Imagine that you are preparing a project with your friend. You have found some interesting material for the presentation and you want to read this text to your friend. You have 1.5 minutes to read the text silently, then be ready to read it out aloud. You will not have more than 1.5 minutes to read it.
The usual answer that water doesn’t have any colour. It’s clear or transparent and the sea only appears blue because of the reflection of the sky. But in fact water really is blue. It’s an incredibly faint shade, but it is blue. You can see this in nature when you look into a deep hole in the snow, or through the thick ice of a frozen waterfall. If you took a very large, very deep white pool, filled it with water and looked straight down through it, the water would be blue.
This faint blue tinge doesn’t explain why water sometimes takes on a strikingly blue appearance when we look at it rather than through it. Reflected colour from the sky obviously plays an important part. But not all the light we see is reflected from the surface of the water. Some of it is coming from under the surface. The more impure the water, the more colour it will reflect.
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Answer
Feng shui, which literally means “wind-water,” is an ancient Chinese system of aesthetics believed to use the laws heaven and earth (astronomy and geography) to help one improve life by receiving positive “qi” or energy flow. Feng shui has a long and complex history as to its uses, techniques, and instruments—particularly prior to the invention of the magnetic compass. The goal of feng shui as practiced today is to situate the human-built environment on spots with good qi. The «perfect spot» is believed to be a location and an axis in time. The discovery and use of energy forces are also foundational in the Chinese martial arts such as kung fu. Also part of feng shui is the Chinese philosophy of yin yang, the theory of the effect of opposing forces on human existence. Many natural dualities—dark and light, female and male, low and high—are viewed in Chinese thought as manifestations of yin and yang. The most popular use of feng shui in the West is in the areas of interior decoration of rooms and homes and exterior design of buildings.
The forms and methods of feng shui are too varied and complex for a complete description, but an important element to consider, for the Christian, is the fact that ancient Chinese feng shui has been reinvented by New Age practitioners and incorporated into their practices. While many people dismiss feng shui as superstitious nonsense and pseudoscience, others can and do become so enamored of the philosophy that it exerts enormous influence on their life decisions, even going to the extreme of using it for healing purposes in place of modern medicine. For Christians, the question is whether we believe that harmony, peace, and order in life can be achieved by manipulating elements and external “forces” around us. The Bible tells us that our heavenly Father is the source of peace which is available only through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1). In fact, no amount of appealing to inanimate forces will produce tranquility and harmony if our lives are out of sync with the Savior. It is only through Him that we can have the peace of God which “passes all understanding” (Philippians 4:4-7).
Christians should be aware that some of the principles of feng shui, including the “I Ching,” are based on Taoist philosophy used to determine which area of a home is positive/negative and/or how decor and furniture should be arranged. While Christians may incorporate principles of feng shui into their decorating plans, despite the dubious value such principles have, Christians should never do so with the goal of feng shui, which is the manipulation of their environment to produce in their lives those things that only Christ provides. To do so is to border on idolatry. For the Christian, there is no such thing as the “perfect spot” on earth, because our home is not in this world and the kingdom of God is not this life in this place (John 18:36; 1 Corinthians 7:31). Rather, Christians should be concerned with glorifying God in their homes by submitting their thoughts, words, and deeds to Him and endeavoring to grow in Christ-likeness. Only then can we hope to achieve the peace and harmony that eludes so many today.
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“Feng” means “wind” and “shui” means “water” in Chinese, therefore, the term Feng Shui literally translates as “wind-water” in English. The ancient Chinese were at the mercy of the fury of the natural forces of wind and water as their land was often affected by strong mountain winds and their plains were prone to flooding. As a result, Gentle wind and Clear water became associated with good harvest and good health. Thus “good feng shui” came to mean good livelihood and fortune, while “bad Feng Shui” came to mean hardship and misfortune. Therefore, before the construction of their dwellings, wind and water considerations were made. These guidelines for buildings put together came to be known as the science of Feng Shui.
