Difference between revisions of "Feng shui" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
({{Contracted}})
 
(34 intermediate revisions by 8 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
−
{{Claimed}}{{Contracted}}
+
{{Approved}}{{Images OK}}{{Submitted}}{{Paid}}{{Copyedited}}
 +
 
 
{{Chinese|pic=Fengshui Compass.jpg|picsize=250px|piccap=Feng Shui Luopan Compass|t=[[wiktionary:風水|風水]]|s=[[wiktionary:风水|风水]]|kanji=風水|hiragana=ふうすい|revhep=fūsui|kunrei=hûsui|p=fēngshuǐ|hanja=風水|hangul=풍수|rr=pungsu|mr=p'ungsu|vie=Phong thủy|tgl=punsoy|tha=ฮวงจุ้ย ''(Huang Jui)''|j= fung1 seoi2|i={{IPA|fʊŋ'ʃweɪ}} ''or'' {{IPA|fɛŋ'ʃuːi}}|l=wind-water}}
 
{{Chinese|pic=Fengshui Compass.jpg|picsize=250px|piccap=Feng Shui Luopan Compass|t=[[wiktionary:風水|風水]]|s=[[wiktionary:风水|风水]]|kanji=風水|hiragana=ふうすい|revhep=fūsui|kunrei=hûsui|p=fēngshuǐ|hanja=風水|hangul=풍수|rr=pungsu|mr=p'ungsu|vie=Phong thủy|tgl=punsoy|tha=ฮวงจุ้ย ''(Huang Jui)''|j= fung1 seoi2|i={{IPA|fʊŋ'ʃweɪ}} ''or'' {{IPA|fɛŋ'ʃuːi}}|l=wind-water}}
−
{{otheruses}}
+
In ancient times as well as today, '''Feng Shui,''' (風水) pronounced in English as [{{IPA|fʊŋ'ʃweɪ}}] ("fung shway"), was known as ''"Kan-Yu"'' which means 'The Law of Heaven and Earth.’ <ref> Tina Marie. "What is Feng Shui?" (PaintedFace Publishing, 2007) [http://www.fengshuifacts.org] ''Feng Shui Facts,org''. Retrieved December 22, 2007.</ref> Feng shui is the ancient [[Culture of China|Chinese]] practice of placement and arrangement of space to achieve harmony between human beings and the environment. Feng shui literally translates as "wind-water." This is a cultural shorthand taken from the following passage of the ''Zhangshu'' ''(Book of Burial)'' by [[Guo Pu]] ( 郭璞) of the [[Jin Dynasty (265–420)|Jin Dynasty]](晋朝; 265–420) <ref>Stephen L. Field. ''The Zhangshu, or Book of Burial.'' [http://fengshuigate.com/zangshu.html]. ''fengshuigate.com''. Retrieved December 22, 2007.</ref>
−
In ancient times as well as today, '''Feng Shui,''' (風水) pronounced in English as [{{IPA|fʊŋ'ʃweɪ}}] ("fung shway"), was known as "Kan-Yu" which means 'The Law of Heaven and Earth.’ <ref>
 
−
{{cite web | last = Tina Marie | first = | authorlink = | coauthors =  | title = ''Feng Shui Facts''. | work = What is Feng Shui? | publisher = PaintedFace Publishing | date =2007 | url = http://www.fengshuifacts.org | format = | doi = | accessdate = }}</ref> Today's Feng Shui schools teach that it is the ancient [[Culture of China|Chinese]] practice of placement and arrangement of space to achieve harmony with the environment. Feng shui literally translates as "wind-water." This is a cultural shorthand taken from the following passage of the ''Zhangshu'' ''(Book of Burial)'' by [[Guo Pu]] of the [[Jin Dynasty (265–420)|Jin Dynasty]]:<ref>
 
−
{{cite web | last = Field | first = Stephen L. | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = ''The Zhangshu, or Book of Burial''. | work = | publisher = | date = | url = http://fengshuigate.com/zangshu.html | format = | doi = | accessdate = }}</ref>
 
  
−
<blockquote>The [[qi]] that rides the wind stops at the boundary of water.<ref>Larry Sang. (1995) ''The Principles of Feng Shui.''</ref> </blockquote>
+
<blockquote>The [[qi]] (氣) that rides the wind stops at the boundary of water.<ref>Larry Sang. ''The Principles of Feng Shui.'' (American Feng Shui Institute, 1995)</ref> </blockquote>
  
−
Feng shui is a discipline with guidelines that are compatible with many techniques of agricultural planning as well as internal furniture arrangements. Space, weather, astronomy, and geomagnetism are basic components of feng shui. Proponents claim that feng shui has an effect on health, wealth, and personal relationships.
+
Feng shui considers factors such as space, weather, astronomy, and [[geomagnetism]] in determining the most auspicious location for a building or an activity. Its guidelines are compatible with many techniques of agricultural planning, as well as architecture and furniture arrangement. Proponents claim that feng shui has an effect on health, wealth, and personal relationships.  
  
 
== Introduction ==
 
== Introduction ==
−
Early feng shui relied on astronomy to find correlations between humans and the universe <ref>Sun, X. (2000) Crossing the Boundaries between Heaven and Man: Astronomy in Ancient China. In H. Selin (ed.), ''Astronomy Across Cultures: The History of Non-Western Astronomy.'' 423-454. Kluwer Academic.</ref> and it is inseparable from an understanding of political power in premodern China.<ref>Aihe Wang. Some do believe that early feng shui was started a colony of peace loving nomadic types who participated in every form of love and bonding including homosexuality. ''Cosmology and Political Culture in Early China.'' 2000:23</ref>  
+
Feng shui is often identified as a form of geomancy, or divination by geographic features, but it is mainly concerned with understanding the relationships between nature and human beings, in order to create harmony. Early feng shui relied on astronomy to find correlations between humans and the universe <ref>X. Sun, 2000. "Crossing the Boundaries between Heaven and Man: Astronomy in Ancient China." In H. Selin (ed.), ''Astronomy Across Cultures: The History of Non-Western Astronomy.'' (Norwell, MA: Kluwer Academic), 423-454.</ref> Chinese often used the celestial pole, determined by the pole stars, to locate the north-south axis of settlements. This technique explains why Shang palaces at Xiaotun lie 10° east of due north. In some cases, as Paul Wheatley observed<ref>Paul Wheatley. ''The Pivot of the Four Quarters: A preliminary enquiry into the origins and character of the ancient Chinese city.'' (Aldine Pub. Co., 1971. ISBN 0852241747), 46</ref>, they bisected the angle between the directions of the rising and setting sun to find north. This technique provided the more precise alignments of the Shang walls at Yanshi and [[Zhengzhou]] ( 鄭州).
  
−
Chinese often used the celestial pole determined by the pole stars to determine the north-south axis of settlements. This technique explains why Shang palaces at Xiaotun lie 10° east of due north. In some cases, as Paul Wheatley observed<ref>''The Pivot of the Four Quarters'' (1971:46)</ref>, they bisected the angle between the directions of the rising and setting sun to find north. This technique provided the more precise alignments of the Shang walls at Yanshi and [[Zhengzhou]].  
+
The earliest evidence for feng shui to date is provided by the [[Yangshao culture|Yanshao]] ( 仰韶文化; 5000 – 3000 B.C.E.) and [[Hongshan culture|Hongshan]] (红山文化 ; 4700 to 2900 B.C.E.) cultures. Professor David Pankenier and his associates reviewed astronomical data for the time of the [[Banpo]] (半坡) dwellings (4000 B.C.E.) to show that the asterism (a pattern of stars observed from earth) called ''Yingshi'' (Lay out the Hall, in the [[Warring States]] period and early [[Han]] era) corresponded to the sun's location at this time. Centuries before, the [[asterism]] ''Yingshi'' was known as ''Ding'' and was used to indicate the appropriate time to build a capital city, according to the ''Shijing.'' Apparently an astronomical alignment ensured that Banpo village homes were sited so that they received the maximum heat from the sun ([[solar gain]]).<ref>David W. Pankenier. 'The Cosmo-Political Background of Heaven's Mandate.' ''Early China'' 20 (1995): 121-176.</ref>
  
−
Currently Early [[Yangshao culture|Yanshao]] and [[Hongshan culture|Hongshan]] cultures provide the earliest evidence for feng shui. Professor David Pankenier and his associates reviewed astronomical data for the time of the [[Banpo]] dwellings (4000 B.C.E..E.) to show that the asterism ''Yingshi'' (Lay out the Hall, in the [[Warring States]] period and early [[Han]] era) corresponded to the sun's location at this time. Centuries before, the [[asterism]] ''Yingshi'' was known as ''Ding''. It was used to indicate the appropriate time to build a capital city, according to the ''Shijing''. Apparently an astronomical alignment ensured that Banpo village homes were sited for [[solar gain]].<ref>David W. Pankenier. 'The Cosmo-Political Background of Heaven's Mandate.' ''Early China'' 20 (1995):121-176.</ref>
+
A grave at Puyang (radiocarbon dated 5,000 BP) that contains mosaics of the Dragon and Tiger [[constellation]]s and [[Beidou]]( 北斗)([[Dipper]]) is similarly oriented along a north-south axis.<ref>Zhentao Xu, David W. Pankenier, and Yaotiao Jiang. ''East Asian [[Archaeoastronomy]]: Historical Records of Astronomical Observations of China, Japan, and Korea.'' (Earth Space Institute Book Series, Volume 5) (CRC, 2000 ISBN 905699302X), 2</ref> The presence of both round and square shapes in the Puyang tomb, and at [[Hongshan culture|Hongshan]] culture ceremonial centers, suggests that the [[gaitian]] cosmography (heaven-round, earth-square) was present in Chinese culture long before it appeared in the ''Zhou Bu Suan Jing''.<ref>Sarah M. Nelson, Rachel A. Matson, Rachel M. Roberts, Chris Rock and Robert E. Stencel. (2006) "Archaeoastronomical Evidence for Wuism at the Hongshan Site of Niuheliang." (a paper presented by the Honors class in Archaeoastronomy at the University of Denver in Winter Quarter 2004), 2.</ref>  
  
−
The grave at Puyang (radiocarbon dated 5,000 BP) that contains mosaics of the Dragon and Tiger [[constellation]]s and [[Beidou]] ([[Dipper]]) is similarly oriented along a north-south axis.<ref>Zhentao Xu, David W. Pankenier, and Yaotiao Jiang. ''East Asian Archaeoastronomy.'' 2000:2</ref> The presence of both round and square shapes in the Puyang tomb, and at [[Hongshan culture|Hongshan]] culture ceremonial centers, suggests that the [[gaitian]] cosmography (heaven-round, earth-square) was present in Chinese society long before it appeared in the ''Zhou Bu Suan Jing''.<ref>Sarah M. Nelson, Rachel A. Matson, Rachel M. Roberts, Chris Rock and Robert E. Stencel. (2006) ''Archaeoastronomical Evidence for Wuism at the Hongshan Site of Niuheliang''. Page 2.</ref>  
+
Cosmography that bears a striking resemblance to modern feng shui compasses (and computations) was found on a jade unearthed at Hanshan (c. 3000 B.C.E..E.). The design is linked by the contemporary Chinese historian, [[Li Xueqin]], to the ''liuren'' [[astrolabe]], ''zhinan zhen,'' and Luopan. <ref>Chen Jiujin and Zhang Jingguo, 'Hanshan chutu yupian tuxing shikao,' ''Wenwu'' 4 (1989): 15</ref>
  
−
Cosmography that bears a striking resemblance to modern feng shui compasses (and computations) were found on a jade unearthed at Hanshan (c. 3000 B.C.E.). The design is linked by [[Li Xueqin]] to the ''liuren'' [[astrolabe]], ''zhinan zhen'', and Luopan. <ref>Chen Jiujin and Zhang Jingguo. 'Hanshan chutu yupian tuxing shikao,' ''Wenwu'' 4, 1989:15</ref>
+
All capital cities of China followed rules of Feng Shui for their design and layout. These rules were codified during the Zhou era (1122 – 26 B.C.E.) in the ''"Kaogong ji"'' ''(Manual of Crafts).'' Rules for builders were codified in the ''"Lu ban jing"'' (''Carpenter's Manual''). Graves and tombs also followed rules of feng shui. From the earliest records, it seems that the rules for the structures of the graves and dwellings were the same.
−
 
 
−
All capital cities of China followed rules of Feng Shui for their design and layout. These rules were codified during the Zhou era in the "Kaogong ji" (Manual of Crafts). Rules for builders were codified in the "Lu ban jing" (Carpenter's Manual). Graves and tombs also followed rules of Feng Shui. From the earliest records, it seems that the rules for the structures of the graves and dwellings were the same.
 
