The most common criticism directed at feng shui is that it is not in sync with the times. Architects and home designers often balked and turn their eyes upwards when feng shui is mentioned, saying that it is an outmoded practice having no relevance in our contemporary world of science and progress. That is quit polite really for I have heard worst.
It is difficult and no point really to debate that. The Chinese have a phrase that goes like this: why bother when teaching you would only make you smarter. Hmmm…
Community thrives when it is protected from the elements and nature. Take a look at the news today. We have tsunamis and typhoons that have left lives battered and whole towns buried. These are nature at her most destructive. Would feng shui have helped? Yes, it would have.
It may not be obvious but the first role of the feng shui in the setting up of new settlements or cities is the choice of site. This is something which is not taken lightly for it could mean the safety or annihilation of the entire community.
If you have the opportunity to visit the old cities of Luoyang, Changan, Xian, Beijing and other old cities of China, take a good look around. Savor the local fare of course, but observe how the cities are designed and built.
These cities are designed like a chessboard. The roads crisscross in an orderly fashion and the homes generally follow the courtyard design. The reason behind all this is the ease of movement and the maximum catchment of natural air and light besides catering to the activities of the inhabitants.
The orientations together with the construction are such as to provide relief during the heat and humidity of summer and autumn as well as offer protection from the cold of the harsh winters.
Prevention against fire and cold winds? Subtly, feng shui is applied. For example, the cluster homes are separated by brickwalls. In the old days, timber is the main building material and with the use of oil lamps and candles, fire is a major hazard. These walls act as fire barriers.
The toilet areas and cooking area are generally zoned towards the east or west minimizing the pollution of the living space which is located at the center.
Even physical exercises (think taichi or shadow boxing) have been thought of with the incorporation of the mingtang. Some have translated this as the bright hall but qi source would be more accurate.
There are other aspects of deeper feng shui and a sharp eye would be able to pick them out. It is actually a great opportunity to observe how the alignment of streets and doors are built to allow adjustments through the cycles at the same time making the home a private, comfortable and prosperous place for living.
Feng shui is not limited to the new age stuff bandied about and hopefully this short write succeeds in suggesting that much.
This book is a translation of a text by FengShui Master Jiang Da Hong (ca1640) with my explanations and comments. The root text is a section on yang dwellings from his book “5 Songs of the Heavenly Principles”.