It’s important that we use the term “real” feng shui simply because there have been many practices that have been called feng shui when in reality they have nothing to do with this special custom and what it represents.
What You May Ask Is Feng Shui?
A simple explanation of feng shui is the placement of human-built elements in the best location so as to not disrupt, and to also encourage, the natural energy that emanates from the environment around us. All elements must work in harmony, and this includes nature, celestial bodies, and even elements that seem to clash with one another, such as male and female or hot and cold. By making sure that all these elements harmonize, you are then employing the principles of feng shui.
Feng Shi And Nature
The cultures of asia and in particular China have utilized nature to understand their own standing and place within the universe. For many, they have also replicated the many elements of nature for their own pursuits and gains such as the movements and techniques in the various forms of martial arts designed to mimic the movement of different animals. At a time, music was often even supposed to replicate the sound and rythm of nature such as the wind, and further more instruments were made from the elements of nature such as the shells and reeds.
For the Chinese nature has always played a role in their lifestye, where in herbs were used for medicine, plants used to adorn their houses indoors and so on.
The teachings of feng shui gives great importance to the respect for nature, as its beliefs hold the thought that everything in nature must be balanced and respected, and all is parts must harmonize.
Qi or Energy
For the Chinese, they believed (and for many today still do) in qi, or in other words the natural energy that is created from all living things. Qi is believed to be a kind of life force or spiritual energy. It is frequently translated as “energy flow,” or literally as “air” or “breath.” This energy is thought to flow freely from not only humans and animals, but from the earth itself.
Not interfering with this energy is an important part of feng shui. Qi should be allowed to flow freely through one’s home and other establishments. We’ll discuss in in another article just how to be sure that your own home’s qi is not interfered with.
More About The Sun and The Stars
Astronomy was also very important in ancient Chinese culture. Many structures were designed around the placement of the sun at the time of building. It was also very important that homes be built so as to allow adequate sunlight in as many rooms as possible.
Bringing All The Elements Together
To re-iterate, in the ancient Chinese culture it was of great importance to ensure that all these elements worked together so that harmony is encouraged for any individual and the environment around them. This way of thinking is indeed how the practice of feng shui began many centuries back.