  
 
== Instrumentation ==
 
== Instrumentation ==
 
===History===
 
===History===
 
[[Image:La-chinatown-spiral.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A feng shui spiral at [[Chinatown, Los Angeles, California|LA Chinatown]]'s [[Los Angeles Metro Rail|Metro]] station.]]
 
[[Image:La-chinatown-spiral.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A feng shui spiral at [[Chinatown, Los Angeles, California|LA Chinatown]]'s [[Los Angeles Metro Rail|Metro]] station.]]
−
Emperor Di Ku was said to dabble in astronomy.  Shun consulted the stars before he assumed the throne. There were feng shui devices before the invention of the magnetic compass, which occurred comparatively late in the long history of feng shui. According to the ''Zhouli'' the original device may have been a gnomon, although Yao, Huangdi, and other figures were said to possess devices such as the south-pointing chariot.
+
Feng shui devices existed before the invention of the magnetic compass, which occurred comparatively late in the long history of feng shui. According to the ''Zhouli,'' the original device may have been a gnomon, although Yao, Huangdi, and other figures were said to possess devices such as a south-pointing chariot.
  
−
As Derek Walters observed<ref>Derek Walters. ''About the Luopan''. http://www.derekwalters.de/text2.htm</ref>, "The luopan was originally a scientific instrument, used for astronomical observation." The oldest excavated examples of instruments used for feng shui are ''liuren'' astrolabes. These consist of a lacquered, two-sided board with astronomical sightlines. Liuren astrolabes have been unearthed from tombs that date between 278 B.C.E. and 209 B.C.E. The markings are virtually unchanged from the astrolabe to the first magnetic compasses.<ref>Marc Kalinowski. 'The ''Xingde'' Texts from Mawangdui.' ''Early China.'' 23-24 (1998-99):125-202.</ref>
+
One was the luopan, a reticulated plate used to correlate the solar and lunar calendars and for astronomical observation." <ref>Derek Walters. [http://www.derekwalters.de/text2.htm About the Luopan]. Retrieved December 22, 2007.</ref>The oldest excavated examples of instruments used for feng shui are ''liuren'' astrolabes. These consist of a lacquered, two-sided board with astronomical sightlines. Liuren astrolabes have been unearthed from tombs that date between 278 B.C.E. and 209 B.C.E. The markings are virtually unchanged from the astrolabe to the first magnetic compasses.<ref>Marc Kalinowski. 'The ''Xingde'' Texts from Mawangdui.' ''Early China.'' 23-24 (1998-99):125-202.</ref>
  
−
Since the invention of the [[magnetic]] [[compass]] for use in Feng Shui<ref>Wallace H. Campbell. ''Earth Magnetism: A Guided Tour Through Magnetic Fields.'' Academic Press, 2001.</ref>, some feng shui disciplines require the use of a compass. This compass could be a ''Luopan'' (Chinese Feng Shui compass of the types ''San Yuan, San He'', and ''Zong He)'' or one of the earlier versions such as a south-pointing spoon ''(zhinan zhen)''.
+
Some feng shui disciplines required the use of the [[magnetic]] [[compass]]. <ref>Wallace H. Campbell. ''Earth Magnetism: A Guided Tour Through Magnetic Fields.'' Academic Press, 2001.</ref>, This compass could be a ''Luopan'' (Chinese Feng Shui compass of the types ''San Yuan, San He'', and ''Zong He)'' or one of the earlier versions such as a south-pointing spoon ''(zhinan zhen)''.
  
−
The history of the Luopan compass takes us back to the [[Zhou dynasty]] (770-476 B.C.E.), when emperor Shing combined the knowledge of the compass with that of the I-ching. The compass consists of a magnetic needle that point towards magnetic north not true north. The foundation of the I-ching is in the trigrams.
+
The history of the Luopan compass goes back to the [[Zhou dynasty]] (770-476 B.C.E.), when emperor Shing combined knowledge of the compass with that of the I-ching. The compass consists of a magnetic needle that points towards magnetic North, not true North. The foundation of the I-ching is in the trigrams. In traditional compass techniques, these trigrams are used for divination. The traditional luopan has thirty-six rings inscribed with information. The trigrams occupy the first circle of the luopan. The way in which the rings of the luopan line up with the compass, and the combination of the reading of these rings, determines a person’s fortune.
  
−
The trigrams are the set of three broken and/or solid lines that you typically find around a Chinese mirror.
+
== Foundation Theories ==
 +
The goal of feng shui as practiced today is to situate the human-built environment on spots with good ''qi.'' The "perfect spot" is a location and an axis in time. Some areas are not suitable for human settlement and should be left in their natural state.  
  
−
In Traditional Compass techniques these trigrams determine the divination of fortune.  The traditional Luopan has 36 rings of information.  These trigrams occupy the first circle of the luopan.  How these rings line up with the compass and the combination of the reading of these rings determines your fortune.
+
Some current techniques can be traced to [[Neolithic]] [[China]], while others were added in later times (most notably during the [[Han]] dynasty, the [[Tang]], and the [[Ming]]). Today, to determine a perfect spot, local manifestations of qi must be assessed for quality. Quality is determined by observations and by using a compass ''(luopan).''
−
 
 
−
== Foundation theories ==
 
−
The goal of feng shui as practiced today is to situate the human built environment on spots with good qi. The "perfect spot" is a location and an axis in time. Some areas are not suitable for human settlement and should be left in their natural state.
 
−
 
 
−
Some current techniques can be traced to [[Neolithic]] [[China]], while others were added in later times (most notably the [[Han]] dynasty, the [[Tang]], and the [[Ming]]). Today, to determine a perfect spot, local manifestations of qi must be assessed for quality. Quality is determined by observations and by using a compass (Luopan).  
 
  
 
=== Qi (ch'i) ===
 
=== Qi (ch'i) ===
−
[[Qi]] is a difficult word to translate and is usually left untranslated. Literally the word means "air." In feng shui, "Qi" means "flow of energy." [[Max Knoll]] suggested in a 1951 lecture that qi is a form of [[solar]] [[radiation]].<ref>Max Knoll. "Transformations of Science in Our Age." In Joseph Campbell (ed.). ''Man and Time.'' Princeton UP, 1957, 264-306.</ref>
+
[[Qi]] is a difficult word to translate and is often left untranslated. Literally, the word “qi” means "air." In feng shui, "qi" means "flow of energy." [[Max Knoll]] suggested in a 1951 lecture that qi is a form of [[solar]] [[radiation]].<ref>Max Knoll. "Transformations of Science in Our Age." In Joseph Campbell (ed.) ''Man and Time.'' (Princeton Univ. Press, 1957), 264-306.</ref>
  
−
A Luopan is used to determine many things. One of those being to detect the direction of the flow of qi. Compasses reflect local [[geomagnetism]] which includes [[geomagnetically induced current]]s caused by [[space weather]].<ref>Lui, A.T.Y., Y. Zheng, Y. Zhang, H. Rème, M.W. Dunlop, G. Gustafsson, S.B. Mende, C. Mouikis, and L.M. Kistler, Cluster observation of plasma flow reversal in the magnetotail during a substorm, ''Ann. Geophys.,'' 24, 2005-2013, 2006</ref> It could be said that feng shui assesses the quality of the local environment and the effects of space weather—that is, feng shui is ''qimancy'', or qi [[divination]]. <ref>Stephen L. Field. 1998. [Qimancy: The Art and Science of Fengshui. http://www.fengshuigate.com/qimancy.html].</ref>.
+
A luopan is used for many purposes, including the detection of the flow of qi. Compasses reflect local [[geomagnetism]] which includes [[geomagnetically induced current]]s caused by [[space weather]].<ref>A.T.Y. Lui, Y. Zheng, Y. Zhang, H. Rème, M.W. Dunlop, G. Gustafsson, S.B. Mende, C. Mouikis, and L.M. Kistler, "Cluster observation of plasma flow reversal in the magnetotail during a substorm." ''Ann. Geophys.'' 24 (2006): 2005-2013, </ref> It could be said that feng shui that is, feng shui is ''qimancy,'' or qi [[divination]], a method for assessing the quality of the local environment and the effects of “space weather” (changing environmental conditions in outer space) <ref>Stephen L. Field. 1998.[http://www.fengshuigate.com/qimancy.html Qimancy], ''The Art and Science of Fengshui''. Retrieved December 22, 2007.</ref>
  
−
Beliefs from the [[Axial Age]], feng shui among them, hold that the heavens influence life on Earth. This seems preposterous to many people, yet space weather exists and can have profound effects on technology ([[GPS]], [[power grid]]s, pipelines, communication and navigation systems, surveys), and the internal orienting faculties of birds and other creatures.<ref>Moore, F. R. 1975. Influence of solar and geomagnetic stimuli on the migratory orientation of Herring Gull chicks. ''Auk'' 92:655-664.</ref><ref>Moore, F. R. 1977. Geomagnetic disturbance and the orientation of nocturnally migrating birds. ''Science'' 196:684-686.</ref><ref>Thomas Alerstam. Bird Migration Across a Strong Magnetic Anomaly.'' J. exp. Bml.'' 130, 63-86 (1987)</ref> Atmospheric scientists have suggested that space weather creates fluctuations in market prices.<ref>L.Pustil’nik, G. Yom Din, Influence of solar activity on the state of the wheat market in medieval England, ''Solar Physics.'' 223, 335–356, 2004.</ref><ref>L. Pustil’nik, G. Yom Din, Space climate manifestation in Earth prices – from Medieval England up to Modern U.S.A., ''Solar Physics,'' 224, 473–481, 2004.</ref>
+
Beliefs developed during the [[Axial Age]] (the period from 800 - 200 B.C.E., during which similarly revolutionary thinking appeared in [[China]], [[India]] and the [[Occident]]), including feng shui, hold that the heavens influence life on Earth. It has been determined that “space weather” exists and can have profound effects on technology such [[GPS]], [[power grid]]s, pipelines, communication and navigation systems, surveys; and on the internal orienting faculties of birds and other creatures.<ref>F. R. Moore,  1975. "Influence of solar and geomagnetic stimuli on the migratory orientation of Herring Gull chicks." ''Auk'' 92:655-664.</ref> <ref>F. R. Moore, "Geomagnetic disturbance and the orientation of nocturnally migrating birds." ''Science'' 196 (1977): 684-686.</ref><ref>Thomas Alerstam, "Bird Migration Across a Strong Magnetic Anomaly." ''J. exp. Bml.'' 130 (1987): 63-86 </ref> Atmospheric scientists have even suggested that “space weather” creates fluctuations in market prices.<ref>L. Pustil’nik, G. Yom Din, "Influence of solar activity on the state of the wheat market in medieval England." ''Solar Physics'' 223 (2004): 335–356.</ref><ref>L. Pustil’nik, G. Yom Din, "Space climate manifestation in Earth prices – from Medieval England up to Modern U.S.A." ''Solar Physics'' 224 (2004): 473–481.</ref>
  
 
=== Polarity ===
 
=== Polarity ===
 
[[Polarity]] is expressed in feng shui as [[Yin and Yang]]. The polarity within feng shui is buildings of the living (yang) and buildings of the dead (yin).
 
[[Polarity]] is expressed in feng shui as [[Yin and Yang]]. The polarity within feng shui is buildings of the living (yang) and buildings of the dead (yin).
  
−
===Magnetic north and Luopan compass===
+
===Magnetic North and Luopan compass===
−
The stability of [[Magnetic North]] is critical for the accuracy of reading your fortune with a compass. Earth has an electromagnetic field. Our solar sun also has an electromagnetic field. Our solar sun goes through 11 year cycles of solar fluctuations called [[solar flare]]s that create [[solar wind]]. In 2003 two of the strongest flares ever recorded.  This solar wind creates a vibration that disturbs the electromagnetic field of the earth.
+
The stability of [[Magnetic North]] is critical for the accuracy of reading a [[compass]]. Earth has an [[electromagnetic field]]. Our solar [[sun]] also has an electromagnetic field. Our solar sun goes through 11-year cycles of solar fluctuations called [[solar flare]]s that create [[solar wind]]. This solar wind creates a vibration that disturbs the electromagnetic field of the earth.
  
−
Magnetic North and [[True North]] (the Earth’s axis) are not the same. Magnet North moves an average of 40 kilometers every year. In the last 100 years Magnetic North has moved approximately 1200 kilometers. Due to solar flares, Magnetic North is always in constant movement, creating conflicting readings on a compass.
+
Magnetic North and [[True North]] (the Earth’s axis) are not the same. Magnet North moves an average of 40 kilometers every year. In the last 100 years Magnetic North has moved approximately 1200 kilometers. Due to solar flares, Magnetic North is always in constant movement, creating conflicting readings on a compass.
  