The science of Feng Shui was developed to guide people on the right positioning and direction of buildings so that they were protected from the adverse effects of wind and water and benefited from the proper flow of air (wind) and proper placement of water sources.
Skylight windows have both advantages and disadvantages which make them suitable only in some places. As an Architect, I have described Skylight windows under the following headings so that you can decide whether it is suited for your requirement and your space:
WHAT IS FENG SHUI?
Feng Shui (pronounced fung-shway in Mandarin or fung-shooy) also known as “Kanyu” is an ancient Chinese science developed over 3000 years ago. It is a complex body of knowledge that explains the art of placing and positioning a building so that it is in harmony with its surroundings and the art of balancing the energies of the space to ensure that the people inhabiting it, are exposed to positive “Chi” or energy, which in turn is believed to ensure good health and good fortune. The science of Feng Shui takes into account Astronomy, Astrology, the forces of nature, the magnetic field and how it influences man, geography and environmental factors which influence buildings internally and externally.
WHAT IS “CHI”?
‘Chi’ is the mythical dragon’s celestial breath and means the life force that governs our world. According to Feng Shui, positive ‘Chi’ brings happiness, prosperity, luck and long life. Chi is found everywhere but is constantly in a state of flux because of which we are constantly changing though we are unaware of it. This change is essential for out mental, physical and spiritual health because if there is no change there is stagnation.Though Chi is present everywhere, it is concentrated in some areas. Feng Shui studies the distribution and movement of ‘chi’ and helps to balance the energies and channel positive ‘Chi’ in a building.
IS FENG SHUI SIMILAR TO VASTU SHASTRA?
Although Feng Shui is conceptually similar to its Indian counterpart “Vastu Shastra“ in that, they both try to harmonize the flow of life-energy (“Chi” in Feng Shui or “Prana” in Vastu) through the house, it differs in the details, such as the exact directions in which various objects, rooms, materials etc. are to be placed. This could be because of the geographical differences between China (where Feng shui originated) and India (where Vastu Shastra was developed). In Europe a similar science known as “Geomancy” was practised. Native Americans and Hawaiians have their own form of this science.
IS FENG SHUI A SUPERSTITION?
Today, Feng Shui is practiced not only by the Chinese, but also by Westerners as well as other Asians. It has become a New Age fad in the western world, with rich people hiring ‘masters of Feng Shui’ for hefty fees, to suggest ways of deflecting negative energy. However, the hiring of an expert, the great altering of architecture or design, and the moving from place to place that is sometimes necessary for the effectiveness of Feng Shui, requires a lot of money. Because of this, some people who cannot afford it, are skeptical about Feng Shui, saying that it is only for the wealthy. Moreover, much of the knowledge behind it has been lost in translation. Also,the arrays of metaphysical products like forks, mirrors, etc. offered for sale to help improve your health, maximize your potential and guarantee fulfillment have only established it as a scam. As a result it is frowned upon or scorned and considered a Superstiton by many, today.
However, I believe that Feng Shui, just like Vastu Shastra, is a Science that has survived the test of time and is based on sound scientific principles. The very fact that people have experienced positive effects in their lives by scientifically applying the principles of Feng shui, indicates that it is a Science and not a superstition.
In the topics below, I intend to address the principles of Feng Shui. I shall also bring out the similarities between Feng Shui (which was practised in China) and that was developed thousands of years ago and has only because there is Vastu Shastra (which was developed in India) so that you are convinced that these two are ‘sciences’ were developed by the two great civilisations of ancient times, separately, but with one aim – to channelize positive energy in a building so as to improve the inhabitant’s health, success and good fortune.
