Feng Shui, from the West to the East
Feng Shui, from the West to the East
After the reform and opening up, Feng Shui and other traditional Chinese philosophical cultures and scientific thoughts gradually began to break the ice of ideology and academic research. With the deepening of reform and opening up and the rise of the ideological emancipation movement, most of the previously restricted areas of thought and research have been freed from their shackles. But the fate of Feng Shui is quite bumpy. I studied under Mr. Yu Xixian, a famous historical geographer at Peking University and an expert in landscape design, planning and oriental cultural ecology (Feng Shui). I got a book on Feng Shui by the famous foreign scholar Yin Hongji from him. Due to the policy at that time, Due to environmental reasons, it was not allowed to be published, so the translation had to be stopped halfway. In the past ten years, due to practical needs, especially in tourism planning, landscape design, real estate development, urban protection and construction, a large number of thoughts and behaviors have emerged that do not pay attention to the inheritance of local cultural heritage and the coordination of heaven, earth and man. This has led to failures in planning, design, construction and protection, which has attracted the attention and appeal of knowledgeable people in the fields of history, culture, tourism planning, landscape design, and architecture. There have been more relevant studies and writings, and this passive situation has emerged. changed.
In 1986, the arrival of a foreign scholar opened a door to international exchanges for Chinese Feng Shui research. At the same time, it also revived the awareness of Feng Shui research in mainland academic circles. He is the "famous foreign Feng Shui researcher" mentioned above, Dr. Yin Hongji, a senior lecturer at the University of Auckland in New Zealand. Yoon Hongki is a Korean. He studied under the world-famous master of human geography Sauer and Professor Wo丨fram Eberbard of the Department of Folk Sociology at the University of Berkeley in the United States.
Published in 1976 His doctoral thesis "Research on Korean Kanyu" (ancient Feng Shui is also called Kanyu), and published many articles on Feng Shui in internationally renowned magazines, which attracted the attention of the academic community. In 1986, Yin Hongji went to China for research and investigation on the recommendation of Mr.
At this time, domestic academic circles began to use the word "Feng Shui" as a subject term for literature searches, and found that missionaries to China and foreign scholars had a long history of spreading and studying Chinese Feng Shui ideas, and achieved results. outstanding.
Chinese Feng Shui thought was introduced to the Korean Peninsula in the early Silla era of the 7th century AD. In Korean historical documents, there are a large number of records related to Feng Shui. The most famous one is the Feng Shui story about Li Taizu and Hanyang (Seoul).
During the Goryeo Dynasty (AD 918~1392), Songak (now Kaesong) was the capital of North Korea. After Li Chenggui (Li Taizu) overthrew the Goryeo regime and founded the Li Dynasty (1392-1910 AD), some monks suggested that Hanyang (i.e. Seoul, today's Seoul) be the capital, believing that the geographical environment of Hanyang was completely in line with the ideal model of Feng Shui. Li Taizu finally adopted the monk's suggestion and moved the capital to Hanyang.
When Feng Shui was introduced to Japan, it is generally believed that it was brought to Japan by Japanese envoys sent to the Sui Dynasty and the Tang Dynasty around the 7th century AD. Some scholars believe that Feng Shui was introduced to Japan through Korea. Japanese scholar Yoshio Watanabe believes that Feng Shui spread in East Asia, and "neighboring countries started with Korea." After Feng Shui was introduced to Japan, it initially affected the construction and layout of towns and temples, and then quickly became popular in other buildings and people's lives. In Japan, Feng Shui is more commonly known as "family aspect". During the Kanpei period of Emperor Uta in the first half of Japan's Heian period (AD 889~898), the "Japanese Mingshu Catalog" compiled by Fujiwara Sase included the "Ao Uko" and "Ao Uko" from China in the "Five Elements Category" Huangdi Dragon Head Sutra" and several other Feng Shui classics. In the Edo period, works by Japanese authors began to be published, the most famous ones being Matsuga Toki's "Family Photography Encyclopedia" and Masuga Ginkaku's "Xiangke Family". In modern times, the earliest Feng Shui research book in Japan is "Feng Shui in Korea" by Chisunori Murayama.
In 1991, Shigo Jinmei published "The influence of Feng Shui geographical theory on the Li Chaoyi settlement" in the 43rd volume of the Japanese magazine "Human Geography". "Influence", classified and studied 331 existing villages in the Korean Peninsula during the Lee Dynasty during the Joseon Dynasty, and classified 7 site selection types. The conclusion is that 70% of the villages are located in areas with "back mountains and rivers" and "hiding wind and water", which is in line with the typical Feng Shui pattern.