−
=== Bagua (eight symbols) ===
+
=== ''Bagua'' (eight symbols) ===
−
Two diagrams known as [[Bagua (concept)|bagua]] (or pa kua) loom large in feng shui, and both predate their mentions in the [[Yijing]] or [[I Ching|I Ching]]. The Lo (River) Chart (''Luoshu'', or Later Heaven Sequence) and the River Chart (''Hetu'', or Early Heaven Sequence) are linked to astronomical events of the sixth millennium B.C.E., and with the Turtle Calendar from the time of Yao.<ref>Deborah Lynn Porter. ''From Deluge to Discourse.'' 1996:35-38</ref> The Turtle Calendar of Yao (found in the ''Yaodian'' section of the ''Shangshu'' or 'Book of Documents') dates to 2300 B.C.E., plus or minus 250 years.<ref>Sun and Kistemaker. ''The Chinese Sky During the Han.'' 1997:15-18</ref>  
+
Two diagrams known as ''[[Bagua (concept)|bagua]]'' (八卦 or ''pa kua'') are important in feng shui. Both predate their mentions in the [[Yijing]] (易經), or [[I Ching|I Ching]]. The Lo (River) Chart (''Luoshu,'' or Later Heaven Sequence) and the River Chart (''Hetu,'' or Early Heaven Sequence) are linked to astronomical events of the sixth millennium B.C.E., and with the Turtle Calendar from the time of Yao.<ref>Deborah Lynn Porter. ''From Deluge to Discourse: Myth, History, and the Generation of Chinese Fiction.'' (S U N Y Series in Chinese Philosophy and Culture) (New York: SUNY Press, 1996. ISBN 0791430332), 35-38</ref> The Turtle Calendar of Yao (found in the ''Yaodian'' section of the ''Shangshu'' or ''Book of Documents'') dates to 2300 B.C.E., plus or minus 250 years.<ref>Xiaochun Sun and Jacob Kistemaker. ''The Chinese Sky During the Han: Constellating Stars and Society.'' (Sinica Leidensia, V. 38) (Leiden: Brill Academic Publishers, 1997. ISBN 9004107371), 15-18</ref>  
  
−
It seems clear from many sources that time, in the form of astronomy and calendars, is at the heart of feng shui.  
+
It seems clear from many sources that time, in the form of astronomy and calendars, is at the heart of feng shui. In ''Yaodian,'' the cardinal directions are determined by the marker-stars of the mega-constellations known as the Four Celestial Animals.
−
 
 
−
In ''Yaodian'', the cardinal directions are determined by the marker-stars of the mega-constellations known as the Four Celestial Animals.
 
  
 
'''East:''' the '''Bluegreen Dragon''' (Spring equinox) --- ''Niao'' (Bird), α Hydrae
 
'''East:''' the '''Bluegreen Dragon''' (Spring equinox) --- ''Niao'' (Bird), α Hydrae
Line 73: Line 63:
 
'''North:''' the '''Dark (Mysterious) Turtle''' (Winter solstice) --- ''Mao'' (Hair), η Tauri (the Pleiades)
 
'''North:''' the '''Dark (Mysterious) Turtle''' (Winter solstice) --- ''Mao'' (Hair), η Tauri (the Pleiades)
  
−
The bagua diagrams are also linked with the ''sifang'' (four directions) method of divination used during the Shang dynasty.<ref>Aihe Wang. ''Cosmology and Political Structure in Early China.'' 2000:107-128</ref> The ''sifang'' is much older, however. It was used at Niuheliang, and figured large in Hongshan culture's astronomy. And it is this area of China that is linked to Huangdi, the Yellow Emperor, who allegedly invented the south-pointing spoon.<ref>Sarah M. Nelson, Rachel A. Matson, Rachel M. Roberts, Chris Rock, and Robert E. Stencel. ''[https://portfolio.du.edu/portfolio/getportfoliofile?uid=38863 Archaeoastronomical Evidence for Wuism at the Hongshan Site of Niuheliang].'' 2006</ref>
+
The bagua diagrams are also linked with the ''sifang'' (four directions) method of divination used during the Shang dynasty.<ref>Aihe Wang. ''Cosmology and Political Structure in Early China.'' (Cambridge Univ. Press, 2000. ISBN 0521624207), 107-128</ref> The ''sifang'' is much older, however. It was used at Niuheliang, and figured large in the astronomy of the Hongshan culture. This area of China is also linked to [[Huangdi]], the legendary Yellow Emperor, who allegedly invented the south-pointing spoon.<ref>Sarah M. Nelson, Rachel A. Matson, Rachel M. Roberts, Chris Rock, and Robert E. Stencel. ''Archaeoastronomical Evidence for Wuism at the Hongshan Site of Niuheliang.''</ref>
  
−
== Fundamental techniques ==
+
== Fundamental Techniques ==
 
[[Image:HKBuildingFengshui.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A building in [[Hong Kong]] with a hollow middle hole, maximizing on fengshui benefits]]
 
[[Image:HKBuildingFengshui.jpg|thumb|right|200px|A building in [[Hong Kong]] with a hollow middle hole, maximizing on fengshui benefits]]
−
===School===
+
===Schools===
−
A ''school'' in Feng Shui terminology is a technique. The term should not be confused with the ''physical'' school. There are many 'masters' of the different Feng shui schools. However, some maintain that authentic masters impart their genuine knowledge of Feng shui only to selected students.<ref>
+
There are many 'masters' of the different feng shui schools. However, some maintain that authentic masters impart their genuine knowledge of feng shui only to a few selected students.<ref>
−
{{cite web | last = Jacky Cheung Ngam Fung  | first = | authorlink = | coauthors =  | title = ''History of Feng Shui''. | work =| publisher =  | date =2007 | url =http://www.fengshui-liufa.com/history.html | format = | doi = | accessdate = }}</ref>  
+
{{cite web | last = Jacky Cheung Ngam Fung  | first = | authorlink = | coauthors =  | title = ''History of Feng Shui''. | work =| publisher =  | date =2007 | url =http://www.fengshui-liufa.com/history.html | format = | doi = | accessdate = }} Retrieved December 22, 2007.</ref>
  
−
===Early fundamentals===
+
===Early Fundamentals===
−
The history of feng shui covers at least 3,500 years before the invention of the magnetic compass,<ref>Aihe Wang. ''Cosmology and Political Culture in Early China.'' Cambridge UP: 2000.</ref> therefore defining authentic feng shui as having a "compass school" and a "form school" misses the point.  
+
Feng shui was being practiced at least 3,500 years before the invention of the magnetic compass,<ref>Aihe Wang. ''Cosmology and Political Culture in Early China.'' Cambridge UP: 2000.</ref> Folk feng shui developed thousands of years ago in small villages of the Orient, whose livelihoods were dependent on it.<ref>Candace Czarny.[http://www.artofplacement.com Why Feng Shui?]. Retrieved December 22, 2007.</ref>. Villagers studied the formations of the land and ways of the wind and water to determine the best setting for their survival. Good feng shui would produce bountiful harvests, healthy livestock and abundant life. Harsh winds would destroy their crops, leaving no food for their family or their animals, and level their homes.  
  
−
Feng Shui developed thousands of years ago in little villages of the Orient.  It was called Folk Feng Shui<ref>Candace Czarny. ''Different Schools of Feng Shui.'' http://www.artofplacement.com </ref>. Their livelihoods were dependent on it. They studied the formations of the land and ways of the wind & water to determine the best setting for their survival.  Good Feng Shui would produce bountiful harvest, healthy livestock and abundant life.  Harsh winds would destroy their crops leaving no food for their family and their animals.  Violent storms tear down their homes and villages.
+
The elements, water, rain, wind, fog, and sun were believed to be manifestations of the energy of heaven and earth. Early [[Shamanism|shaman-kings]] were believed to have knowledge of landforms and weather, that could be used to drive back the elements that threatened a village. This divination by the study of land forms was the beginning and foundation of feng shui. The use of the compass and magnetic north originated after the use of landform techniques.  
  
−
The elements, water, rain, wind, fog, sun were believed to be the energy of heaven and earth.  These [[Shamanism|shaman-kings]] had knowledge of landforms and weather, that could drive back the elements that threaten a village.  This divinization of land forms was the beginning and foundation of Feng Shui.
+
In his fieldwork in China, Ole Bruun<ref>Ole Bruun. Fengshui in China: Geomantic Divination Between State Orthodoxy and Popular Religion. U of Hawai'i Press, 2003.</ref> noted that traditional methods of feng shui (increasingly referred to as "classical feng shui") which are practiced and taught in Asia, all use a compass. Classical feng shui has some features similar to those found in the archaeological record, and in Chinese history and literature, but the application of classical feng shui is not identical to that of ancient feng shui techniques.
  
−
Landform Technique is the fundamental basis of feng shui. Compass Feng Shui originated after Landform techniques. Compass Feng Shui uses the compass and magnetic north for all of its readings.
+
===Combining Techniques===
 +
Classical feng shui is typically associated with the following list of the most common techniques.<ref>Cheng Jian Jun and Adriana Fernandes-Gonçalves. ''Chinese Feng Shui Compass Step by Step Guide.'' 1998:46-47</ref>
  
−
In his fieldwork in China, Ole Bruun<ref>Ole Bruun. Fengshui in China: Geomantic Divination Between State Orthodoxy and Popular Religion. U of Hawai'i Press, 2003.</ref> noted that traditional methods of feng shui (increasingly referred to worldwide as "classical feng shui") all use a compass. Traditional or classical Feng shui is what is practiced and taught in Asia. Classical Feng shui has some features similar to those found in the archaeological record, and in Chinese history and literature, but the application of classical Feng Shui is not identical to that of ancient Feng Shui techniques.
+
* [[Bagua (concept)|Bagua]] (relationship of the five phases or ''wu xing'' (metal, wood, fire, water, earth)
−
 
 
−
===Combining techniques===
 
−
Classical feng shui is typically associated with the following techniques. This is not a complete list; it is merely a list of the most common techniques.<ref>Cheng Jian Jun and Adriana Fernandes-Gonçalves. ''Chinese Feng Shui Compass Step by Step Guide.'' 1998:46-47</ref>
 
−
 
 
−
* [[Bagua (concept)|Bagua]] (relationship of the five phases or ''wuxing'')
 
 
* [[Five elements (Chinese philosophy)|Five phases]] (wuxing relationships)
 
* [[Five elements (Chinese philosophy)|Five phases]] (wuxing relationships)
 
* [[Xuan Kong]] (time and space methods)
 
* [[Xuan Kong]] (time and space methods)
Line 110: Line 96:
 
* [[Zi wei dou shu]] (Purple King, 24-star astrology)
 
* [[Zi wei dou shu]] (Purple King, 24-star astrology)
  
−
== New Version ==
+
== Modern Feng Shui ==
−
One of the grievances mentioned when the anti-Western [[Boxer Rebellion]] broke out was that Westerners were violating the basic principles of Feng shui in their construction of railroads and other conspicuous public structures throughout China. At the time, Westerners had little idea of, or interest in, such Chinese traditions.  
+
When the anti-Western [[Boxer Rebellion]] broke out in China in 1899, one of the Chinese grievances was that Westerners were violating the basic principles of feng shui in their construction of railroads and other conspicuous public structures throughout China. At that time, Westerners had little knowledge of, or interest in, such Chinese traditions.  
−
 
 
−
Since [[Richard Nixon]] journeyed to [[The People's Republic of China]] in 1972, there has been substantial interest in the subject of feng shui by Westerners. It has been reinvented by [[New Age]] [[entrepreneur]]s for Western consumption. Feng shui speaks to the profound role of magic, mystery, and order in American life.<ref>H. L. Goodall, Jr. Writing the American Ineffable, or the Mystery and Practice of Feng Shui in Everyday Life. ''Qualitative Inquiry,'' 7:1, 3-20 (2001) </ref>  This is a curious twist given that feng shui cannot be legally practised in its country of origin today.
 
−
 
 
−
The following list does not exhaust the varieties.
 
