Chinese fengshui中国风水

   Feng means wind and Shui means water. Fengshui is a Chinese traditional discipline that studies the way in which human beings co-exist in harmony with nature. In ancient times, our Chinese ancestors were aware of the existence of qi in nature, the natural rules discerned（识别、领悟）by them during their long labors. To be specific, qi is seen as a mystical drive greatly influencing people’s daily life. At first, they used the rules of qi simply to choose the locations of their houses and graves. By following these rules, they believed well-being would knock at the door, otherwise, bad luck would befall.

   The word Fengshui first appeared in a book by Guo Pu① during the Jin Dynasty, but its fundamental basis and core thoughts originated from Books of Changes (or I Ching). In the beginning, Fengshui was a kind of practical and simple skill in choosing residential locations. Later, with the spread of systematic thought of the philosophy of the “harmony between man and nature”, and the continuous enrichment and increasing influence of Book of Changes in social life, Fengshui also began to incorporate a grand theoretical system, and accumulated rich experience. It largely influenced and altered the living environments and lifestyles of Chinese people.

   As a culture growing uniquely out of China, Fengshui provides a set of methods to make correct choices and avoid misfortunes. Dealing with the relationship between man and nature, Fengshui represents Chinese people’s efforts in understanding, conforming to, altering, and harmonizing with nature.

   Location selection, orientation, interior structure design, and overall arrangement are all important factors in Fengshui. Living within their houses, human beings should feel the influences of nature, and houses can be adjusted to integrate the influences of information from nature. One’s surroundings are thought to constantly influence people’s moods, health, and in turn, their careers, fortunes, and even family relations. Sunshine, air, water, terrestrial magnetism(地磁), sound, color, moisture, radiation, and viruses are usually researched in the field of modern Fengshui philosophy.

   Meanwhile, with the use of knowledge in construction, astronomy, geography, physics, chemistry, biology, and aesthetics, Fengshui tries to provide perfect conditions to cater to people’s physical and psychological needs. In short, Fengshui refers to understanding and adjusting to the environment.

   There are three principles of Fengshui: The unity of human beings with nature, the balance of yin and yang and the attraction and repulsion(相克) of five elements - metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. These principles are set up to help people pursue good fortunes and avoid disasters, thus improving their living standards.

   Fengshui gives people many suggestions on how and where to build houses. For example, houses should have their backs to the north and fronts to the south. Because when they face south, houses can easily absorb sunshine and avoid cold north winds in winter. This is beneficial to people’s health. So this tradition has come down to the present, especially in rural areas. Also, the size of a house must be moderate, neither too big nor too small. A small house with too many people living in it is not recommended; neither is a large house with a few people.    

   Fengshui has strict requirements for the proper positioning of the central axis in building cities. Generally speaking, the central axis should run from north to south, with its north end pointing directly to a mountain running from east to west. The mountain is regarded as the guardian of the city. A winding river around the city is believed to be an auspicious feature. The Forbidden City was built strictly abiding by these rules.

   Nowadays, Fengshui still plays an important role in people’s lives. To improve their quality of life, many people decorate their houses according to Fengshui rules. For example, beds shouldn’t be put too close to windows because beams of light would directly affect the quality of sleep. Mirrors should not be hung on walls opposite beds in case you may be scared by reflections at night. And beds should not be put directly opposite doors, otherwise, you may feel unsafe.

   Fengshui is a great treasure of Chinese traditional culture. It embodies a simple recognition of nature by our Chinese ancestors. Though there are many people who believe it’s a kind of superstition, its wisdom can be made use of to enhance our lives.

                                                            Abridged and revised from

                         http://www.chinaculture.org/created/2005-10/20/content_74711_2.htm 

Notes:

①Guo Pu: 郭璞一代风水大宗师。郭璞（276年324年），字景纯，河东闻喜县人(今山西省运城市闻喜县)，西晋建平太守郭瑗之子，东晋著名学者，既是文学家和训诂学家，又是道术大师和游仙诗的祖师。