In this post, you have been introduced to the concept of “Chi”. To understand the importance of Chi in Feng Shui design and differentiate between good and bad Chi, go to:
- Feng Shui| Chi
Related Topics:
- Feng Shui
- Feng Shui Principles
- Feng Shui Principles Applied To A Proposed Building
- Feng Shui Principles Applied To An Existing Building
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Read the following passage and then choose the best revision for the underlined portions of the paragraph. The questions will require you to make decisions regarding the revision of the reading selection. Some revisions are not of actual mistakes, but will improve the clarity of the writing. Those of you who are intimidated by the prospect of analyzing fiction need not worry any longer. Analyzing fiction is like analyzing anything else. Everything you see in front of you is a text: your book, your desk, the pencil in your hand, the outdated schedule on the wall-even the room you’re sitting in. There is a trick. be warned: To analyze something, you need to pay attention to the details. If you look at a pencil, for example, and say, «a pencil,» then you’re not going to accomplish much; however, if you look at a pencil and take note of the unevenly worn lead, the bite marks obscuring the «Number 2» marking, and the tiny dent in the metal band retaining the dirty eraser; then you′re‾underline{mathrm{eraser; then you’re}} starting to analyze. A. NO CHANGE B. eraser, then you’re C. eraser, then your D. eraser, than you’re
The Origins of Feng Shui
The origins of Feng Shui may well go further back than six thousand years ago, the mid-Neolithic period in Chinese history. It is known that communities were well established by then, settled mainly in valley areas beside rivers. People had begun to farm, domesticate animals and grow food crops. The term for Feng Shui in ancient Chinese texts was originally Kan Yu, which means ‘observe the ways of Heaven and investigate the ways of Earth’. Feng Shui literally translates as ‘wind’ (movement, dispersing — air currents) and ‘water’ (harnessing, replenishing, protecting); the two natural elements that are vital for the support of life.
Early Objectives of Feng Shui
An early objective of Feng Shui was to identify suitable land, well-protected from enemies and harmful natural elements, on which to build dwellings in such a way that the inhabitants would flourish. So Feng Shui was essentially about survival and success; a means to safeguard and provide for the family, and to gain status for some. Feng Shui was also notably used to locate auspicious burial sites for the emperors and other high ranking persons, with the intention to benefit their descendants.
Ancient Feng Shui Skills
Ancient Feng Shui practitioners were similar to skilled land surveyors and geomancers. They acquired a well-developed understanding of the mechanics of nature and utilised that knowledge so that people would live well. They studied natural formations and traced the dragons, which really meant the forces, courses and behaviour of wind, water, land and subterranean features, to ensure that a beneficial flow of qi would be harnessed; they respected the natural elements and patterns of cosmic changes and sought a balance of yin and yang interaction.
Fundamental Philosophy
The ultimate original role of Feng Shui was to enrich people’s lives in places where they could enjoy a harmonious and productive connection with the beneficial rhythms of nature. Abundance might have modestly meant simply managing to produce sufficient food to thrive. Prosperity related to having wealth in personal relationships and spiritual development, just as much as material good fortune. That wise fundamental philosophy continues as the basis of traditional Feng Shui today.
What is Feng Shui?
Feng shui literally means ‘wind and water’. In the past feng shui was used to orient
buildings which are often spiritual tombs, but also used for orienting home and
other architectural structures in a spiritual manner. Originally Feng shui is the
art of orienting buildings and objects in relation to energy flows in order to heighten
the positive energies and dispelling the negative energies. The purpose of feng
shui is to enable an individual to organize his home in such a way that the positive
energy, the all pervading life force, is accumulated by the correct positioning
of house, furniture, decorations and other objects.
Origin of Feng shui art in China?
Feng shui originated in China as an art of Chinese horoscope which is performed
for correcting the orientation of a house to negate the bad influences and hence
it is known as Chinese Feng shui also.
Starting with the palatial structures of Erlitou, soon entire China started using
the rules of Chinese feng shui for their building design and layout.
Feng shui 2012 tips using fortune symbols?
Symbolism is a very famous and integral part of feng shui art. Feng shui Symbols
of good fortune are always carved into our decorative objects which we use to display
in our home or office and hence it is very necessary to know the meaning of these
Feng shui symbols for understanding the depth of fenshui art.
We have for you Feng Shui 2012 Tips using fortune symbols. Check out which
symbol will bring prosperity and which symbol will bring good health, what can help
us to attract love and romance in life and what will bring constant success in life
this year
Have a look at the seven Feng shui 2012 tips using symbols to bring good fortune:
Ø The money or fortune frog: symbolizes good fortune and prosperity Frogs
are believed to bring good fortune. In many Asian countries frogs are believed to
symbolize the moon which brings good luck and prosperity.