−
 
 
−
'''Black Sect'''—Incorporated as a US [http://www.yunlintemple.org church] in 1984, with temples in [[California]] and [[New York]]. (The church deviates from what is known of the history of Tantrism in China.) <ref>Chou Yi-liang. Tantrism in China. ''Harvard J. of Asiatic Studies,'' 8:3/4 (Mar., 1945), 241-332</ref>
 
  
−
This new version of Feng Shui was invented in the early 1980s by Thomas Lin Yun Rinpoche who came to the US from [[Taiwan]]. <ref>
+
Since [[Richard Nixon]] visited the [[People's Republic of China]] in 1972, there has been substantial interest in the subject of feng shui in the West, and it has been reinvented by [[New Age]] [[entrepreneur]]s for Western consumption.<ref>H. L. Goodall, Jr., "Writing the American Ineffable, or the Mystery and Practice of Feng Shui in Everyday Life." ''Qualitative Inquiry'' 7 (1) (2001): 3-20 </ref>Ironically, feng shui cannot be legally practiced in the Peoples Republic of China today.
−
{{cite web | last = Crystal Chu  | first = | authorlink = | coauthors =  | title = ''His Holiness Grandmaster
 
−
Professor Thomas Lin Yun''. | work =  | publisher =  | date = | url =http://www.yunlintemple.org/professor.htm | format = | doi = | accessdate = }}</ref> Called Black Sect (or [[Black Sect Tantric Buddhism | Black Sect Tantric Buddhist]], or BTB) Feng Shui, it relies on "[[transcendental]]" methods, the concept of [[clutter]] as [[metaphor]] for life circumstances, and the use of [[affirmations]] or ''intentions'' (what some deride as "happy talk").<ref>Wu, Emily Shao-Fan. 2003. ''Fengshui plus Buddhism equals what?: an initial analysis of Black Sect Tantric Buddhism in the United States.'' Thesis (M.A.)—Boston University, 2003.</ref> BTB Feng Shui has a unique and specially created [[bagua]], with each of the eight compass segment directions representing a particular area of one's life.
 
  
−
'''Shen Dao Feng Shui''' - Developed in the late '70's by Harrison G.Kyng.
+
A new version of feng shui was developed in the early 1980s by [[Thomas Lin Yun Rinpoche]], who came to the U.S. from [[Taiwan]]. <ref>[http://www.yunlintemple.org/professor.htm His Holiness Grandmaster Professor Thomas Lin Yun], ''Yun Lin Temple''. Retrieved December 22, 2007.</ref> Called Black Sect (or [[Black Sect Tantric Buddhism | Black Sect Tantric Buddhist]], or BTB) feng shui, it relies on "[[transcendental]]" methods, the concept of [[clutter]] as [[metaphor]] for life circumstances, and the use of [[affirmations]] or ''intentions.'' <ref>Emily Shao-Fan Wu, 2003. ''Fengshui plus Buddhism equals what?: an initial analysis of Black Sect Tantric Buddhism in the United States.'' Thesis (M.A.)—(Boston University, 2003).</ref> BTB feng shui has a unique and specially created [[bagua]], with each of the eight compass segment directions representing a particular area of human life.
  
−
Shen Dao style became the first school of its type in the UK. Based upon both 'Form' and 'Compass' styles, Shen Dao utilises the Five Element modality to assess its clients health as well as their buildings harmony. This relationship is said to create a unique 'viewpoint' that can then be used to create a greater sense of harmony both inwardly and outwards. Shen Dao's unique compass uses the former heavenly sequence and expands the Ba Gua into over 300 harmonics that help to fine tune its results.
+
'''Shen Dao Feng Shui''', developed in the late 1970s by Harrison G. Kyng, became the first school of its type in the United Kingdom. Based upon both 'Form' and 'Compass' styles, Shen Dao utilizes the Five Element modality to assess its clients’ health as well as the harmony of their buildings. This relationship is said to create a unique 'viewpoint' that can then be used to create a greater sense of harmony both inwardly and outwardly. Shen Dao's unique compass uses the former heavenly sequence and expands the ''Ba Gua'' into over 300 harmonics that help to fine tune its results.
  
 
== Criticism ==
 
== Criticism ==
−
Victorian-era commentators on feng shui were generally ethnocentric, and as such skeptical and derogatory of what little they knew of feng shui.<ref>Andrew L. March. 'An Appreciation of Chinese Geomancy' in ''The Journal of Asian Studies'', Vol. 27, No. 2. (February 1968), pp. 253-267.</ref>  
+
Victorian-era commentators on feng shui were generally ethnocentric, and as such skeptical and derogatory of what little they knew of feng shui.<ref>Andrew L. March. "An Appreciation of Chinese Geomancy." in ''The Journal of Asian Studies'' 27 (2) (February 1968): 253-267.</ref> In 1896 at a meeting of the Educational Association of China, Rev. P.W. Pitcher railed at the "rottenness of the whole scheme of Chinese architecture," and urged fellow missionaries "to erect unabashedly Western edifices of several stories and with towering spires in order to destroy nonsense about ''fung-shuy.''" <ref>Jeffrey W. Cody, "Striking a Harmonious Chord: Foreign Missionaries and Chinese-style Buildings, 1911-1949." ''Architronic'' 5:3 (ISSN 1066-6516)</ref>
 +
Some modern Christians have a similar opinion of feng shui.<ref>Mah, Y.-B. "Living in Harmony with One's Environment: A Christian Response to Feng Shui." ''Asia J. of Theology'' 18, Part 2 (2004): 340-361.</ref>
  
−
In 1896 at a meeting of the Educational Association of China, Rev. P.W. Pitcher railed at the "rottenness of the whole scheme of Chinese architecture," and urged fellow missionaries "to erect unabashedly Western edifices of several stories and with towering spires in order to destroy nonsense about ''fung-shuy''." <ref>Jeffrey W. Cody. Striking a Harmonious Chord: Foreign Missionaries and Chinese-style Buildings, 1911-1949. ''Architronic''. 5:3 (ISSN 1066-6516)</ref>
+
Since the founding of the [[People's Republic of China]] in 1949, feng shui has been officially deemed a "feudalistic superstitious practice" and a "social evil" according to the state's atheistic Communist ideology, and has been discouraged or even sometimes banned outright. <ref>Chang Liang (pseudonym), 14 January 2005 [http://zjc.zjol.com.cn/05zjc/system/2005/01/14/003828695.shtml What Does Superstitious Belief of 'Feng Shui' Among School Students Reveal?]. Retrieved December 22, 2007.</ref><ref>Tao Shilong, 3 April 2006.[http://blog.csdn.net/taoshilong/archive/2006/04/03/649650.aspx The Crooked Evil of 'Feng Shui' Is Corrupting The Minds of Chinese People]. Retrieved December 22, 2007.</ref>. Persecution was the severest during the [[Cultural Revolution]], when feng shui was classified as a custom under the so-called [[Four Olds]] to be wiped out. Feng shui practitioners were beaten and abused by [[Red Guards]], and their works burned. After the death of [[Mao Zedong]] and the end of the Cultural Revolution, the official attitude became more tolerant, but restrictions on the practice of feng shui are still in place in today's China. It is illegal in the PRC today to register feng shui consultation as a business, and the advertising of feng shui practice is banned. There have been frequent crackdowns on feng shui practitioners on the grounds that they are "promoting feudalistic superstitions," such as one in Qingdao in early 2006, when the city's business and industrial administration office shut down an art gallery converted into a feng shui practice <ref>[http://gwzz.blogbus.com/logs/2006/01/1854093.html Art Gallery Shut by the Municipality's Business and Industrial Department After Converting to 'Feng Shui' Consultation Office]. Retrieved December 22, 2007.</ref>. Communist officials who had consulted feng shui lost their jobs and were expelled from the Communist Party <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/chinese/news/newsid_1210000/12108792.stm Feng Shui Superstitions' Troubles Chinese Authorities], ''BBC''. Retrieved December 22, 2007.</ref>.
  
−
Some modern Christians have a similar opinion of feng shui.<ref>Mah, Y.-B. Living in Harmony with One's Environment: A Christian Response to Feng Shui. ''Asia J. of Theology.'' 2004, 18; Part 2, pp 340-361.</ref>
+
Partly because of the Cultural Revolution, in today's PRC less than one-third of the population believe in feng shui, and the proportion of believers among young urban PRC Chinese is said to be much less than 5 percent <ref>[http://www.yuce49.com/showjs.asp?js_id=45 Debate on Feng Shui], ''www.yuce49.com''. Retrieved December 22, 2007.</ref>. Among all the ethnic Chinese communities worldwide, the PRC has the least number of feng shui believers in proportion to the general population. Learning feng shui is considered taboo in today's China.<ref>[http://jiugu861sohu.blog.sohu.com/58913151.html Beware of Scams Among the Genuine Feng Shui Practitioners], Sohu.com Inc. Retrieved December 22, 2007.</ref> Nevertheless, a BBC Chinese news commentary in 2006 reported that feng shui has gained adherents among Communist Party officials. <ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/chinese/trad/hi/newsid_4870000/newsid_4872500/4872542.stm From Voodoo Dolls to Feng Shui Superstitions], BBC. Retrieved December 22, 2007.</ref>, and since the beginning of Chinese economic reforms, the number of feng shui practitioners is increasing. A number of Chinese anthropologists and architects, such as Cao Dafeng, the Vice-President of [[Fudan University]], and Liu Shenghuan of [[Tongji University]], have been permitted to research the subject of feng shui, and to study the history of feng shui or the historical feng shui theories behind the design of heritage buildings.<ref>Cao Dafeng. [http://www.fudan.edu.cn/new_genview/now_caidafeng.htm FUDAN University]. Retrieved December 22, 2007.</ref>, and Liu Shenghuan of Tongji University.
−
<blockquote> It is entirely inconsistent with Christianity to believe that harmony and balance result from the manipulation and channeling of nonphysical forces or energies, or that such can be done by means of the proper placement of physical objects. Such techniques, in fact, belong to the world of sorcery.<ref>Marcia Montenegro. Feng Shui" New Dimensions in Design. ''Christian Research Journal.'' 26:1 (2003)</ref></blockquote>
 
  
−
Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, feng shui has been officially deemed as a "feudalistic superstitious practice" and a "social evil" according to the state's atheistic Communist ideology and discouraged or even outright banned at times <ref>Chang Liang (pseudoym), 14 January 2005, ''What Does Superstitious Belief of 'Feng Shui' Among School Students Reveal?'' http://zjc.zjol.com.cn/05zjc/system/2005/01/14/003828695.shtml</ref><ref>Tao Shilong, 3 April 2006, ''The Crooked Evil of 'Feng Shui' Is Corrupting The Minds of Chinese People'' http://blog.csdn.net/taoshilong/archive/2006/04/03/649650.aspx</ref>.  Persecution was the severest during the [[Cultural Revolution]], when feng shui was classified as a custom under the so-called [[Four Olds]] to be wiped out.  Feng shui practitioners were beaten and abused by [[Red Guards]] and their works burned.  After the death of [[Mao Zedong]] and the end of the Cultural Revolution, the official attitude became more tolerant but restrictions on feng shui practice are still in place in today's China.  It is illegal in the PRC today to register feng shui consultation as a business and similarly advertising feng shui practice is banned, and there have been frequent crackdowns on feng shui practitioners on the grounds of "promoting feudalistic superstitions" such as one in Qingdao in early 2006 when the city's business and industrial administration office shut down an art gallery converted into a feng shui practice <ref>Chen Xintang ''Art Gallery Shut by the Municipality's Business and Industrial Department After Converting to 'Feng Shui' Consultation Office'' Banduo Daoxi Bao, Qingdao, January 19, 2006 http://gwzz.blogbus.com/logs/2006/01/1854093.html </ref>.  Communist officials who had consulted feng shui were sacked and expelled from the Communist Party <ref>BBC, 9 March 2001, '''Feng Shui Superstitions' Troubles Chinese Authorities'' http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/chinese/news/newsid_1210000/12108792.stm</ref>.
+
Chinese feng shui practitioners are skeptical of the methods employed and the claims made by Western practitioners. Skeptics in the West dismiss feng shui as "a mystical belief in cosmic harmony"<ref>Monty Vierra. "Harried by "Hellions" in Taiwan." ''Sceptical Briefs'' newsletter, March 1997.</ref> and argue that if feng shui is a science, as some claim, it should feature a consistent methodology. Claims about the alleged benefits of [[crystal]]s, [[wind chime]]s, table fountains, and [[Disco ball|mirrored balls]], on personal life, finances, and relationships are often dismissed as [[pseudoscience]], reliance on the [[placebo effect]], or even outright fraud.
  
