Feng Shui and Culture

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the main concepts which are incorporated into the practice of feng shui. It explains that while it was considered with much scepticism in the beginning, feng shui has now successfully filled a much-needed void in western culture - practically in house design situations, and philosophically too.
Feng Shui More than a Fad
Wandering Founders
More than Geomancy
Chinese Folk Religion Inspires New Age
The Compasses
Religious Harmony
Feng Shui in Historical Context
Taoism, Confucianism, and Feng Shui
The Exportation of Feng Shui
Chinese Folk Religion and Feng Shui Persecuted
Classical Versus New Age Feng Shui
Feng Shui Growth and Transformations
The 'Flow' of Chinese Cities
Feng Shui Developments Throughout the Dynasties
No Replacements for Chinese Folk Religion

From the Paper:

"The cultural revolution had destroyed the place of honor where Feng shui was held for thousands of years in China. Today, architects, designers, and homeowners in the East and West alike use ancient practices for placement, building, and decorating dwellings and workplaces. (Phan 2004) However, there are varying degrees of accuracy, confusion, and obfuscation of the original Feng shui ideals. "The West tends to demand quick immediate results and gratification, the antithesis of the East. ... Feng Shui... must be learned through centuries, and understanding the science behind them, rather than attaching some esoteric and mystical 'face' to these wisdom." (Phan 2004) The art of Feng shui is an ancient tradition that has been commercialized in modern culture, and mocked by the masses. However, there is a great deal that can be learned from these guidelines. In fact, many of the original Feng shui guidelines can be scientifically or logically proven through accepted means of today's world. The peasants of China and others who follow the ancient traditions despite accusations of being backwards and superstitious are a glimpse into ancient times and a living testimony to Chinese folk religion."

More papers on Feng Shui and Culture:

• Book Review # 65196 : "Practical Feng Shui"
• Research Paper # 91475 : "Feng Shui"
• Research Paper # 9866 : "Green Architecture in Japan"

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