According to feng shui 2012, the fortune frog will bring good luck, wealth
and prosperity to the people this year.
Feng shui tips for placing the money or the fortune frog: the money or the
fortune frog should be placed either facing the main entrance door of your house
or office or it should be placed in the northern (career) area or in the southeastern
area (wealth) area to enhance the flow of prosperity and wealth in your life.
Ø The Chinese ox- symbolizes success, abundance and accumulation of wealth:
According to the myth of Chinese astrology, oxen are steady, honest and hard working
creatures.
According to Feng shui 2012, the ox brings this year, good luck in investment,
business, and stock market or in any financial condition.
Feng shui tips for placing the ox:The ox has to place in the south east corner
of your house or office to activate wealth and enhance prosperity for the whole
family.
Ø The Fish (carp or Koi)- symbolizes wealth, strength and prosperity
The fish is a very auspicious feng shui symbol represents strength and ability to
fight adversity throughout its life.
According to feng shui 2012, The fish is believed to bring this year good
fortune and wealth in home and office both.
Feng shui tips for placing the fish:
the fish should be placed in the southeast corner of your house as it is the wealth
corner and will help in bringing success and wealth in your house and office.
Ø The Chinese Horse – symbolizes success, fame, courage and strength
In Feng shui, the horse in a running or walking form is believed to bring success
and fame by refocusing one’s energy onto the correct path. According to feng shui
2012, this fortune symbol will bring success and fame to your house.
Feng shui tips for placing the horse: The horse should be placed facing the door
or the window. If it is placed in the southwest of any room then it will energize
luck in social interactions.
Ø The Lucky Money Cat – symbolizes money, luck, business, prosperity and happiness
The money cat is a very effective feng shui symbol which has the ability to bring
wealth and prosperity in a person’s life.
According to Feng shui 2012, the money cat fortune symbol will bring wealth and
prosperity in your house. It will help in the progress of your business if placed
correctly.
Feng shui tips for placing the money cat: It should always be placed on your office
table or next to a cash register and in home it should be placed in the southeastern
corner for bringing wealth and northeast corner to bring knowledge.
Ø The Chinese Cranes – symbolizes longevity, health, wisdom and good luck
It is believed that the white crane can fly to the heavens and hence it symbolizes
‘wisdom’. According to the forecast of feng shui 2012, this fortune symbol will
bring this year an abundance of good luck and good health if placed correctly in
your office or home.
Feng shui tips for placing the white crane: The white crane should be placed in
the south facing the side of your bedroom to bring good luck and wisdom in your
house.
Ø The Wise old Elephant – symbolizes strength, wisdom, prosperity, good luck and
prudence
Being one of the most auspicious feng shui symbols, the elephant represents wisdom
and strength.
According to feng shui 2012, this fortune symbol will bring this year an
enormous happiness and prosperity if it is placed correctly in your office or home.
Feng shui tips for placing the Wise old elephant: It should always be placed on
a mantle or altar for its recognition and should have their trunks facing upwards
exhibiting as if it is trumpeting for good news. You can order the feng shui symbols
online at Astrocamp right away. Be sure to go through the feng shui 2012 fortune
symbols and tips to choose the best according to your need.
Feng Shui, literally meaning ‘wind and water’, is the ancient Chinese science and art of balancing energies in the environment, so that people can live healthy, harmonious, prosperous and fulfilled lives.
Illustration: GK Brand Real © Copyright Talila Consulting. All Rights Reserved.
The main concepts used in Feng Shui are: the Bagua or the Compass; Chi; Yin and Yang; the Five Elements theory; and the alignment with the laws of Nature. Your environment reflects how things are going in your life. The placement of objects, the colors you apply, the way you situate yourself in a certain space can improve various aspects of your life.