−
Partly because of the Cultural Revolution, in today's PRC less than one-third of the population believe in feng shui, and the proportion of believers among young urban PRC Chinese is said to be much less than 5% <ref>''Debate on Feng Shui'' http://www.yuce49.com/showjs.asp?js_id=45</ref>.  Among all the ethnic Chinese communities the PRC has the least number of feng shui believers in proportion to the general population.  Learning feng shui is considered taboo in today's China.<ref>''Beware of Scams Among the Genuine Feng Shui Practitioners'' http://jiugu861sohu.blog.sohu.com/58913151.html</ref> Nevertheless, it is reported that feng shui has gained adherents among Communist Party officials according to a BBC Chinese news commentary in 2006. <ref>Jiang Xun, ''From Voodoo Dolls to Feng Shui Superstitions'', BBC Chinese service, 11 April 2006, http://news.bbc.co.uk/chinese/trad/hi/newsid_4870000/newsid_4872500/4872542.stm</ref>, and since the beginning of Chinese economic reforms the number of feng shui practitioners are increasing.  A number of Chinese academics permitted to research on the subject of feng shui are anthropologists or architects by trade, studying the history of feng shui or historical feng shui theories behind the design of heritage buildings, such as Cao Dafeng, the Vice-President of [[Fudan University]]<ref>Cao Dafeng http://www.fudan.edu.cn/new_genview/now_caidafeng.htm</ref>, and Liu Shenghuan of [[Tongji University]].
+
== Current Research ==
  
−
Feng Shui practitioners have been skeptical of claims and methods in the "cultural supermarket."<ref>Jane Mulcock. Creativity and Politics in the Cultural Supermarket: synthesizing indigenous identities for the r-evolution of spirit. ''Continuum''. 15:2. July 2001, 169-185.</ref> Mark Johnson<ref>"Reality Testing in Feng Shui." ''Qi'' Journal. Spring 1997</ref> made a telling point:
 
−
<blockquote>This present state of affairs is ludicrous and confusing. Do we really believe that mirrors and flutes are going to change people's tendencies in any lasting and meaningful way? ... There is a lot of investigation that needs to be done or we will all go down the tubes because of our inability to match our exaggerated claims with lasting changes.</blockquote>
 
−
 
−
A travelogue-type article from the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry explained feng shui initially as "a commonsense alignment of structures to conform to the shape of the land, an idea shared by any sensible architect in a land fraught with typhoons and torrential rains." However, after reading two books (one by field researcher Ole Bruun), the writer's conclusion was that feng shui "is more of a mystical belief in cosmic harmony."<ref>Monty Vierra. Harried by "Hellions" in Taiwan. ''Sceptical Briefs'' newsletter, March 1997.</ref>
 
−
 
−
[[Penn & Teller]] did an episode of their television show ''[[Bullshit!]]'' that featured several Feng Shui practitioners in the US, and was highly critical of the inconsistent (and frequently odd) advice. In the show, the entertainers argue that if Feng Shui is a science (as some claim), it should feature a consistent methodology.
 
−
 
−
People have reacted skeptically towards the alleged benefits of [[crystal]]s, [[wind chime]]s, table fountains, and [[Disco ball|mirrored balls]], etc., on one's life, finances, and relationships. Often, these claims are dismissed as [[New Age]], [[pseudoscience]], relying on the [[placebo effect]], or even outright fraud.
 
−
 
−
== Current research ==
 
−
[[Image:101.fountain.altonthompson.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A modern <i>feng shui</i> fountain at [[Taipei 101]], [[Taiwan]]]]
 
 
A growing body of research exists on what is now called "traditional" or "classical" feng shui.
 
A growing body of research exists on what is now called "traditional" or "classical" feng shui.
  
−
'''Landscape ecologists''' find traditional feng shui an interesting study.<ref>Bo-Chul Whang and Myung-Woo Lee. Landscape ecology planning principles in Korean Feng-Shui, Bi-bo woodlands and ponds. ''J. Landscape and Ecological Engineering.'' 2:2, November, 2006. 147-162.</ref> In many cases, the only remaining patches of old forest in Asia are "feng shui woods," which strongly suggests the "healthy homes,"<ref>Qigao Chen, Ya Feng, Gonglu Wang. Healthy Buildings Have Existed in China Since Ancient Times. ''Indoor and Built Environment,'' 6:3, 179-187 (1997)</ref> sustainability<ref>Stephen Siu-Yiu Lau, Renato Garcia, Ying-Qing Ou, Man-Mo Kwok, Ying Zhang, Shao Jie Shen, Hitomi Namba. Sustainable design in its simplest form: Lessons from the living villages of Fujian rammed earth houses. Structural Survey. 2005, 23:5, 371-385</ref> and environmental components of ''ancient'' feng shui techniques should not be easily dismissed.<ref>Xue Ying Zhuang, Richard T. Corlett. Forest and Forest Succession in Hong Kong, China.'' J. of Tropical Ecology,'' 13:6 (Nov., 1997), 857</ref><ref>Marafa, L. M. Integrating Natural and Cultural Heritage: the advantage of feng shui landscape resources. ''Intl. J. Heritage Studies.'' 2003, 9: Part 4, 307-324</ref>
+
'''Landscape ecologists''' find traditional feng shui an interesting study.<ref>Bo-Chul Whang and Myung-Woo Lee, "Landscape ecology planning principles in Korean Feng-Shui, Bi-bo woodlands and ponds." ''J. Landscape and Ecological Engineering'' 2 (2) (November, 2006): 147-162.</ref> In many cases, the only remaining patches of old forest in Asia are "feng shui woods," which strongly suggests the "healthy homes,"<ref>Qigao Chen, Ya Feng, Gonglu Wang. "Healthy Buildings Have Existed in China Since Ancient Times." ''Indoor and Built Environment'' 6 (3) (1997): 179-187</ref> sustainability<ref>Stephen Siu-Yiu Lau, Renato Garcia, Ying-Qing Ou, Man-Mo Kwok, Ying Zhang, Shao Jie Shen, Hitomi Namba, "Sustainable design in its simplest form: Lessons from the living villages of Fujian rammed earth houses." ''Structural Survey'' 2005, 23(5): 371-385</ref> and environmental components of ''ancient'' feng shui techniques should not be easily dismissed.<ref>Xue Ying Zhuang, Richard T. Corlett, "Forest and Forest Succession in Hong Kong, China." ''J. of Tropical Ecology'' 13(6) (Nov., 1997): 857</ref><ref>L. M. Marafa, "Integrating Natural and Cultural Heritage: the advantage of feng shui landscape resources." ''Intl. J. Heritage Studies'' 9, Part 4 (2003): 307-324</ref>
  
−
'''Environmental scientists''' and '''landscape architects''' have researched traditional feng shui and its methodologies.<ref>Chen, B. X. and Nakama, Y. A summary of research history on Chinese Feng-shui and application of Feng-shui principles to environmental issues. ''Kyusyu J. For. Res.'' 57. 297-301 (2004).</ref><ref>Xu, Jun. 2003. A framework for site analysis with emphasis on feng shui and contemporary environmental design principles. Blacksburg, Va: University Libraries, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. </ref>  
+
'''Environmental scientists''' and '''landscape architects''' have researched traditional feng shui and its methodologies.<ref>B. X. Chen and Y. Nakama, "A summary of research history on Chinese Feng-shui and application of Feng-shui principles to environmental issues." ''Kyusyu J. For. Res.'' 57 (2004): 297-301.</ref><ref>Jun Xu. ''A framework for site analysis with emphasis on feng shui and contemporary environmental design principles.'' (Blacksburg, VA: University Libraries, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2003) </ref>  
  
−
'''Architectural schools''' study the principles as they applied to ancient vernacular architecture<ref>Park, C.-P. Furukawa, N. Yamada, M. A Study on the Spatial Composition of Folk Houses and Village in Taiwan for the Geomancy (Feng-Shui).'' J. Arch. Institute of Korea''. 1996, 12:9, 129-140.</ref><ref>Xu, P. Feng-Shui Models Structured Traditional Beijing Courtyard Houses. ''J. Architectural and Planning Research.'' 1998, 15:4, 271-282.</ref><ref>Hwangbo, A. B. An Alternative Tradition in Architecture: Conceptions in Feng Shui and Its Continuous Tradition. ''J. Architectural and Planning Research.'' 2002, 19:2, pp 110-130.</ref>.  
+
'''Architectural schools''' study the principles as they applied to ancient vernacular architecture<ref>C.-P. Park, N. Furukawa, and M. Yamada, "A Study on the Spatial Composition of Folk Houses and Village in Taiwan for the Geomancy (Feng-Shui)." ''J. Arch. Institute of Korea'' 12 (9) (1996): 129-140.</ref><ref>P. Xu, "Feng-Shui Models Structured Traditional Beijing Courtyard Houses." ''J. Architectural and Planning Research'' 15(4) (1998): 271-282.</ref><ref>A. B. Hwangbo, "An Alternative Tradition in Architecture: Conceptions in Feng Shui and Its Continuous Tradition." ''J. Architectural and Planning Research'' 19(2) (2002): 110-130.</ref>.  
  
−
'''Geographers''' have analyzed the techniques and methods to help locate historical sites in Victoria, Canada,<ref>Chuen-Yan David Lai. A Feng Shui Model as a Location Index. ''Annals of the Association of American Geographer''s 64 (4), 506–513.</ref> and '''archaeological sites''' in the American Southwest, concluding that ancient Native Americans considered astronomy and landscape features. <ref>Xu, P. Feng-shui as Clue: Identifying Ancient Indian Landscape Setting Patterns in the American Southwest. ''Landscape Journal.'' 1997, 16:2, 174-190.</ref>
+
'''Geographers''' have analyzed the techniques and methods to help locate historical sites in Victoria, Canada,<ref> Chuen-Yan David Lai, "A Feng Shui Model as a Location Index." ''Annals of the Association of American Geographers'' 64 (4): 506–513.</ref> and archaeological sites in the American Southwest, concluding that ancient [[Native Americans]] also considered [[astronomy]] and landscape features when selecting sites for buildings and ceremonial centers. <ref>P. Xu, "Feng-shui as Clue: Identifying Ancient Indian Landscape Setting Patterns in the American Southwest." ''Landscape Journal'' 16 (2) (1997): 174-190.</ref>
  
−
Whether it is data on comparisons to scientific models, or the design and siting of buildings,<ref>Lu, Hui-Chen. 2002. ''A Comparative analysis between western-based environmental design and feng-shui for housing sites.'' Thesis (M.S.). California Polytechnic State University, 2002.</ref> graduate and undergraduate students have been accumulating solid evidence on what researchers call the "exclusive Chinese cultural achievement and experience in architecture"<ref>Su-Ju Lu; Peter Blundell Jones. House design by surname in Feng Shui. ''J. of Architecture.'' 5:4 December 2000, 355-367.</ref> that is feng shui.
+
Whether collecting data on comparisons to scientific models, or the design and siting of buildings,<ref>Hui-Chen Lu. 2002. ''A Comparative analysis between western-based environmental design and feng-shui for housing sites.'' Thesis (M.S.). California Polytechnic State University, 2002.</ref> graduate and undergraduate students have been accumulating solid evidence on what researchers call the "exclusive Chinese cultural achievement and experience in architecture"<ref>Su-Ju Lu; Peter Blundell Jones, "House design by surname in Feng Shui." ''J. of Architecture'' 5 (4) (December 2000): 355-367.</ref> that is feng shui.
  
