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What is feng shui?
Definition
Classical feng shui is a knowledge developed in China since ancient times, which deals with living in relationship with nature. It enables harnessing nature's positive forces so as to improve the quality of life and achieve success. When used correctly, feng shui is also a powerful tool to strengthen one's self.
Feng shui is classified as a study of the physiognomy of the land, because terrain features are natural forces that create and conduct qi (an intangible form of energy). The power of this energy is used in feng shui. Understanding landscape forms is crucial in order to assess the natural forces that they harbour.
Authentic feng shui is based on observations of nature, its cycles and their influence on humans. The science relies on mathematical formulas that are used to calculate qi, i.e. energy present in a property (be it office or residential) and its individual rooms.
In Chinese, 風水 or „feng shui” literally means „wind water”.
History
Initially feng shui was used to select the appropriate burial place, and later also to find a good site for settlement. The presence and influence of water and wind on agriculture and quality of life were extremely important when choosing a dwelling location. These places and the associated benefits and problems experienced by the inhabitants were subjected to extensive analyses and interpretations. As a result, the vast knowledge of feng shui was developed.
Scholars in ancient China observed recurring natural phenomena and their influence on humans over thousands of years. They concluded that success and failure should not only be attributed to human actions, but also the powers of the earth, which affect human health and well-being. They focussed their attention mainly on specific landscape forms. Rules and dependencies were identified. Relying on the extensive knowledge of ancient masters, useful and effective formulas were elaborated. Apart from landscape forms, other factors taken into account included the location and compass alignment of the future buildings.
Present uses
The science of authentic feng shui provides for a comprehensive analysis of the living environment. All beings are subject to nature's cycles and time. Nowadays people and their environment are increasingly losing their balance. Negative factors cause disharmony and weakening in people's life space. With feng shui it is possible to reinstate balance and harmony.
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When applied correctly, feng shui dissolves blockades, overcomes obstacles and directly supports human actions. It enhances motivation, introduces harmony and provides for a better life.
Qi
Feng shui makes use of qi. This is an intangible form of energy present in the universe. Qi manifests itself as nature and its phenomena. It is intrinsically bound with the life forces of nature and humans. Feng shui analyses the flow of qi into a home and the influence of this energy on the residents. It also makes use of the environment surrounding the house, time, and space in such a way as to promote the residents in achieving their goals.
Yin-Yang
Feng shui relies on the balance of yin and yang in the environment. Even pictograms have their roots in landscape. Yang signifies the sunny side of a mountain; yin is the shaded side. The combined yin and yang are a symbol of unity by the interaction of mutually dependent, opposing forces, specifically the active and passive counterparts. Almost everything is composed of yang and yin, e.g. day and night, sun and moon, sky and earth, male and female, hot and cold, north and south, movement and rest, front and back, up and down etc. Yin and yang properties exist in mutual relationship. They create and permeate each other, mutually controlling and balancing the counterpart. Where there is a surplus of yin, yang is weakened. The Chinese began to view the world and contemplate each of its aspects as a combination of two opposites. The interaction of these two forces is employed in feng shui.
In Asian cultures everything is regarded in the form of two opposites and their clash. A mountain is considered to be yin (calmness, immobility), while water is yang (movement, activity).
Yang qi can be described as something that is active and dynamic: an energy that supports us during work and lets us operate at top performance levels. Its influence covers wealth and career. Yin is the passive, calm form of energy and is responsible for health, personal development and human relationships. It influences our mood, thinking and perception. Yin qi is the source of an energy that protects us during sleep and rest at home.
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