ABOUT FENG SHUI

The school of Feng Shui develops along the long history of China. This part of the Chinese heritage and tradition is becoming more and more popular with a methodical and systematic appeal, integrating different subjects such as science, environmental studies, magnetic field studies, geography and architecture. Basically, Feng Shui involves the changes and reactions created by all these components and the theories of the five elements and eight trigrams, under the effect of the magnetic fields of the Earth.

As we go through different stages of life, we face different environments and our experiences vary, and these in turn will shape our lives. Fundamentally, throughout our lives, 'Success' and 'Failure' are the two situations that we need to deal with. English philosopher William Whewell once said "Every failure is a step to success", and it is true that there is not any exact definition for success or failure. In any case, a successful person may have experienced many failures before, and a failing person may have had his successful moments too. Hence, success and failure are closely related, and no matter how one defines them, life is about how one handles these two major factors.

To a certain extent, success is a factor that is controllable through personal efforts. However, failure is beyond one's control and sometimes, the desired outcome is just not achievable even after a person had put in his best. While success and failure each has its own representations, they are connected in some ways, which is what we refer to as 'luck'.

Perhaps, some people do not believe in fate at all and are confident that their fortune is in their own hands. However, it is only when we are assigned certain problems in life then we realise some matters are beyond our control, or they may even push us to the extremes. When this happens, people often refer to it as moments of 'bad luck'. Try as he may, one is just not able to make improvements during this disheartening time, as there are uncontrollable factors affecting him. Nevertheless, if we look at moments of 'bad luck' in a good light, failures are not totally bad as they can sharpen one's mind and enrich one's experiences, allowing him to realise his unknown potentials.

And so, how could we improve our fortune when we are having bad luck? Are there any ways to further enhance our fortune when we are in luck? According to ancient Chinese wisdom, Destiny comes first and foremost, followed by Fortune and Feng Shui. Firstly, we can make adjustments to the Feng Shui of one's residence to balance the human factor and the natural environment, so as to achieve a harmonious relationship. When a state of balance is achieved, a person's fortune will smoothen out. Secondly, if a person is willing to change his behaviour for good and enrich himself, his luck will become better too. Lastly, one's luck can be improved through doing good deeds like taking part in charity drives, blood donations and voluntary works.

The objective of Feng Shui is to achieve a harmony between man and nature. The goal of practicing Feng Shui is to integrate its theories into daily life, and to convey this ancient Chinese tradition and culture to more people, as it evolves through the years. Progressively, people are more receptive to Feng Shui and are more willing to explore its ideas, and these include the Westerners. As Feng Shui is being studied and its ideas proven scientifically, it is found that a lot of Feng Shui teachings are agreeable with modern sciences. In this wise, Feng Shui has proven itself to be something more than an ancient set of ideas. It is relevant to the present and will continue to develop, delivering better living standards for today and beyond.