of contentment and love.

The most benevolent gift of God in this life is the Quan Yin Method, unconditionally imparted by the Supreme Master Ching Hai. This supreme dharma boat not only sailed me safely to the opposite shore, but has merged and transformed the suffering and happiness of this lifetime into a cheerful and optimistic mind of the middle way.

Buying a house in this material world is a big issue, and the money involved is of huge sum. Arguments and conflicts between developers and buyers are commonly reported in the newspaper.

A few months ago, I bought a private condominium from a developer. My original sincere attitude towards others and trust in their pureness of mind was shattered by the developer's numerous cheating and lies. Besides,

my family members were not understanding either and the atmosphere at home was really bad. However, the amazing thing is, after having meditated diligently, the hatred and anger derived from the transaction was converted into the power of love and forgiveness by the inner sound current. The vexations and sufferings disappeared like darkness meeting the dawn, leaving a bright and clear sky.

Whilst the autumn leaves fall, I wish to weave infinite lotus with my utmost devotion, to offer and bow beneath Master Ching Hai's feet for Your greatness, and to thank you for your most precious treasure bestowed on me - the Quan Yin Method. Because it is through the Quan Yin Method that I have You, the wisdom, the bliss, and the Kingdom of God.

I will retire in a few days from the army. Looking back on the rugged road I have travelled, deep emotions fill my heart. However, thanks to Master's arrangement and care, I have learned even more. Also, I can clearly sense that the big change before and after I joined the army was all under Master's uplifting care.

I joined the army after having been initiated for over one year. At that time, I had to temporarily leave the meditation center and the fellow brothers and sisters to go to a strange environment. The loneliness and fear overcame me because I had just started my spiritual practice, and I considered that my foundation was still not stable enough. A sister advised me “Don't be sad, wherever you go, it is all the same - you can still spread Master's teachings in the army.” So, before I got onto the train, I put a few of Master's sample booklets in my bag as I thought they could be of use.

I will never forget the scene when the company commander was checking our bags when we stepped into Cheng Gong Ling camp. We were faced with a few years of army life to go through. My heart became heavy. When it was my turn, I poured all of my things out and consequently, the platoon commander picked up Master's sample booklet and asked “What is your relationship with this lady?” I answered “My Master.” He said “Very good, I am a fellow brother too. I will look after you.” “Wow!” I shouted. It was really incredible. Suddenly the depressed mood was lifted. Writing now, I even can't control myself and I am clapping joyously, but there was something even more incredible to come.

It was really strange. In my unit, many of my peers were vegetarians. Nearly all of the vegetarians in the camp happened to be gathered in my unit. The platoon commander, the squad leader, and the company commander were all vegetarians! The company commander was not a vegetarian before, and I didn't know what made him become one. Also, another company commander I met was a vegetarian too. He treated us very well, and even summoned all of the vegetarians and asked us about the army life and food. The fact that I continuously met senior officers who were vegetarians, made me realize all was Master's arrangement.

Later, I was transferred to Pintung. Our company commander was changed to a new one soon after I joined, but he was also a vegetarian. After that, our leader was also changed and his replacement was a vegetarian too. At that time, vegetarianism had become prevalent and the food was really good. I could even cook my favorite dishes for myself while I was taking the N.C.O. training.

Thank God for seeing me through this stage safely. I realized that if we believe in Master, respect God and love life, there are no barriers that we cannot overcome and nothing that we cannot achieve. In the Bible it says, “Believe in me. Leave everything to God and you will achieve everything.”