FENG SHUI
Feng Shui is an ancient art (and some claim, a
science) developed over 3500 years ago in China. It refers to a complex
body of knowledge that aims to position human built environments in such
a way as to attract the positive chi and do away with negative
chi, so as to bring good fortune to the inhabitants. Feng Shui
translates literally into “wind-water” in English. It is derived from an
ancient Chinese text that read as follows:
“Chi rides the wind and scatters, but is retained
when it meets water”
Feng Shui is based on the Taoist vision and
philosophy of nature, especially the concept that the land is alive and
filled with energy (chi). This energy could be positive or
negative (the theory of yin and yang). Feng Shui is also based on an
understanding of the five elements: wood, water, fire, earth and metal.
Each element contains yin and yang in varying proportions (e.g. wood
contains some yin, but water contains much more).
Feng Shui is practiced using two
instruments: the magnetic compass and the Bagua. The magnetic compass is
believed to have been invented for Feng Shui (rather than for finding
one’s way). It enables the Feng Shui master to exactly determine the
position of the site. The Bagua is an octagonal diagram that describes
the celestial attributes of every direction. For example, the East is
the Green Dragon, the South is the Red Phoenix, the West is the White
Tiger and the North is the Dark Turtle. By superimposing the compass on
the Bagua, one has an overall idea of the yin and yang of the land. The
master can then place the five elements accordingly in order to retain
the positive chi and release the negative chi.
In practice, therefore, Feng Shui involves
knowledge of astronomy, astrology, normal weather concepts and the
forces of nature that act on buildings and their surroundings. A working
knowledge of magnetic fields and their effect on men as well as the
effect of land forms (hills, valleys, flat land…etc) on the preservation
and dispersion of chi is essential. For example, empty areas,
shadowed eaves, and elevations at the back were considered yin.
Built areas, sun-lit roofs and elevations at the front were considered
yang.
The practice of Feng Shui began in the West Han Dynasty
and ever since that period has been used in the Chinese architecture.
The ancient Chinese built cities, palaces and homes based on the
concepts of Feng Shui. Buildings were built in order to enhance
harmonious relationships between the members of a family and between the
family and the rest of society. Chinese emperors built their palace in
order to consolidate their power. Palaces of the Shang Dynasty
(1711-1066BC) were known to have been based on Feng Shui. The beautiful
landscapes of these castles, complete with water courses, hills, curves
and straight lines, ensured that the yin and yang were in complete
harmony. They are the living testimonies of what Feng Shui has achieved
in ancient China. |