The Bagua
The Bagua (The ‘eight trigrams’) is like a map to determine these life areas. It contains symbols from the I Ching, the ancient Chinese oracle. The Compass is an ordinary magnetic compass in a special form.
Illustration: GK Brand Real © Copyright Talila Consulting. All Rights Reserved.
Chi is universal life force: energy that is everywhere, whether positive or negative. To improve the flow of unseen energies, Feng Shui offers an array of cures, including objects, colors, sounds, symbols, moving or living things, lights, mirrors, crystals or special transcendental remedies that are particularly significant to someone.
Energy manifests in Yin and Yang forces, that are two complementary halves of the whole. These opposites cannot exist without each other and constantly influence one another. Everything is connected in the Tao – Feng Shui is one of the practices of Taoism.
Illustration: GK Brand Real © Copyright Talila Consulting. All Rights Reserved.
The Five Elements Theory
The Five Elements theory posits wood, fire, earth, metal, and water as the basic elements of the material world. These interact in constructive or destructive cycles. The five elements match phenomena not only in nature, but in the body as well. In traditional Chinese medicine, this theory is used to interpret the relationship between the physiology and pathology of the human body and the natural environment.
From the various schools of Feng Shui I follow BTB (Black Hat Tibetan Tantric Buddhism), where a spiritual approach is highlighted next to the practical guidance. The founder of this school was Grandmaster Professor Lin Yun Rinpoche, who brought BTB Feng Shui to the West.
Photo Credit: iStock Database
What Can Feng Shui Do For You?
The way that I work with Feng Shui is different from the approach taken by many other practitioners. I don’t believe in formulas that fit everyone. Each of us is in a specific life situation, and that requires an individual approach.
Instead of dealing with issues on the surface, I look at all aspects of your life, and dig deeper. By using various intuitive techniques and energy healing modalities, I tune into you and your environment’s energy field to reach down to the underlying currents of your issues. Step-by-step, I walk you through which cures to apply and how to deal with your unique challenges. You get special attention and gentle support along the way.
Photo Credit: iStock Database
Feng Shui can help you in numerous ways:
1. Live up to your maximum potential
Often we find ourselves confused about our goals, and about what our mission is on this planet, in this lifetime. Chasing phantom desires and not utilizing our gifts and talents will leave us unfulfilled and unhappy. I will work with you to unlock your hidden talents and tap into the stream of your innate gifts to maximize your potential to the full.
Photo Credit: iStock Database
2. Aid clear decision-making
‘No expectation’ is the expectation of ‘No’. For many, the improvements will manifest in no time; for others, it can take months. In some cases, the changes start as soon as you commit and book your first consultation session.
3. Reach your life goals
Goal setting is one thing, but are you clear about your goals? Can you act at the right moment to move closer to your goal? Do you see the steps clearly or are you just dreaming about a possible successful outcome? I will facilitate your shift from dreaming to doing.
Photo Credit: Can Stock Photo Database
4. Attract good opportunities
Opportunities are lost if we don’t see the signs that are coming to us from the Universe and we cannot recognize the importance of timing. I will work with you to raise your vibration and attract synchronicities, and to be brave enough to take advantage of these fortunate chances in the moment.
5. Work / study more efficiently
In today’s highly competitive and rapidly changing times, many jobs will continue to become obsolete, requiring you to be a lifelong learner. I will guide you in how to manage your work and study much more efficiently: dealing with uncertainties, developing strong time management skills, and recognizing the inevitable connection between chaos/order in your environment and the present level of your self-management.
6. Save time, money and energy
Lack of time, lack of money and lack of energy: are all part of the same mental trap, the belief system that it is a “limited universe”. I will work with you to change this mental construct and open a new gate to understanding as you embrace the “unlimited universe”: more time, more money, more energy, and vitality.
7. Sell your home
Maybe you’ve been struggling to sell your home. Not even any potential buyers on the scene? I will show you how to declutter your soon-to-be-sold home physically and energetically, how to exercise letting go, how to spruce it up and how to stage it to attract serious buyers.
