Feng shui (traditional Chinese: 風水; simplified Chinese: 风水; pinyin: fēng shuǐ; pronounced /ˈfəŋˌʃueɪ/ foong-shoy in Chinese Mandarin, "fheng-schway" in American English) is an ancient Chinese system of aesthetics believed to utilize the Laws of both heaven (astronomy) and Earth (geography) to help one improve life by receiving positive Qi. The original designation for the discipline is Kan Yu (traditional Chinese: 堪輿; simplified Chinese: 堪舆; pinyin: kānyú; literally: Tao of heaven and earth).

The words feng shui literally translate as "wind-water" in English. This is a cultural shorthand taken from the following passage of the Zhangshu (Book of Burial) by Guo Pu of the Jin Dynasty:

Qi rides the wind and scatters, but is retained when encountering water.

Traditional Feng Shui practice always requires an extremely accurate Chinese compass, or Luo Pan, in order to determine the directions in finding any auspicious sector in a desired location.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

How Feng Shui Can Bring About Harmony in Your Home

Most people think of Feng Shui in terms of a system of religious rituals to safeguard their property. It is that, of course, but it is also considered more than that. Basically, Feng Shui is based on the ancient Chinese belief that the power of natural forces, called 'chi', can be harnessed to act favorably on any kind of property. Proper use of its prescribed techniques, it is believed, can foster physical and spiritual wellbeing, success, happiness and other positive aspects of life amongst the property's occupants. The actual name, loosely translated, means 'Wind' and 'Water' - the two elements most influential in the presence or absence of harmony.

Feng Shui practitioners undergo an intensive learning process before being able to advise others on the correct use of its techniques. However, the baseline precept is that every room of one's home has a special significance, and therefore special guidelines.

The bedroom is considered very important. Correct layout and internal specifications can, it is believed, ensure domestic bliss and harmony within the family. Modern practitioners of Feng Shui warn strictly against the presence of a television set within the bedroom; having a mirror directly facing the bed is also considered extremely harmful. Both of these can cause serious disruptions in conjugal harmony. Having a solid wall at the bed's head-side is considered to be beneficial in many respects.

Children's bedrooms also have special requirements. For instance, it is thought of as highly inauspicious to allow children to sleep on the floor, and double-bunk beds should not be used. In either of these, the free flow of spiritual energy is allegedly compromised - thereby affecting children's performance at school and peace of mind at home.

The entrance to a domestic household should be free of any obstruction, and the storing of any kind of footwear here should be strictly avoided. Great attention should be paid to keeping this part of the home clean and hygienic. Also, there should ideally be a visible source of flowing water in this area - this is why small indoor fountains are evident in many Feng Shui-compliant homes.

Since Feng Shui places particular importance on the proper confluence of the basic elements of water and fire, there is great potential for clash in the kitchen. For this reason, locating sources of the two within proximity of each other is considered inauspicious. This means that water cisterns, the kitchen sink and refrigerator should not be placed directly opposite or near to the kitchen range or stove.



Autor: Arun G. Chitnis

Arun Chitnis is a professional writer with interest in a wide swath of genres. His fields of interest include real estate, self improvement, short fiction and parenting issues. He is based in Mumbai, India and writes whenever he can.


Added: November 10, 2009
Source: http://ezinearticles.com/

0 Comments: