By studying the significance of imperial tombs, it can be discerned that the selection of an excellent burial spot - referred as the "Yin House" in feng shui - can bring benefits to descendants.
In a recent study-tour of landforms in Taiwan, feng shui consultant and Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics founder Joey Yap explained the importance of burial spots as well as tombs of historical figures. With the theme, Walking the Dragons, the tour was certainly an effective way to learn more about feng shui.
The origins of feng shui, initially known as Kan Yu, can be traced to the practice of selecting grave sites and burial grounds. Back then, feng shui was mainly based on applying the principles of Yin and Yang and related to the collection of positive Qi energy.
In fact, feng shui was originally used for the sole purpose of determining the siting of Yin Houses or graves that could bring benefits to the offspring or descendants of the deceased.
Later, such principles of determining positive sites were extended to include "Yang Houses" or homes of the living. The practice of feng shui, be it for Yin Houses or Yang Houses, is fundamentally and essentially, the same.
The tombstone for a burial spot is similar to the "Main Door" in a Yang House. For instance, at the tomb of Chiang Kai Shek, Taiwan's first president, Yap pointed out how his tomb could have reaped more positive Qi, if it had been positioned some 300 metres in another spot.
Landform is important but knowing how to make full use of the environment is equally crucial. When applying such principles to our homes today, even if the house enjoys a good location and with positive "stars" surrounding the area, the property may not be able to benefit from positive Qi, if its location was not positioned at the true meridian spot.
Nightlife
The Si Ba Wang Gong temple reflects that belief that one can tap into the benefits associated with an unusual landform.
Yap explained that this temple attracted visitors who were associated with nightlife activities. Apparently, they hope to improve their personal relationships by making their wishes known at the altar.
The temple has been built on to a side of a mountain. In fact, the landform resembles a person's lower torso with legs apart, and with running water that flows out to the sea. Interesting, isn't it?
Feng shui is a science - it is a clear methodology based on the principles of Yin and Yang, the Five Elements and determining the direction of sites to tap into Qi - the natural energy found in the environment. It is also about understanding the energy of landforms and waterways, based on their shapes, sizes and relative positions. And determining how these factors will affect people living on the land and within buildings.
Qi
Qi is the life force and energy that permeates the land. It flows from the mountains to the rivers. Positive Qi revolves around maintaining a balance between the five basic Qi elements which are: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.
There are two types of Qi, namely, Sheng Qi (positive Qi) and Sha Qi (negative Qi). When selecting a property, one needs to find a property that taps into the beneficial resources of the surrounding land which encourages positive Qi.
Sheng Qi (Positive Qi)
It is important to position your main door - which is the mouth of Qi - in the right location and at the same time, facing the correct direction. You would want your entrance to receive the best possible quality of Qi in your house and facing a favourable direction that will amplify this effect.
It is extremely important to have a "good" main door as this will ensure that you have good Qi entering your property.
Sha Qi (Negative Qi)
Sha Qi can come from a variety of sources. The most obvious source of Sha Qi is any sharp, pointy object or formation. For instance, the edge of a roof, pylon, mountain peak or straight road. In fact, any formation that can generate Sha Qi in an environment. Gushing water can also produce Sha Qi.
For example, if a location is extremely windy, this indicates that the Qi will easily disperse, therefore, it is not a very good location.
If the land is particularly rocky, this is an indication of a poor quality "Dragon Vein" and unstable Qi. If the land has muddy, sticky soil, this indicates that it is waterlogged and Qi is trapped.
Other modern forms of Sha Qi include electrical poles and pylons. These are categorised as "Fire Sha" elements and water features are normally employed to counteract their adverse effects. Highways and waterfalls are also considered Sha Qi sources.
When selecting property, consider the following factors:
- White Tiger and Green Dragon Embrace
The "Tiger" and "Dragon" elements refer to the left and right side of the surrounding hills or even, houses. If they do not "embrace" your location but instead, is "outward moving", the Qi in this area cannot be contained - then it is not a good property or site.
- Bright Hall
Bright Hall refers to the space in front of your property. Check that you do indeed have a Bright Hall and that it is not too narrow or overly spacious. If it is too confining, no Qi can accumulate, but if it is too wide, then the Qi will easily disperse without any chance to build up.
- Mountains at the Back and Water in Front
It is not always necessary to have mountains at the back and a water feature at the front. This really depends on the overall structure of the landform. Sometimes, it is better to face the mountain to receive the Qi directly from the Dragon Veins.
A mountain with lush vegetation releases positive Qi whereas a rocky mountain with exposed "bald" patches or cracks, releases aggressive Qi energy. The ideal site of a house should be supported by hills at the back and a clear, unobscured view in front.
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