Raajeish P Shah
July 2000

The origin of Feng Shui ["Kan Yu"] dates back to 3000 BC. Feng Shui [pronounced "Fung Shway"] Feng Shui literally means "Wind" [Feng] And "Water" [Shui]. Feng Shui was originally was used by the farmers in ancient China who mostly lived along the banks of famous Yellow River, their primary concern was to shield themselves and their farms from the harsh winds and untamed waters of the Yellow river. A site was considered fortunate if it was sheltered from the harsh winds. It was considered most fortunate, if the winds were gentle and the water meandering, as they would then bring comfort, prosperity and fertility to the dwellers. Feng Shui in modern times one can say, is the study and practice of: Combination of, Town-Planning, Living Harmoniously and in balance with ones Environment and other humans, Architecture and interior decoration.

As society began to grow in size and complexity, Feng Shui had to deal with fertility, fame and fortune as well. The Confucian and Taoist philosophies have dominated China for thousands of years and still do so. Feng Shui theory has sprung from these ideas. It is unfortunate that ancient Feng Shui masters were taught to be selfish and they did not to teach all they knew to their disciples. When a Feng Shui Master [Shifu = Teacher] knew that his death was near, then he would call and give the real advanced knowledge only to the disciple who was sincere, hard working, respectful and had a kind heart. Disciples who were impatient to make a fast buck went away with whatever basic knowledge they had, to start practicing thus giving Feng Shui a bad name. In this way, the knowledge of Feng Shui deteriorated quickly and pseudo-Feng Shui practitioners who sprouted like weeds in spring to make a fast buck.

The Confucian theory considers man as part of the Universe he lives in. The universe is ever changing and so is man. The changes that happen in Universe affect our existence and our well being. What the man does also affects the Universe in some way or the other. Man should respect what Mother Nature bestows on him and not to act against Heaven for his personal selfish motive. This in fact is why man should do all he can to protect the environment. For thousands of years the Chinese have been taught to live in harmony with nature and not to disturb the balance. This is the fundamental principal of Feng Shui.

Feng Shui is only one of the many influences on a Human Life, there are so many other influences on: Health, Destiny [past karma], Genetics, Nutrition, Stress, Relationships, Exercise, Man Luck [present karma], Enviourement [nature], A Man's will [how one behaves/conducts himself], etc.

How could Feng Shui possiblely explain all of these? This is why the professionals study TCM, Feng Shui, Palm/Face Reading, I-Ching, Martial Arts, Qi Gong and Cultivation, Astrology, etc. Each can reveal things others may not.

Many of the mainstream [coffee table] books lead the beginner to believe that "All I have to do is fengshui my house/business and the money will roll in". Unfortunately, this is certainly not the case.

If a particular problem is feng shui related, then a house audit may produce dramatic, even instantaneous, results. If not…..

The information on Feng Shui and Vastu, in these series of articles, readings [audits/consultations] and other services is ancient wisdom handed down by our ancestors, our teachers, our gurus and have been in use throughout the Orient and the world for many years. To the best of our knowledge, I guarantee that all information given in these series of articles, readings [audits/consultations] is sincere representation of the subject and makes no claim for absolute effectiveness whatsoever in any recpect nither implied nor suggested. The adoption and application of the advice or information offered is solely the readers' responsibility. Raajeish P Shah and other associates are not responsible or liable in any manner whatsoever for any loss or damages caused by following the suggestions in these series of articles, readings [audits/consultation] and other services.

Raajeish P Shah
162-E, Mohan Manor, Dr. B. Amabedkar Road, Dadar Mumbai 400 014 India
Tel: 414 1614,  415 1461,  Fax: [91-22] 415 1462,
E-mail: raajesh@vsnl.com

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