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The History of Feng Shui
Feng Shui is the art of placing and
situating a structure so it is in harmony with nature. Also known as
“Kanyu”, cultural and social issues are influenced by cosmological,
metaphysical and natural factors.
To use this ancient technique, you have to understand the influence
of cosmology on earth. You should also have knowledge of how
astronomy and astrology influence the placement of buildings. You
also need to understand Confucian classic, the weathering process,
the forces of nature, the magnetic fields and how these all
influence us. If you think about it, that is a lot to study.
The history of Feng Shui originated in the West Han dynasty around
third century BC. Those who practice it believe that the earth is
alive with energy. If people built a structure on a land that has
revitalizing energy, then they would prosper. If this is placed in a
site with bad energy, misfortune will occur.
Originally, Feng Shui was used to help place tombs for those who
have died rather than for building homes for the living. Back then,
they believed that choosing a good burial site will bring peace and
prosperity to those who remained here on earth.
The instrument used to select the correct burial site was known as
the “Lo Pan.” This invention was traced back to the Yellow Emperor
where it is said that the “Lady of the Nine Heavens” gave him this
knowledge.
This ancient compass was called the Hin Shi and is described as a
square base called a diviner’s board, holding a bowl of water which
floated a magnetic south pointing spoon. The Hin Shi then developed
into the “Lo Pan” and during the Sang Dynasty, this was used to
navigate at sea. When this was brought to Europe somewhere during
the 13th Century, this was better known as the compass which helped
navigators explore the rest of the world.
But going back to Feng Shui, if the “Lo Pan” can be used to pick
good burial sites, couldn’t it do the same for erecting buildings
where people could live? The answer is yes and so this device was
now used to analyze the orientations in a relationship to the main
door, the bed and the stove.
Since then, both the rich and the poor incorporate this in their
architecture. Archeological studies have shown that ancient Chinese
city planners were made in concentric rectangles surrounded by walls
that were then surrounded by lakes, hills, valleys, gardens,
courtyards and parks which were to enhance positive energy.
As for buildings, these were constructed to enhance a healthy
relationship between family members and the country.
This is where Yin and Yang comes in which this is considered to be
the foundation of the universe. Coming from Taoism, these two are
complete opposites that cannot exist without the other.
For them, the left side of the building must represent Yang or the
male force while Yin or the female force is on the right.
Examples of Yang in the past included sunlit roofs, built areas and
an elevation in the front. For Yin, there must be empty areas,
shadowed eaves, set back structures and elevations in the back.
The history of Feng Shui was almost forgotten when the communists
took over in 1949. If it wasn’t for the masters who practiced it and
shipped it out to Hong Kong or China, we would have never known it
existed. Feng Shui made its way to the US only in the 1970’s.
Various articles and shows have focused on it and people now use it
to help in building a house or a building.
About the Author: D. Benjamin is the owner of
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