Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy of
understanding the energy that surrounds us and it deals with using
positive 'chi' or energy to improve a person's good fortune and success.
In the Chinese language each character can be translated and interpreted
differently. Feng Shui (pronounced as Fung Shwey) is translated as "the
way of wind and water" or "the natural forces of the universe."
According to Feng Shui these natural forces influence everything in the
world. The ancient Chinese lead their lives according to these natural
forces. Thousands of years ago the Chinese used the principles of Feng
Shui to construct building. As the land was such that it was prone to
strong mountain winds and the plains were prone to flooding, before
construction wind and water considerations had to be made. Therefore the
name, wind and water.
In Europe a similar science was known as geomancy. Native Americans and
Hawaiians have their own form of this science. We are oblivious of the
fact that we are being affected by different energies everyday. These
energies or electromagnetic fields we can neither see nor feel. Without
even being conscious we are ourselves creating everything that affects
our lives. Using the principles of Feng Shui, we can control our actions
and our lives and attain our goals. You can notice the science of Feng
Shui in everything we see and touch everyday. Feng Shui uses the Ba-qua
chart or eight-sided shape that is associated with the eight aspects of
life: prosperity, relationships, helpful people, new knowledge, family,
children and career. Feng Shui was introduced to the Americans during
the California gold rush in the 1840s, when people from all over the
world including China, came to America seeking wealth. Today America is
using a simple Western version of Feng Shui.
Feng Shui manipulates 'chi' by evaluating natural and artificial
environments. 'Chi' is the dragon's celestial breath and the ancient
Chinese used this word to name the life force that governs our world.
'Chi' brings happiness, prosperity, luck and long life. Though chi is
present everywhere, it is concentrated in some areas which are very
sacred in Feng Shui. Feng Shui looks for areas where 'chi' is
concentrated so that there is a lot of happiness, luck, prosperity etc.
Ancient Chinese classified 'chi' is classified into five types or
elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. Feng Shui studies the
distribution of 'chi' and the quality of 'chi' is determined by time,
position and location. Feng Shui also guides you on how to place objects
so that it brings harmony in to the environment.