 
== Modern Usage ==
 
== Modern Usage ==
−
'''Architects''' in Sydney and Hong Kong were surveyed by researchers regarding their selection of the environment for a building and interior layout. The architects generally concurred with the ideal feng shui model.<ref>Michael Y. Mak and S. Thomas Ng. The art and science of Feng Shui—a study on architects’ perception. ''Building and Environment.'' 40:3, March 2005, pp 427-434</ref>  
+
'''Architects''' in Sydney and Hong Kong were surveyed by researchers regarding their selection of the environment for a building and interior layout. The architects generally concurred with the ideal feng shui model.<ref>Michael Y. Mak and S. Thomas Ng, "The art and science of Feng Shui—a study on architects’ perception." ''Building and Environment'' 40 (3) (March 2005): 427-434</ref>  
  
−
The '''hospitality industry''' has documented the expensive retrofits members must undertake when accommodations were not designed with feng shui principles in mind.<ref>J.S. Perry Hobson. ''International J. of Contemporary Hospitality Management.'' Dec 1994. 6:6, 21-26</ref>
+
The '''hospitality industry''' has documented the expensive retrofits members have had to undertake when hotel accommodations were not designed with feng shui principles in mind.<ref>J.S. Perry Hobson. ''International J. of Contemporary Hospitality Management.'' 6 (6) (Dec 1994): 21-26</ref> [[Donald Trump]] and Britain's [[Prince Charles]] have been accused of using feng shui.<ref name=antonio> ''San Antonio Business Journal,'' April 7, 2000 </ref>
  
−
[[Donald Trump]] and Britain's [[Prince Charles]] have been accused of using feng shui.<ref name=antonio> San Antonio Business Journal, April 7 2000 </ref>
+
[[News Corporation]] consulted feng shui experts regarding the headquarters offices of DirecTV after News Corp. acquired that company in 2003.<ref>Claudia Eller, "Younger Wife, Exotic Fish: The Mogul's Secret to Vitality." ''Los Angeles Times'', September 18, 2006 </ref>
  
−
[[News Corporation]] consulted feng shui experts regarding the headquarters offices of DirecTV after News Corp. acquired that company in 2003.<ref>Eller, Claudia. "Younger Wife, Exotic Fish: The Mogul's Secret to Vitality." ''Los Angeles Times'', September 18, 2006</ref>
+
== See also ==
 +
*[[Interior design]]
 +
*[[Vastu Shastra]]
 +
*[[Environmental psychology]]
 +
*[[Environmental metaphysics]]
 +
*[[Kau Cim]]
 +
*[[Aesthetics]]
  
−
It has also recently been included in the Lockie Leonard TV series.
+
==Notes ==
 +
{{reflist|2}}
  
−
Cowboy Bebop featured an episode called "Boogie Woogie Feng Shui" with a young girl as a Feng Shui master's daughter.
+
== References ==
  
−
In the TV advertisement to promote the sales of "The [[Beverly Hills]]," Tai Po, Hong Kong, real estate project of Henderson Land Development in 2007, many Feng Shui masters, most famous in Hong Kong, are shown made their own speeches of advantages of living there.
+
* Brown, Simon. ''Practical feng shui.'' London: Ward Lock, 1997.  ISBN 070637634X
 +
* Bruun, Ole. ''Fengshui in China: Geomantic Divination Between State Orthodoxy and Popular Religion.'' Honolulu: Univ. of Hawai'i Press, 2003. ISBN 0824826728
 +
* Field, Stephen L. (translator), ''The Zangshu, or Book of Burial by Guo Pu (276-324).'' 2003. online [http://www.fengshuigate.com.]Retrieved July 21, 2022.
 +
* Knapp, Ronald G. ''China's living houses folk beliefs, symbols, and household ornamentation.'' Honolulu: University of Hawaiì Press, 1999. ISBN 0585312907
 +
* Pankenier, David W., Zhentao Xu, and Yaotiao Jiang. ''East Asian Archaeoastronomy: Historical Records of Astronomical Observations of China, Japan and Korea.'' Amsterdam: Gordon & Breach Science Publishers, 2000. with Vol. 2 forthcoming.
 +
* Rossbach, Sarah. ''Interior design with feng shui.'' New York: Penguin/Arkana, 2000. ISBN 0140196080
 +
* Sang, Larry. ''The Principles of Feng Shui.'' American Feng Shui Institute, 1995. ISBN 0964458306
 +
* Selin H. (ed.), ''Astronomy Across Cultures: The History of Non-Western Astronomy.'' Norwell, MA: Kluwer Academic/Springer, 2001. ISBN 0792363639
 +
* Wang, Aihe. ''Cosmology and Political Structure in Early China.'' Cambridge Univ. Press, 2000. ISBN 0521624207
 +
* Wheatley, Paul. ''The Pivot of the Four QuartersA preliminary enquiry into the origins and character of the ancient Chinese city.'' Aldine Pub. Co., 1971. ISBN 0852241747
 +
* Wu, Baolin. ''Lighting the Eye of the Dragon: Inner Secrets of Taoist Feng Shui.'' New York: St. Martin's Press, 2000. ISBN 0312254970
 +
* Yoon, Hong-key. ''Culture of Fengshui in Korea: An Exploration of East Asian Geomancy.'' Lexington Books, 2006. ISBN 978-0739113486
 +
* Zhang, Juwen. ''A Translation of the Ancient Chinese 'The Book of Burial (Zang Shu)' by Guo Pu (276-324).'' Lewiston, NY: Edward Mellen Press, 2004. ISBN  0773463526
  
−
== Common Feng Shui for Dorm Rooms==
 
−
Feng shui entails that the physical surroundings you are placed in can affect your feelings, mood, health, happiness, etc.  Attending college can be one of the most life changing events in a teenager or a young adult’s lives.  Since most students spend much time cooped up in their dorm room, they should be able to feel relaxed and comfortable when in need and also motivated and driven at other times in their room.  In your '''dorm room''', there are many different ways in which you can keep good energy coming into your room using feng shui techniques.
 
  
−
You should not have any television or computer in your room, though this may be unavoidable at times.  There should be images around the room that portray the feelings you want to feel.  There should be no mirrors or doors in direct view of you sleeping and there should be a mirror near the entrance of your room. 
 
  
−
Your bed should be always made nicely and have clean and comfortable bedding.  The sides of the bed should not be pushed against any wall and the backboard of the bed should not be against the wall in which you enter the room.  If there is a desk or chair in the room, it should not be turned to the back of the entrance of the room as well.
 
  
−
Candles and different lighting are good ways to increase feng shui energy.  Family photos should also be present around the room.  The bedroom should also have a soothing paint color in contrast to a bright loud color.  When sleeping, all doors should also be shut closed to keep the energy focused on your room.  Plants are also encouraged such as bamboo plants that signify luck.  Just be sure to keep them away from the bed!
 
−
 
−
 
−
 
−
==References==
 
−
{{reflist|2}}
 
−
 
−
== Further reading ==
 
−
*Yoon, Hong-key, ''Culture of Fengshui in Korea: An Exploration of East Asian Geomancy'', Lexington Books, 2006. ISBN 9780739113486 (cloth : alk. paper); 0739113488 (cloth : alk. paper)
 
−
*Wu, Baolin, ''Lighting the Eye of the Dragon: Inner Secrets of Taoist Feng Shui'', St. Martin's Press, 2000. ISBN 0-312-25497-0
 
−
 
−
== See also ==
 
−
*[[Interior design]]
 
−
*[[Vastu Shastra]]
 
−
*[[Environmental psychology]]
 
−
*[[Environmental metaphysics]]
 
−
*[[Kau Cim]]
 
−
*[[Aesthetics]]
 
  
 
<!-- NOTE: Attempts to use an external links list merely to promote commercial websites are likely to result in those sites being added to the Wikipedia link blocklist —>
 
<!-- NOTE: Attempts to use an external links list merely to promote commercial websites are likely to result in those sites being added to the Wikipedia link blocklist —>
  
−
[[Category:Chinese words and phrases]]
+
[[category:Philosophy and religion]]
−
[[Category:Chinese thought]]
+
[[Category:Art, music, literature, sports and leisure]]
−
[[Category:Buddhism]]
 
−
[[Category:Divination]]
 
−
[[Category:Environmental design]]
 
−
[[Category:Interior design]]
 
−
[[Category:New Age]]
 
  
−
{{Credits|Feng_shui|169921513}}
+
{{Credits|Feng_shui|169921513|Asterism_(astronomy)|179004550|Solar_gain|172523193|Space_weather|173655062}}

Latest revision as of 13:00, 21 January 2023


Feng shui

Fengshui Compass.jpg
Feng Shui Luopan Compass

Chinese name
Traditional Chinese: 風水
Simplified Chinese: 风水
Literal meaning: wind-water
Filipino name
Tagalog: punsoy
Japanese name
Kanji: 風水
Hiragana: ふうすい
Korean name
Hangul: 풍수
Hanja: 風水
Thai name
Thai: ฮวงจุ้ย (Huang Jui)
Vietnamese name
Vietnamese: Phong thủy

In ancient times as well as today, Feng Shui, (風水) pronounced in English as [fʊŋ'ʃweɪ] ("fung shway"), was known as "Kan-Yu" which means 'The Law of Heaven and Earth.’ [1] Feng shui is the ancient Chinese practice of placement and arrangement of space to achieve harmony between human beings and the environment. Feng shui literally translates as "wind-water." This is a cultural shorthand taken from the following passage of the Zhangshu (Book of Burial) by Guo Pu ( 郭璞) of the Jin Dynasty(晋朝; 265–420) [2]

The qi (氣) that rides the wind stops at the boundary of water.[3]

Feng shui considers factors such as space, weather, astronomy, and geomagnetism in determining the most auspicious location for a building or an activity. Its guidelines are compatible with many techniques of agricultural planning, as well as architecture and furniture arrangement. Proponents claim that feng shui has an effect on health, wealth, and personal relationships.

Introduction

Feng shui is often identified as a form of geomancy, or divination by geographic features, but it is mainly concerned with understanding the relationships between nature and human beings, in order to create harmony. Early feng shui relied on astronomy to find correlations between humans and the universe [4] Chinese often used the celestial pole, determined by the pole stars, to locate the north-south axis of settlements. This technique explains why Shang palaces at Xiaotun lie 10° east of due north. In some cases, as Paul Wheatley observed[5], they bisected the angle between the directions of the rising and setting sun to find north. This technique provided the more precise alignments of the Shang walls at Yanshi and Zhengzhou ( 鄭州).

The earliest evidence for feng shui to date is provided by the Yanshao ( 仰韶文化; 5000 – 3000 B.C.E.) and Hongshan (红山文化 ; 4700 to 2900 B.C.E.) cultures. Professor David Pankenier and his associates reviewed astronomical data for the time of the Banpo (半坡) dwellings (4000 B.C.E.) to show that the asterism (a pattern of stars observed from earth) called Yingshi (Lay out the Hall, in the Warring States period and early Han era) corresponded to the sun's location at this time. Centuries before, the asterism Yingshi was known as Ding and was used to indicate the appropriate time to build a capital city, according to the Shijing. Apparently an astronomical alignment ensured that Banpo village homes were sited so that they received the maximum heat from the sun (solar gain).[6]

A grave at Puyang (radiocarbon dated 5,000 BP) that contains mosaics of the Dragon and Tiger constellations and Beidou( 北斗)(Dipper) is similarly oriented along a north-south axis.[7] The presence of both round and square shapes in the Puyang tomb, and at Hongshan culture ceremonial centers, suggests that the gaitian cosmography (heaven-round, earth-square) was present in Chinese culture long before it appeared in the Zhou Bu Suan Jing.[8]

Cosmography that bears a striking resemblance to modern feng shui compasses (and computations) was found on a jade unearthed at Hanshan (c. 3000 B.C.E.). The design is linked by the contemporary Chinese historian, Li Xueqin, to the liuren astrolabe, zhinan zhen, and Luopan. [9]

All capital cities of China followed rules of Feng Shui for their design and layout. These rules were codified during the Zhou era (1122 – 26 B.C.E.) in the "Kaogong ji" (Manual of Crafts). Rules for builders were codified in the "Lu ban jing" (Carpenter's Manual). Graves and tombs also followed rules of feng shui. From the earliest records, it seems that the rules for the structures of the graves and dwellings were the same.

Instrumentation

History

A feng shui spiral at LA Chinatown's Metro station.

Feng shui devices existed before the invention of the magnetic compass, which occurred comparatively late in the long history of feng shui. According to the Zhouli, the original device may have been a gnomon, although Yao, Huangdi, and other figures were said to possess devices such as a south-pointing chariot.

One was the luopan, a reticulated plate used to correlate the solar and lunar calendars and for astronomical observation." [10]The oldest excavated examples of instruments used for feng shui are liuren astrolabes. These consist of a lacquered, two-sided board with astronomical sightlines. Liuren astrolabes have been unearthed from tombs that date between 278 B.C.E. and 209 B.C.E. The markings are virtually unchanged from the astrolabe to the first magnetic compasses.[11]

Some feng shui disciplines required the use of the magnetic compass. [12], This compass could be a Luopan (Chinese Feng Shui compass of the types San Yuan, San He, and Zong He) or one of the earlier versions such as a south-pointing spoon (zhinan zhen).

The history of the Luopan compass goes back to the Zhou dynasty (770-476 B.C.E.), when emperor Shing combined knowledge of the compass with that of the I-ching. The compass consists of a magnetic needle that points towards magnetic North, not true North. The foundation of the I-ching is in the trigrams. In traditional compass techniques, these trigrams are used for divination. The traditional luopan has thirty-six rings inscribed with information. The trigrams occupy the first circle of the luopan. The way in which the rings of the luopan line up with the compass, and the combination of the reading of these rings, determines a person’s fortune.