Other more influential works include "Feng Shui Thought and East Asia" by Yoshio Watanabe, "Feng Shui and Urban Image" co-authored by Sanga Kunio and Mao Gang Yikuang, "Interval Design in Accordance with Yangzhai Study" by Okamoto, etc. In 1989, Japan also established the National Feng Shui Researchers Conference, with the purpose of coordinating relevant Feng Shui research, coordinating research in related fields, collecting relevant research information from around the world, and establishing the theory of "East overwhelms the West".
In Southeast Asian countries, the idea of Feng Shui has also been deeply immersed in the business community, civil society and even politicians, and has become a folk culture that seeks good luck, avoids bad luck, and pursues auspicious and beautiful environment.
In Singapore, Feng Shui is widely valued. The Guanyin Temple located on the east side of Tero Branch East Road in Singapore is a typical resort that perfectly combines Chinese temple construction with Feng Shui requirements. The temple was built in 1886. It faces the sea from the front. The front can absorb the Yang Qi of the lowland, and the back is surrounded by mountains on three sides, giving the impression of "sitting on a mountain and looking at the sea." There is a stone tablet inside the Jade Emperor Temple, another famous religious building in Singapore, which describes the site selection process: "Yuansi built a temple in the middle of Yongquan Street, with mountains on its back and a harbor surrounded by mountains and mountains. It is surrounded by greenery and greenery. It is a scenic spot." "This approach is the same as describing local and family site selection and construction in Chinese local chronicles.
Today, many hotels and buildings in Singapore are designed or modified according to the opinions of local or external Feng Shui masters. It is said that the famous Hyde Hotel in Singapore has repeatedly invited famous Feng Shui masters to transform the hotel's entrance hall, fountain and hotel reception area.
In the Malaysian port city of Penang, there is a Chinese-style temple called Kek Lok Si. Its location was chosen according to the Chinese Feng Shui model. "It has Qinglong Mountain on the left, Baihu Mountain on the right, and there are cranes on the hill where Kek Lok Si is located." "In addition, the headquarters of Malaysia Airlines, Brumetta and United Malaysia Industries are all designed according to the Feng Shui model, with the purpose of making the architectural style, landscape and environment of the area harmonious and harmonious. Balanced effect.
As for the study and introduction of Chinese Feng Shui in the West, it can be traced back to the arrival of Matteo Ricci (1552~1610 AD), an Italian missionary in the Ming Dynasty. In 1582, he was sent to China by the Roman Jesuits to preach, and he played an important role in promoting and spreading Chinese culture and promoting cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries. In his book "History of Chinese Missions", he described the activities of Chinese Feng Shui masters: "Geographers predict good and bad luck based on mountains, rivers, and geographical locations. Looking at Feng Shui is very novel to Westerners. Feng Shui masters believe that Feng Shui It can determine the health, wealth, fame and success of a family, as well as the misfortunes of a place." In "Matteo Ricci's Notes on China", he also recorded his experiences about Chinese Feng Shui and commented on the philosophical background of Feng Shui." According to Chinese theory, the entire material world - humans, animals and hybrids - is composed of the five elements of metal, wood, water, fire and earth.
Chinese Confucian teachings "affirm The entire universe is made up of a unique substance. The creator of the universe seems to have a continuum (corpuscontinuum), with heaven and earth, water, trees and the four elements (referring to the traditional Western concepts inherited from ancient times). The four Greek elements of earth, water, fire, and air) exist, and every individual thing is part of this continuum.” Later, in the 19th century, as more missionaries came to mainland China, the West gained a deeper understanding of Chinese culture, such as "Feng Shui - China" written by the German missionary Ed (1838 ~ 1908 AD). "The Germination of Natural Science" (published in Hong Kong in 1873), and "Feng Shui - The Sacred Landscape Science of Ancient China" (published in London in 1883) by the British missionary Ernest J. Eitel (published in London in 1883). monograph. They tried to use Western scientific ideas to reflect on the reasonable elements of Chinese Feng Shui, opening up a new way to understand and model the core of Feng Shui science and philosophy (culture).
Ed wrote in his book: "What is Feng Shui? This question always bothers us. When people buy a piece of land, build a house, knock down a wall, or raise a flagpole , the residents living in the treaty port encountered countless difficulties... When the Hong Kong Communist Party started building a road, the famous ropeway to Happy Valley, the local clans fell into terrible fear because they believed This would destroy Hong Kong's dragon veins. When many engineers involved in road construction died of Hong Kong fever, and many foreigners had to abandon their homes built in Happy Valley because of the miasma, the Chinese triumphantly claimed that this was partly the justice of Feng Shui. judgment.
