Feng-shui (Chinese)

Feng-shui is an ancient Chinese practice concerned with the art of living in harmony with the land, and deriving the greatest benefit, peace and prosperity from being in the right place at the right time. It is also understood as the art of adapting the residences of the living (and the dead) so as to remain in harmony with the local currents of the cosmic breath. Feng-shui recognizes, in addition to wind and water, other types of energy which permeate the earth and atmosphere and animate the forms of nature. Each location, whether geographical or in-house, has topographical features which modify the local influence of various energies (ch'i) of nature. Mountains of a propitious shape, moderately swift flowing water (not too fast or too slow), and trees and other vegetation are beneficial. It is important for the [ch'i]

to flow gently along natural contours. Of special concern is the form of hills and the directions of watercourses, but the heights and placement of buildings are of equal concern in an urban environment. Unnaturally straight or angular constructions are avoided as they conduct [sha]

(destructive energy). Feng-shui may therefore be considered a code of practice whereby humans can govern their relationships to the environment. One well-recognized consequence is the great beauty of the siting of many farms, houses and villages throughout China. Harmony and balance (of yin and yang) are crucial factors in feng-shui. The practice may be understood as a way in which the lives of people are sanctified, attuning them to the rhythms of nature, and providing them with a sense of security and continuity. The feng-shui master must not only be very observant but also intuitive and of enhanced psychic awareness. In the past they were often priests or holy men although now there are professional masters. The practice is passed on by word of mouth from a master to a pupil or father to son. One tool of practitioners, the geomancer's compass (luopan) through which the appropriateness of the orientation of buildings is determined, takes the form of a complex mandala that permits a holistic balancing of environmental features.

Feng shui is a mystical combination of Chinese philosophical, religious, astrological, cosmological, mathematical and geographical concepts. There are many different traditions of feng-shui, some of which draw on insights from India and Tibet. In China it is closely linked to Confucian and Taoist traditions.