Foundation Theories

The goal of feng shui as practiced today is to situate the human-built environment on spots with good qi. The "perfect spot" is a location and an axis in time. Some areas are not suitable for human settlement and should be left in their natural state.

Some current techniques can be traced to Neolithic China, while others were added in later times (most notably during the Han dynasty, the Tang, and the Ming). Today, to determine a perfect spot, local manifestations of qi must be assessed for quality. Quality is determined by observations and by using a compass (luopan).

Qi (ch'i)

Qi is a difficult word to translate and is often left untranslated. Literally, the word “qi” means "air." In feng shui, "qi" means "flow of energy." Max Knoll suggested in a 1951 lecture that qi is a form of solar radiation.[13]

A luopan is used for many purposes, including the detection of the flow of qi. Compasses reflect local geomagnetism which includes geomagnetically induced currents caused by space weather.[14] It could be said that feng shui that is, feng shui is qimancy, or qi divination, a method for assessing the quality of the local environment and the effects of “space weather” (changing environmental conditions in outer space) [15]

Beliefs developed during the Axial Age (the period from 800 - 200 B.C.E., during which similarly revolutionary thinking appeared in China, India and the Occident), including feng shui, hold that the heavens influence life on Earth. It has been determined that “space weather” exists and can have profound effects on technology such GPS, power grids, pipelines, communication and navigation systems, surveys; and on the internal orienting faculties of birds and other creatures.[16] [17][18] Atmospheric scientists have even suggested that “space weather” creates fluctuations in market prices.[19][20]

Polarity

Polarity is expressed in feng shui as Yin and Yang. The polarity within feng shui is buildings of the living (yang) and buildings of the dead (yin).

Magnetic North and Luopan compass

The stability of Magnetic North is critical for the accuracy of reading a compass. Earth has an electromagnetic field. Our solar sun also has an electromagnetic field. Our solar sun goes through 11-year cycles of solar fluctuations called solar flares that create solar wind. This solar wind creates a vibration that disturbs the electromagnetic field of the earth.

Magnetic North and True North (the Earth’s axis) are not the same. Magnet North moves an average of 40 kilometers every year. In the last 100 years Magnetic North has moved approximately 1200 kilometers. Due to solar flares, Magnetic North is always in constant movement, creating conflicting readings on a compass.

Bagua (eight symbols)

Two diagrams known as bagua (八卦 or pa kua) are important in feng shui. Both predate their mentions in the Yijing (易經), or I Ching. The Lo (River) Chart (Luoshu, or Later Heaven Sequence) and the River Chart (Hetu, or Early Heaven Sequence) are linked to astronomical events of the sixth millennium B.C.E., and with the Turtle Calendar from the time of Yao.[21] The Turtle Calendar of Yao (found in the Yaodian section of the Shangshu or Book of Documents) dates to 2300 B.C.E., plus or minus 250 years.[22]

It seems clear from many sources that time, in the form of astronomy and calendars, is at the heart of feng shui. In Yaodian, the cardinal directions are determined by the marker-stars of the mega-constellations known as the Four Celestial Animals.

East: the Bluegreen Dragon (Spring equinox) --- Niao (Bird), α Hydrae

South: the Red Bird (Summer solstice) --- Huo (Fire), α Scorpionis

West: the White Tiger (Autumn equinox) --- Xu (Emptiness, Void), α, β Aquarii

North: the Dark (Mysterious) Turtle (Winter solstice) --- Mao (Hair), η Tauri (the Pleiades)

The bagua diagrams are also linked with the sifang (four directions) method of divination used during the Shang dynasty.[23] The sifang is much older, however. It was used at Niuheliang, and figured large in the astronomy of the Hongshan culture. This area of China is also linked to Huangdi, the legendary Yellow Emperor, who allegedly invented the south-pointing spoon.[24]

Fundamental Techniques

A building in Hong Kong with a hollow middle hole, maximizing on fengshui benefits

Schools

There are many 'masters' of the different feng shui schools. However, some maintain that authentic masters impart their genuine knowledge of feng shui only to a few selected students.[25]

Early Fundamentals

Feng shui was being practiced at least 3,500 years before the invention of the magnetic compass,[26] Folk feng shui developed thousands of years ago in small villages of the Orient, whose livelihoods were dependent on it.[27]. Villagers studied the formations of the land and ways of the wind and water to determine the best setting for their survival. Good feng shui would produce bountiful harvests, healthy livestock and abundant life. Harsh winds would destroy their crops, leaving no food for their family or their animals, and level their homes.

The elements, water, rain, wind, fog, and sun were believed to be manifestations of the energy of heaven and earth. Early shaman-kings were believed to have knowledge of landforms and weather, that could be used to drive back the elements that threatened a village. This divination by the study of land forms was the beginning and foundation of feng shui. The use of the compass and magnetic north originated after the use of landform techniques.

In his fieldwork in China, Ole Bruun[28] noted that traditional methods of feng shui (increasingly referred to as "classical feng shui") which are practiced and taught in Asia, all use a compass. Classical feng shui has some features similar to those found in the archaeological record, and in Chinese history and literature, but the application of classical feng shui is not identical to that of ancient feng shui techniques.

Combining Techniques

Classical feng shui is typically associated with the following list of the most common techniques.[29]

  • Bagua (relationship of the five phases or wu xing (metal, wood, fire, water, earth)
  • Five phases (wuxing relationships)
  • Xuan Kong (time and space methods)
  • Xuan Kong Fei Xing (Flying Stars methods of time and directions)
  • Xuan Kong Da Gua ("Secret Decree" or 64 gua relationships)
  • Xuan Kong Shui Fa (time and space water methods)
  • Zi Bai (Purple-White Flying Stars methods)
  • Ba Zhai (Eight Mansions)
  • San Yuan Dragon Gate Eight Formation
  • Major & Minor Wandering Stars
  • San He Luan Dou (24 Mountains, Mountain-Water relationships)
  • San He Shui Fa (water methods)
  • Qimen Dunjia (Eight Doors and Nine Stars methods)
  • Zi wei dou shu (Purple King, 24-star astrology)

Modern Feng Shui

When the anti-Western Boxer Rebellion broke out in China in 1899, one of the Chinese grievances was that Westerners were violating the basic principles of feng shui in their construction of railroads and other conspicuous public structures throughout China. At that time, Westerners had little knowledge of, or interest in, such Chinese traditions.

Since Richard Nixon visited the People's Republic of China in 1972, there has been substantial interest in the subject of feng shui in the West, and it has been reinvented by New Age entrepreneurs for Western consumption.[30]Ironically, feng shui cannot be legally practiced in the Peoples Republic of China today.

A new version of feng shui was developed in the early 1980s by Thomas Lin Yun Rinpoche, who came to the U.S. from Taiwan. [31] Called Black Sect (or Black Sect Tantric Buddhist, or BTB) feng shui, it relies on "transcendental" methods, the concept of clutter as metaphor for life circumstances, and the use of affirmations or intentions. [32] BTB feng shui has a unique and specially created bagua, with each of the eight compass segment directions representing a particular area of human life.

Shen Dao Feng Shui, developed in the late 1970s by Harrison G. Kyng, became the first school of its type in the United Kingdom. Based upon both 'Form' and 'Compass' styles, Shen Dao utilizes the Five Element modality to assess its clients’ health as well as the harmony of their buildings. This relationship is said to create a unique 'viewpoint' that can then be used to create a greater sense of harmony both inwardly and outwardly. Shen Dao's unique compass uses the former heavenly sequence and expands the Ba Gua into over 300 harmonics that help to fine tune its results.

Criticism

Victorian-era commentators on feng shui were generally ethnocentric, and as such skeptical and derogatory of what little they knew of feng shui.[33] In 1896 at a meeting of the Educational Association of China, Rev. P.W. Pitcher railed at the "rottenness of the whole scheme of Chinese architecture," and urged fellow missionaries "to erect unabashedly Western edifices of several stories and with towering spires in order to destroy nonsense about fung-shuy." [34] Some modern Christians have a similar opinion of feng shui.[35]

Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, feng shui has been officially deemed a "feudalistic superstitious practice" and a "social evil" according to the state's atheistic Communist ideology, and has been discouraged or even sometimes banned outright. [36][37]. Persecution was the severest during the Cultural Revolution, when feng shui was classified as a custom under the so-called Four Olds to be wiped out. Feng shui practitioners were beaten and abused by Red Guards, and their works burned. After the death of Mao Zedong and the end of the Cultural Revolution, the official attitude became more tolerant, but restrictions on the practice of feng shui are still in place in today's China. It is illegal in the PRC today to register feng shui consultation as a business, and the advertising of feng shui practice is banned. There have been frequent crackdowns on feng shui practitioners on the grounds that they are "promoting feudalistic superstitions," such as one in Qingdao in early 2006, when the city's business and industrial administration office shut down an art gallery converted into a feng shui practice [38]. Communist officials who had consulted feng shui lost their jobs and were expelled from the Communist Party [39].

Partly because of the Cultural Revolution, in today's PRC less than one-third of the population believe in feng shui, and the proportion of believers among young urban PRC Chinese is said to be much less than 5 percent [40]. Among all the ethnic Chinese communities worldwide, the PRC has the least number of feng shui believers in proportion to the general population. Learning feng shui is considered taboo in today's China.[41] Nevertheless, a BBC Chinese news commentary in 2006 reported that feng shui has gained adherents among Communist Party officials. [42], and since the beginning of Chinese economic reforms, the number of feng shui practitioners is increasing. A number of Chinese anthropologists and architects, such as Cao Dafeng, the Vice-President of Fudan University, and Liu Shenghuan of Tongji University, have been permitted to research the subject of feng shui, and to study the history of feng shui or the historical feng shui theories behind the design of heritage buildings.[43], and Liu Shenghuan of Tongji University.

Chinese feng shui practitioners are skeptical of the methods employed and the claims made by Western practitioners. Skeptics in the West dismiss feng shui as "a mystical belief in cosmic harmony"[44] and argue that if feng shui is a science, as some claim, it should feature a consistent methodology. Claims about the alleged benefits of crystals, wind chimes, table fountains, and mirrored balls, on personal life, finances, and relationships are often dismissed as pseudoscience, reliance on the placebo effect, or even outright fraud.

Current Research

A growing body of research exists on what is now called "traditional" or "classical" feng shui.

Landscape ecologists find traditional feng shui an interesting study.[45] In many cases, the only remaining patches of old forest in Asia are "feng shui woods," which strongly suggests the "healthy homes,"[46] sustainability[47] and environmental components of ancient feng shui techniques should not be easily dismissed.[48][49]

Environmental scientists and landscape architects have researched traditional feng shui and its methodologies.[50][51]

Architectural schools study the principles as they applied to ancient vernacular architecture[52][53][54].

Geographers have analyzed the techniques and methods to help locate historical sites in Victoria, Canada,[55] and archaeological sites in the American Southwest, concluding that ancient Native Americans also considered astronomy and landscape features when selecting sites for buildings and ceremonial centers. [56]

Whether collecting data on comparisons to scientific models, or the design and siting of buildings,[57] graduate and undergraduate students have been accumulating solid evidence on what researchers call the "exclusive Chinese cultural achievement and experience in architecture"[58] that is feng shui.