Photo Credit: Tyntesfield Tourist Attraction, England. Downloaded from nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield, 07.12. 2018
8. Attract and establish healthy relationships and improve your family relations
How would you describe your relationship with yourself? Do you have a clear picture of the type of relationship that you want? What are your expectations, and can you compromise?
Are you able to give, as well as receive? I will encourage you to dive into the hidden aspects of your relation to relationships, and find the answers, so that you can experience improvements in these areas of your life.
9. Counterbalance negative influences, and bring serenity and peace of mind
Negative influences can be created by exterior circumstances, by architectural elements (outside or inside a building), and even by the emotional/physical state of the inhabitants. I will suggest the right cure to bring you relief.
10. Enhance your creativity
You may find yourself stuck creatively, and the usual sources of inspirations just don’t do it anymore. Many find that all the vacations, distractions, food, sex, entertainment, shopping, exercise, self-help/spiritual advice or even meditation can’t break this deadlock. I will work closely with you to reestablish your connection with your Higher Self, to find the solutions that are authentic to You, to unlock your hidden resources and unleash your creativity in all aspects of your life.
11. Heal yourself physically, emotionally and mentally
The health of your physical body and that of your physical environment are tightly connected to your mental and emotional state. A disorganized home or workplace will undoubtedly increase your stress and anxiety, and in some cases can even lead to depression. Any problem that manifests physically in your environment is a direct reflection of your physical/mental/emotional state and vice versa.
I will lead you through a graceful healing process:
From Chaos To Order.
Photo Credit: Can Stock Photo Database
12. Attract wealth and prosper in all areas of life
What I mean here is going beyond the popular understanding of The Law of Attraction and reaching a state where you are breathing, co-creating and dancing with life and the Universe.
Your Digital Presence And Artificial Intelligence
Let us speak about the looming elephant in the room that is your digital presence. Everyone has a physical presence, but for the last three decades we have also had a digital presence, and therefore a life that is more and more partnered, influenced and often compromised by our digital life, a life driven by artificial intelligence, automation, sensors and technology.
I have devised a proprietary program to Feng Shui your digital life: to minimize negative influences and bring balance.
Illustration: GK Brand Real © Copyright Talila Consulting. All Rights Reserved.
Your Personal Brand
Your logo is an image that must communicate who you are and your brand’s real identity. In accordance with the natural laws of Feng Shui for harmony/balance and for success/prosperity, I advise you on how to create an energetically ”charged” picture that is memorable, promoting you, drawing in your target clients and further expanding your business.
As for your personal appearance, your fashion, you want to make a statement with the outfit that you’re wearing, communicating your magnetism and personal power, while feeling in harmony with your natural beauty. I will assist you with your style, clothes and make-up from a Feng Shui point of view, taking into consideration the five elements, so that you can feel balanced and act confidently on the stage of life.
Illustration: GK Brand Real © Copyright Talila Consulting. All Rights Reserved.
The most important question to ask yourself: What is my intention?
Many argue that you don’t even have to believe in it… and Feng Shui still works! I firmly hold the view that you do have to believe! No belief is the belief in No!
As a facilitator of your personal transformation, and with the help of my common sense, organizing and interior design skills, Feng Shui knowledge, holistic approach, intuitive and psychological insight, I gently guide you through a process that may well prove to be life changing.
While working closely with you and organizing your space, I address the root causes of your particular life circumstances, so that they can be brought to the surface and dealt with, once and for all. This will enable you to experience the profound positive effects of the energetic shift needed in the present moment, uniquely for you, and to LIVE the improvements as a result.
From Decluttering To A Sacred Space
Emperors used to keep Feng Shui as a secret from the masses to protect their power. Today, the ancient art and science of Feng Shui can be a powerful system in our hands that can facilitate the desired changes in your life.
Photo Credit for Featured Image: © Talila Consulting
Julianna Kocsis is a Feng Shui Specialist, Organizational Expert, Intuitive Vibrational Catalyst, Textile Design Archivist. She is also the founder of Talila Consulting. Bringing Order and Harmony to your Home, Work and Life.
To book an appointment, contact Us: talilaconsulting.com/contact