From 25 A.D. during the East Han Dynasty, the first written evidence about Feng Shui has been uncovered. Moreover, it is widely held that Feng Shui theory is primarily based on Yin/Yang theory – ‘Everything needs to be balanced or leveled.’ With Yin/Yang theory known to be be at its height of popularity during the period of 770 B.C. to 475 B.C., we can conclude that Feng Shui roots are from this same period.
Feng Shui is in use throughout the Western world
Feng Shui masters were highly regarded professionals by the emperors: kept a secret to the commoners in order to strengthen the emperor’s power and their thrones. The public at this time was not aware about the existence of Feng Shui. Feng Shui professionals were highly regarded and very well awarded; though lived a life of humility and lifetime devotion. Strict criteria were applied to those who chose to be an apprentice. Also, they and their families were severally punished or even killed if they tried to steal this guarded secret. For many Feng Shui masters it was a family profession – passed throughout generations within their families. Most of the teachings were done verbally – or manifested in the form of poems students had to learn.
During the Yellow Bandits Rebellion in 907 B.C. an astronomer and the emperor’s meteorologist, fled the Imperial Palace. Hiding out in the mountains in the northwest region of Chiang Sze Province he especially helped the poor with his collections on Feng Shui he took from the Palace. He renamed himself as Save The Poor and is remembered for making the commoners aware of this long kept secret of Feng Shui.
Today, many have heard folklore on how Feng Shui has managed to save lives and bring prosperity. However, this folklore has also created an atmosphere for “feng shui remedies” such as crystals, red front doors, and others that have no foundation in the science of Feng Shui. Good as they might sound, their origin seems to be bonded to Chinese culture – not in the mechanics of qi (energy) flow. They seem to be exotic and interesting to Western cultures – however have no or little effect on the energy flow within a building, and can be regarded as placebo.
The true art and application of Feng Shui is a scholarly study and is unimpeded by superstition. In the United States in the early 1990′s, the University of Southern California and Northrop University jointly sponsored courses in Feng Shui. Others have joined, and this recognition of the true art and practice of Feng Shui is important to its legitimate use in Western culture.