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Eater wrote in the book, "In my opinion, Feng Shui is another name for natural science." Based on his analysis of the natural philosophy of Chinese Feng Shui theory, he is more Systematically, from the four levels of "reason", "number", "qi" and "form", Feng Shui is summarized into "the laws of nature" (The Laws of Nature), "the numerical ratios of nature" (The Numerical Proportions of Nature) and "the breath of nature" (The Breath of Nature), "The Forms and Outlines of Nature" (The Forms and Outlines of Nature). After extensive analysis, he realized that in the Chinese view of Feng Shui, everything in the world interacts with each other. It cannot go beyond that. Any activities in his life must be consistent with nature, so he must avoid living in an atmosphere that is not conducive to human survival. Building activities must be conducive to the harmony of nature. But on the other hand, Feng Shui believes that the environment must be harmonious. Balance is not static. Under the premise of taking the surrounding environment into consideration, the environment can still be artificially modified to achieve a new balance with human beings. He stripped off the superstitious cloak of Feng Shui and believed that Feng Shui is an ancient practice. The Chinese natural sciences have an organic and holistic view of nature. The material world is not a static structure in which everything has nothing to do with each other, but is a "breathing living organism". All links, including people, interact with each other. Iter's research improved the scientific rationality of Feng Shui. At that time and even today, his research methods and conclusions have reached a certain height.
The great scientists who study Chinese Feng Shui in modern times should recommend ancient China. Dr. Joseph Needham, a historian of science and technology, a member of the Royal Society and an academician of the British Academy. His definition of Feng Shui, "Feng Shui is a method of regulating the harmonious aura of man and the universe" is highly praised by domestic scholars. He pointed out that Feng Shui theory "has always been respected." "Containing an aesthetic component", "the overwhelming beauty of the countryside, houses, villages and towns all over China can be explained by this." ”
In 1984, the Todds published the book "Basics of Ecological Design", which included a special section on "Feng Shui World View", quoting Paul Sun at the 1982 "New York Sun Village Conference" The report stated: “The worldview of Feng Shui originates from looking up at the heaven and earth, and also contains profound spiritual feelings. It is a method of harmony and coordination with nature, so that the residents and their descendants can have a normal life in their settlement... Feng shui does contain profound wisdom, making it a complete act of humility and respect for nature. guide. Feng Shui as a worldview provides and dictates an interpretation of universal principles for a stable culture. "According to statistics from Yu Xixian and other scholars, as of 1989, there were 120 modern foreign research documents on Feng Shui in Korean, 220 in Japanese, 150 in Chinese, and 250 in Europe and the United States. Among them, Europe and the United States have the most research , and the scientific level of the content is higher.
In the United States, Chinese Feng Shui ideas were originally brought by Chinese workers in the 19th century. After the mid-20th century, industrialization and urbanization brought various changes. Regarding a series of environmental, social, psychological, health and other issues, Feng Shui became popular not only in intellectual circles, but also in business and political circles in the United States. From the 1970s to the late 1980s, "looking at Feng Shui" began to flourish in many places in the United States. The price of real estate often depends on the quality of Feng Shui. Therefore, when real estate companies purchase land or build office buildings, they often hire high-paying experts who understand Feng Shui to pre-visit the Feng Shui. When buying a house, one often has to ask a Feng Shui master to look at it before making a decision. According to reports, after Reagan left office, some of his friends in the film industry collectively pooled their money to buy a residential building for him. A famous Feng Shui master in Hong Kong has seen it.
From the above outline of the spread and research of Feng Shui, we can see that Feng Shui has already transcended the borders of China and has become more and more a part of globalization. Moreover, if we do not pay attention to the research and popularization of Feng Shui, the successors and promoters will not necessarily be Chinese, not to mention that Western scholars have accelerated and strengthened the academic research and theoretical application of Feng Shui. The pace is that relevant institutions and scholars in South Korea, Japan, Singapore and other countries are also vigorously expanding their research scope and results.
For example, I came into contact with a Feng Shui researcher and practitioner in Singapore. He offered Feng Shui related courses at the Singapore University of Science and Technology, awarded a degree from the University of Science and Technology, and often traveled to mainland China to solicit projects and conduct Feng Shui landscape planning. Korean scholars even proposed that Feng Shui is the original thought of the Korean nation and was not introduced from China. They also plan to apply to the United Nations for intangible cultural heritage. It can be seen that currently in our country, it is very urgent to correctly view the research and popularization of Feng Shui and to carry forward the science of Feng Shui. Carrying on the unique knowledge for the past saints is by no means an empty talk.