Feng Shui 101

 by Sharda Chaitanya

Feng Shui is the ancient art of deliberate placement. The philosophy of Feng Shui proposes that everything contains its own unique energy and everything is affected by the energy surrounding it.

While the premise is very broad, the approach is very simple. When objects, (furniture, foliage, lighting, mirrors, elements, color) are placed in correct and particular relationship to one another, in keeping with Feng Shui theory of harmony, then ourselves and our lives “get” that; we are influenced positively and productively because the flow of Chi (energy) is harmonious.

One can use Feng Shui in the home, office or business; for real estate issues, when progress is "stuck"; for propelling your job to the next level, or even enhancing your work cubicle if you are dealing with pesky co-workers!  Feng Shui is a very tangible method for change and lets us feel that we are in control.   Once the physical changes are in place, those for whom the work was done will begin to feel and see actual results.  Simply stated, with Feng Shui we are enhancing and igniting the good Chi and deflecting or eliminating the bad Chi!
 It is a well-known fact that large corporations as well as successful business people the world over use Feng Shui to heighten their competitive edge and insure gainful results.  Whether you are a corporate firm or an individual looking for change, Feng Shui sets out to accomplish the same thing:  creating abundance, protection and peace for the individual or group by infusing the environment with uplifting, un-obstructed and light-filled ENERGY.

This particular school of Feng Shui, Black Sect Tantric Buddhist Feng Shui, is based on the teachings of His Holiness Grandmaster Professor Lin Yun, and is derived from the traditions of Black Sect Tantric Buddhism. A key aspect of this style of Feng Shui places emphasis on both the material/physical aspects of our task, as well as the all-important non-physical/spiritual aspects of the practice.  The practitioners of this method of Feng Shui are themselves spiritually inclined and look to the work as furthering the well being of others.  With respect for the Powers that Be, the consultant approaches the work, and the clients needs, with compassion.  While adjusting a space using Feng Shui is most beneficial, how and why we are doing it is equally significant.

With this in mind, the recipient of the cures and adjustments is asked to be clear as to their intention or purpose, because Feng Shui is as much about placement and location as it is about perspective and intention.  The tangible and intangible elements carry equal importance.

We are all a little under-nurtured and over-worked.  What happens when we do Feng Shui, (as opposed to just any re-decorating) is that we establish ourselves in our environment in a sacred way.  Instead of just living there, we are thriving and growing - we have created a sanctuary of peace, healing and progress!  And of course, love.
 

We begin to regard the Chi around us as a living, breathing entity that requires attention much like a plant or a pet.  Or ourselves.  Nothing is insignificant, least of all where we live, work and sleep.  These are all gifts, and we are honoring and acknowledging the significance of them when we use Feng Shui.

The premise upon which all Feng Shui is based relies on the Bagua, or the octagonal-shaped diagram that is placed onto the floor plan or lot to determine exactly where each of the life issues corresponds.  

The client generally chooses which 3 areas they would most like to work with for the duration of the consultation.  The 9 Most Important Life Areas are:

• Family –         Your birth or extended family.  Color:  Green
• Wealth --         Money, abundance of friends, options.  Color:  Purple
• Fame --           Increasing our popularity or heightening our reputation.   
•                         Color:  Red
• Love/Relationships –
•                         Familial, romantic or platonic.  Color:  Pink
• Future --          This also includes children and creativity.  Color:  White
• Travel --          Whether commuting for work or recreation.  Color:  Grey
• Career --          Either to enhance your current one or change.  Color:  Black
• Knowledge –   Secular and spiritual.  Color:  Blue
• Health --          Yours or you loved one’s.  Color:  Yellow

                       

Additionally, the three most important objects and their placement are:  the stove, the bed and the desk.  Each of these represents a significant part of our life and must be insured that the proper flow of Chi is infused into them and their space. When we consciously build energy around these seemingly inanimate objects, a synergistic relationship is established.  Energy is there to be used, and when we do so gently, lovingly and with respect, the Chi, the energy, responds in kind.

One of the (many) inexplicable benefits of doing Feng Shui in the home or office are the immediately felt affects on one’s sense of well-being and state of mind:  because when our environment is in synchronization, our mental and even physical health is positively impacted.  It is no secret that Feng Shui can improve one’s health.  Master Lin Yun recommended painting the bedroom of a hyperactive child the color green in order to calm the nervous system and sooth the eyes.  The effects were outstanding, and the child performed better at school and had much improved social skills.

Another example is of a client who simply moved her bed into the command position and her two cats, who had been fighting for the 6 months they had been in this apartment, found peace lying on that bed side by side!  And it happened on the very night the cure was done.  Not only did the feline conflict cease, the client slept more soundly than ever.

When approaching an issue in a home or office, a variety of solutions can be used.  They include color, crystals, light (natural or artificial), use of one or more of the natural elements (fire, water, earth, wood or metal), artwork, flowers, chimes, fountains, etc.  Not only is Feng Shui therapeutic, it can be very creative.  It doesn’t have to be expensive either --even those on a budget can easily begin using Feng Shui in their everyday lives.

At the same time, the furniture, equipment and objects that are already in a space may simply require some rearranging - a little bit goes a long way.  Often times the clearing and neatening of a cluttered room can dramatically increase the flow of Chi.   In this case, less is more!

Once you start doing Feng Shui, a new level of consciousness is awakened, and you perceive energy from a heightened awareness:  but more importantly, with an awareness about your own individual energy.  The use of Feng Shui creates a very dynamic, energy-infused environment custom made for your needs.  At the end of the day, the changes, adjustments, cures and intentions that you use are for your peace of mind and happiness; your home becomes your sanctuary.

MAY YOUR DAY HAVE A MIRACLE!