Modern Usage

Architects in Sydney and Hong Kong were surveyed by researchers regarding their selection of the environment for a building and interior layout. The architects generally concurred with the ideal feng shui model.[59]

The hospitality industry has documented the expensive retrofits members have had to undertake when hotel accommodations were not designed with feng shui principles in mind.[60] Donald Trump and Britain's Prince Charles have been accused of using feng shui.[61]

News Corporation consulted feng shui experts regarding the headquarters offices of DirecTV after News Corp. acquired that company in 2003.[62]

See also

  • Interior design
  • Vastu Shastra
  • Environmental psychology
  • Environmental metaphysics
  • Kau Cim
  • Aesthetics

Notes

  1. ↑ Tina Marie. "What is Feng Shui?" (PaintedFace Publishing, 2007) [1] Feng Shui Facts,org. Retrieved December 22, 2007.
  2. ↑ Stephen L. Field. The Zhangshu, or Book of Burial. [2]. fengshuigate.com. Retrieved December 22, 2007.
  3. ↑ Larry Sang. The Principles of Feng Shui. (American Feng Shui Institute, 1995)
  4. ↑ X. Sun, 2000. "Crossing the Boundaries between Heaven and Man: Astronomy in Ancient China." In H. Selin (ed.), Astronomy Across Cultures: The History of Non-Western Astronomy. (Norwell, MA: Kluwer Academic), 423-454.
  5. ↑ Paul Wheatley. The Pivot of the Four Quarters: A preliminary enquiry into the origins and character of the ancient Chinese city. (Aldine Pub. Co., 1971. ISBN 0852241747), 46
  6. ↑ David W. Pankenier. 'The Cosmo-Political Background of Heaven's Mandate.' Early China 20 (1995): 121-176.
  7. ↑ Zhentao Xu, David W. Pankenier, and Yaotiao Jiang. East Asian Archaeoastronomy: Historical Records of Astronomical Observations of China, Japan, and Korea. (Earth Space Institute Book Series, Volume 5) (CRC, 2000 ISBN 905699302X), 2
  8. ↑ Sarah M. Nelson, Rachel A. Matson, Rachel M. Roberts, Chris Rock and Robert E. Stencel. (2006) "Archaeoastronomical Evidence for Wuism at the Hongshan Site of Niuheliang." (a paper presented by the Honors class in Archaeoastronomy at the University of Denver in Winter Quarter 2004), 2.
  9. ↑ Chen Jiujin and Zhang Jingguo, 'Hanshan chutu yupian tuxing shikao,' Wenwu 4 (1989): 15
  10. ↑ Derek Walters. About the Luopan. Retrieved December 22, 2007.
  11. ↑ Marc Kalinowski. 'The Xingde Texts from Mawangdui.' Early China. 23-24 (1998-99):125-202.
  12. ↑ Wallace H. Campbell. Earth Magnetism: A Guided Tour Through Magnetic Fields. Academic Press, 2001.
  13. ↑ Max Knoll. "Transformations of Science in Our Age." In Joseph Campbell (ed.) Man and Time. (Princeton Univ. Press, 1957), 264-306.
  14. ↑ A.T.Y. Lui, Y. Zheng, Y. Zhang, H. Rème, M.W. Dunlop, G. Gustafsson, S.B. Mende, C. Mouikis, and L.M. Kistler, "Cluster observation of plasma flow reversal in the magnetotail during a substorm." Ann. Geophys. 24 (2006): 2005-2013,
  15. ↑ Stephen L. Field. 1998.Qimancy, The Art and Science of Fengshui. Retrieved December 22, 2007.
  16. ↑ F. R. Moore, 1975. "Influence of solar and geomagnetic stimuli on the migratory orientation of Herring Gull chicks." Auk 92:655-664.
  17. ↑ F. R. Moore, "Geomagnetic disturbance and the orientation of nocturnally migrating birds." Science 196 (1977): 684-686.
  18. ↑ Thomas Alerstam, "Bird Migration Across a Strong Magnetic Anomaly." J. exp. Bml. 130 (1987): 63-86
  19. ↑ L. Pustil’nik, G. Yom Din, "Influence of solar activity on the state of the wheat market in medieval England." Solar Physics 223 (2004): 335–356.
  20. ↑ L. Pustil’nik, G. Yom Din, "Space climate manifestation in Earth prices – from Medieval England up to Modern U.S.A." Solar Physics 224 (2004): 473–481.
  21. ↑ Deborah Lynn Porter. From Deluge to Discourse: Myth, History, and the Generation of Chinese Fiction. (S U N Y Series in Chinese Philosophy and Culture) (New York: SUNY Press, 1996. ISBN 0791430332), 35-38
  22. ↑ Xiaochun Sun and Jacob Kistemaker. The Chinese Sky During the Han: Constellating Stars and Society. (Sinica Leidensia, V. 38) (Leiden: Brill Academic Publishers, 1997. ISBN 9004107371), 15-18
  23. ↑ Aihe Wang. Cosmology and Political Structure in Early China. (Cambridge Univ. Press, 2000. ISBN 0521624207), 107-128
  24. ↑ Sarah M. Nelson, Rachel A. Matson, Rachel M. Roberts, Chris Rock, and Robert E. Stencel. Archaeoastronomical Evidence for Wuism at the Hongshan Site of Niuheliang.
  25. ↑ Jacky Cheung Ngam Fung (2007). History of Feng Shui.. Retrieved December 22, 2007.
  26. ↑ Aihe Wang. Cosmology and Political Culture in Early China. Cambridge UP: 2000.
  27. ↑ Candace Czarny.Why Feng Shui?. Retrieved December 22, 2007.
  28. ↑ Ole Bruun. Fengshui in China: Geomantic Divination Between State Orthodoxy and Popular Religion. U of Hawai'i Press, 2003.
  29. ↑ Cheng Jian Jun and Adriana Fernandes-Gonçalves. Chinese Feng Shui Compass Step by Step Guide. 1998:46-47
  30. ↑ H. L. Goodall, Jr., "Writing the American Ineffable, or the Mystery and Practice of Feng Shui in Everyday Life." Qualitative Inquiry 7 (1) (2001): 3-20
  31. ↑ His Holiness Grandmaster Professor Thomas Lin Yun, Yun Lin Temple. Retrieved December 22, 2007.
  32. ↑ Emily Shao-Fan Wu, 2003. Fengshui plus Buddhism equals what?: an initial analysis of Black Sect Tantric Buddhism in the United States. Thesis (M.A.)—(Boston University, 2003).
  33. ↑ Andrew L. March. "An Appreciation of Chinese Geomancy." in The Journal of Asian Studies 27 (2) (February 1968): 253-267.
  34. ↑ Jeffrey W. Cody, "Striking a Harmonious Chord: Foreign Missionaries and Chinese-style Buildings, 1911-1949." Architronic 5:3 (ISSN 1066-6516)
  35. ↑ Mah, Y.-B. "Living in Harmony with One's Environment: A Christian Response to Feng Shui." Asia J. of Theology 18, Part 2 (2004): 340-361.
  36. ↑ Chang Liang (pseudonym), 14 January 2005 What Does Superstitious Belief of 'Feng Shui' Among School Students Reveal?. Retrieved December 22, 2007.
  37. ↑ Tao Shilong, 3 April 2006.The Crooked Evil of 'Feng Shui' Is Corrupting The Minds of Chinese People. Retrieved December 22, 2007.
  38. ↑ Art Gallery Shut by the Municipality's Business and Industrial Department After Converting to 'Feng Shui' Consultation Office. Retrieved December 22, 2007.
  39. ↑ Feng Shui Superstitions' Troubles Chinese Authorities, BBC. Retrieved December 22, 2007.
  40. ↑ Debate on Feng Shui, www.yuce49.com. Retrieved December 22, 2007.
  41. ↑ Beware of Scams Among the Genuine Feng Shui Practitioners, Sohu.com Inc. Retrieved December 22, 2007.
  42. ↑ From Voodoo Dolls to Feng Shui Superstitions, BBC. Retrieved December 22, 2007.
  43. ↑ Cao Dafeng. FUDAN University. Retrieved December 22, 2007.
  44. ↑ Monty Vierra. "Harried by "Hellions" in Taiwan." Sceptical Briefs newsletter, March 1997.
  45. ↑ Bo-Chul Whang and Myung-Woo Lee, "Landscape ecology planning principles in Korean Feng-Shui, Bi-bo woodlands and ponds." J. Landscape and Ecological Engineering 2 (2) (November, 2006): 147-162.
  46. ↑ Qigao Chen, Ya Feng, Gonglu Wang. "Healthy Buildings Have Existed in China Since Ancient Times." Indoor and Built Environment 6 (3) (1997): 179-187
  47. ↑ Stephen Siu-Yiu Lau, Renato Garcia, Ying-Qing Ou, Man-Mo Kwok, Ying Zhang, Shao Jie Shen, Hitomi Namba, "Sustainable design in its simplest form: Lessons from the living villages of Fujian rammed earth houses." Structural Survey 2005, 23(5): 371-385
  48. ↑ Xue Ying Zhuang, Richard T. Corlett, "Forest and Forest Succession in Hong Kong, China." J. of Tropical Ecology 13(6) (Nov., 1997): 857
  49. ↑ L. M. Marafa, "Integrating Natural and Cultural Heritage: the advantage of feng shui landscape resources." Intl. J. Heritage Studies 9, Part 4 (2003): 307-324
  50. ↑ B. X. Chen and Y. Nakama, "A summary of research history on Chinese Feng-shui and application of Feng-shui principles to environmental issues." Kyusyu J. For. Res. 57 (2004): 297-301.
  51. ↑ Jun Xu. A framework for site analysis with emphasis on feng shui and contemporary environmental design principles. (Blacksburg, VA: University Libraries, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2003)
  52. ↑ C.-P. Park, N. Furukawa, and M. Yamada, "A Study on the Spatial Composition of Folk Houses and Village in Taiwan for the Geomancy (Feng-Shui)." J. Arch. Institute of Korea 12 (9) (1996): 129-140.
  53. ↑ P. Xu, "Feng-Shui Models Structured Traditional Beijing Courtyard Houses." J. Architectural and Planning Research 15(4) (1998): 271-282.
  54. ↑ A. B. Hwangbo, "An Alternative Tradition in Architecture: Conceptions in Feng Shui and Its Continuous Tradition." J. Architectural and Planning Research 19(2) (2002): 110-130.
  55. ↑ Chuen-Yan David Lai, "A Feng Shui Model as a Location Index." Annals of the Association of American Geographers 64 (4): 506–513.
  56. ↑ P. Xu, "Feng-shui as Clue: Identifying Ancient Indian Landscape Setting Patterns in the American Southwest." Landscape Journal 16 (2) (1997): 174-190.
  57. ↑ Hui-Chen Lu. 2002. A Comparative analysis between western-based environmental design and feng-shui for housing sites. Thesis (M.S.). California Polytechnic State University, 2002.
  58. ↑ Su-Ju Lu; Peter Blundell Jones, "House design by surname in Feng Shui." J. of Architecture 5 (4) (December 2000): 355-367.
  59. ↑ Michael Y. Mak and S. Thomas Ng, "The art and science of Feng Shui—a study on architects’ perception." Building and Environment 40 (3) (March 2005): 427-434
  60. ↑ J.S. Perry Hobson. International J. of Contemporary Hospitality Management. 6 (6) (Dec 1994): 21-26
  61. ↑ San Antonio Business Journal, April 7, 2000
  62. ↑ Claudia Eller, "Younger Wife, Exotic Fish: The Mogul's Secret to Vitality." Los Angeles Times, September 18, 2006

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Brown, Simon. Practical feng shui. London: Ward Lock, 1997. ISBN 070637634X
  • Bruun, Ole. Fengshui in China: Geomantic Divination Between State Orthodoxy and Popular Religion. Honolulu: Univ. of Hawai'i Press, 2003. ISBN 0824826728
  • Field, Stephen L. (translator), The Zangshu, or Book of Burial by Guo Pu (276-324). 2003. online [3]Retrieved July 21, 2022.
  • Knapp, Ronald G. China's living houses folk beliefs, symbols, and household ornamentation. Honolulu: University of Hawaiì Press, 1999. ISBN 0585312907
  • Pankenier, David W., Zhentao Xu, and Yaotiao Jiang. East Asian Archaeoastronomy: Historical Records of Astronomical Observations of China, Japan and Korea. Amsterdam: Gordon & Breach Science Publishers, 2000. with Vol. 2 forthcoming.
  • Rossbach, Sarah. Interior design with feng shui. New York: Penguin/Arkana, 2000. ISBN 0140196080
  • Sang, Larry. The Principles of Feng Shui. American Feng Shui Institute, 1995. ISBN 0964458306
  • Selin H. (ed.), Astronomy Across Cultures: The History of Non-Western Astronomy. Norwell, MA: Kluwer Academic/Springer, 2001. ISBN 0792363639
  • Wang, Aihe. Cosmology and Political Structure in Early China. Cambridge Univ. Press, 2000. ISBN 0521624207
  • Wheatley, Paul. The Pivot of the Four QuartersA preliminary enquiry into the origins and character of the ancient Chinese city. Aldine Pub. Co., 1971. ISBN 0852241747
  • Wu, Baolin. Lighting the Eye of the Dragon: Inner Secrets of Taoist Feng Shui. New York: St. Martin's Press, 2000. ISBN 0312254970
  • Yoon, Hong-key. Culture of Fengshui in Korea: An Exploration of East Asian Geomancy. Lexington Books, 2006. ISBN 978-0739113486
  • Zhang, Juwen. A Translation of the Ancient Chinese 'The Book of Burial (Zang Shu)' by Guo Pu (276-324). Lewiston, NY: Edward Mellen Press, 2004. ISBN 0773463526

Credits

New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:

The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:

Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.

Retrieved from https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/p/index.php?title=Feng_shui&oldid=1096716

Content is available under Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License; additional terms may apply. See Terms of Use for details.
Copyright Logo
Powered by MediaWiki