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YANG PRINCIPLE |
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 THE DEMYSTIFICATIONFeng Shui (pronounced "fung shway") is the Chinese practice and philosophy of object orientation, placement, and arrangement. The phrase literally means "wind water”, and operates on the premise that our living environment can help or hinder the flow of energy in our lives. Followers take into consideration the energy flow throughout a structure, arranging furniture and decorations to enhance the wellness of a home or office. To get it all flowing, we need to have a living space that mimics the productive cycle of the natural world. To many, Feng Shui is a mystifying jumble of Baguas and compass points. But some of the most basic lessons of Feng Shui are easy to understand and supported by research. According to the philosophy, energy (ch’i in Chinese) enters a home or office through the front door, which is considered “the mouth of ch’i." That energy is then dispersed throughout the dwelling, helped or hindered by objects placed within certain areas. In the practice Feng Shui the use of an ancient map called the Bagua determines the relationship among a number of "elements”, including health, knowledge, travel, and partnerships. Items such as, living plants and water features are placed strategically throughout a structure, as signs of life and movement generally are believed to improve energy flow and provide balance. However, creating the correct path for ch’i flow takes skill and patience, and many are unable to grasp the underlying principles. While some disruptions in ch’i can be remedied by furniture placement according to the principles of Feng Shui, the accumulation of clutter is a big issue. People are so conditioned by society that more is better, but unfortunately, if your house is full, then so is your life, and there's no room for growth. Clutter can also symbolize a person's lack of trust in the future. Keeping your home filled with things you no longer use or love, or because 'you may need it someday' indicates your lack of trust in the universe for it to provide for you. |
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The spirituality surrounding the practice of Feng Shui does not appeal to everyone. The most important part of feng shui is the intention and belief behind it. Moving objects around doesn't automatically revitalize a person's life. There's a psychological aspect – it taps into your subconscious because you're surrounded by it, making a decision to adopt the principles of Feng Shui is a solid, physical affirmation. BACK TO TOP |
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BAGUA
In the practice of Feng Shui, the principle reference symbol of your environment is determined by using a map called a Bagua. Ba means eight, while gua means trigram, simply means eight trigrams. The eight sections of the Bagua each represent one of the eight life aspirations and each is attributed to a different facet of one’s life. The Bagua symbols derive its significance from the eight trigrams of the I Ching, thereby imparting symbolic meaning to the eight compass directions. The I Ching, or Book of Changes, as it is known in the west is the principle source of philosophy and symbolism for Feng Shui. One of the most common uses of the Bagua is to enhance the Feng Shui of your space by identifying the symbols and directions of the life aspirations of your environment. The Bagua is one of the tools used in Feng Shui practices. The eight sided figure which when superimposed on the plan of a home, room or garden - can be used for Feng Shui diagnosis. If you want a simple and efficient means of improving the
Feng Shui of your home or garden, then Bagua is the answer. CLICK HERE - FOR PRINTABLE BAGUA The center of the Bagua contains the Chinese symbol of Yin Yang, representing unity and continuous change. The inside ring shows the trigrams and the Chinese name. The third ring relates to the color of each Element and the fourth ring shows the aspect of life's aspirations and how they relate to the compass points and the elements of earth, fire, and water. BACK TO TOP |
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 THE FIVE ELEMENTSFeng Shui advocates living in harmony with earth’s environment so there is proper balance between the forces of nature. A significant portion of Feng Shui practice is based on interpreting how these interact in the physical environment. The Chinese believe that the balancing of these five elements can be combined to create all transformation in one’s life. Based on this belief, the interaction between Yin and Yang produced ch’i, which was represented in five basic forces or elements, specifically - water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. Ch'i or qi (pronounced "chee”) is the Chinese word used to describe "the natural energy of the Universe”. One of the key concepts related to ch’i is the concept of harmony. Whether in the universe or in the body, is a function of disharmony, of things being out of balance. Feng Shui practice is based on interpreting how these cycles of elements and flow of ch’i interact in the physical environment. The nourishing cycle is one of balance. Each element in this cycle nourishes or generates the succeeding element. Ashes from fire nourish the earth. The earth in turn creates minerals and metals. Metal liquefies into a substance flowing like water. Water feeds the trees to make them grow and develop wood. Finally, wood burns to nourish the fire. In the controlling cycle, each element destroys the succeeding element. The cycle of domination is each of the elements threatens the next in turn. An over abundance of fire melts metal into a liquid; Metal has the capacity to destroy wood, as an axe is used to kill trees. Wood draws nutrients from the earth. Too much earth will dry out the water. Water puts out fire. The reductive cycle is considered significant in Feng Shui as it serves as a remedy for the imbalance of the elements. In this cycle, earth reduces fire, fire burns wood, wood draws from the water, water reduces metal, & metal reduces earth. The reduction cycle will offset the imbalances, diminish the adversities, and lead the environment back to desirable productivity. The nourishing cycle shows the elements in a harmonious relationship; the cycle of control shows them in opposition. Each of the elements has a prevalent nature associated with it and the elements are not only related to color and direction but also to fabrics, textures, and patterns. By recognizing the elements and their changing relationships, it is possible for us to achieve greater balance both in our environment and in ourselves. Balance in our environment is the essential nature of Feng Shui. BACK TO TOP |
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The concept of Yin and Yang is one of the most fundamental and profound theories of Feng Shui. It is the Chinese perspective of balance and continual change. Yin
and Yang are dependent opposites that must always be in balance. The
opposites flow in a natural cycle always replacing the other. Just
as the seasons cycle and create a time of heat and cold, Yin and
Yang cycles through active and passive, dark and light, etc. Yin and
Yang evolved from a belief of mutually dependant opposites that
cannot live without the other. In Feng Shui,
applying the Yin and Yang concept brings about balance, harmony, and
prosperity. Achieving good Feng Shui therefore has much to do with
balancing the Yin and Yang elements. |
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Using
the Western Lopan, as a reference, you will see what is possible
when you combine the 8 compass directions with the dynamics of Yin
Yang and the Five Elements theory. Using this method you will
discover your four auspicious and four less auspicious directions
for the individual and for the structure. With these techniques, your
Feng Shui practitioner will be able to make informed and relevant
choices for optimal design, that relate equally to the structure and
the people within. |
Artwork by Wang Chang-Ming