Expert: Ralph Salier - 1/28/2011

Question
QUESTION: greetings sir!  

   I am smile from Phillipines. As part of fulfilling our requirements for Investigative Reporting in our  Journalism subject, I am tasked to do an investigative report on Fengshui (a belief originated by the chinese community which is widely being practiced in some parts of the world nowadays) specifically on its origin, rapid growth particularly in Asian countries, and the effects of its diffusion to the people.

   Having the knowledge of your enthusiasm about the matter of cultural origination and its effects to people, I would like to ask you some questions regarding the said topic. Your answers will be a great help in accomplishing my report sir.

Below here is the list of questions that i would like to inquire:


1.   Have you known some Background about Feng-shui? Kindly state some regarding this matter.

2.   Where did it started?

3.   What are the factors which make this phenomenon (fengshui) become easily adapted by other culture?

4.   What are the possible resistances of a certain country upon the diffusion of this phenomenon to their culture?

5.   What are the factors which makes this phenomenon lasting through?

6.   Upon its transmission, what are the advantages and disadvantages of fengshui practice to the culture of other country.

7.   Is there a possibility for “feng shui” to become a common culture in the world for the years to follow? How and why?

8.   Basing upon on its background, Can it be stated that the effect of fengshui somehow has a basis?

9.   Except from Asian countries like Philippines, have you known other countries which find fengshui practice believable? State how these countries are seemingly affected upon the transmission of this practice (fengshui) to their culture.


thank you sir and godbless!:))

ANSWER: 1) Feng-shui is an ancient Chinese philosophical view of how nature and man should interact and this is tied to Chinese astrology because not only must it "fit" correctly for the best match between man and nature, it also must have the correct timing.

2) As noted above, it started in China as part of the Confucian movement.

3) It resonates with people of many cultures. This is because it "makes sense" to people who have a more Natural Spirit view.

4) There are some cultures that are more rigid in their expectations and demand for conformance to their societal norms.

5) It is the connection between man and nature that appeals to many

6) I don't think that there are any real disadvantages and while the advantages tend to be personal in nature, if one feels good about where and how they live, then this is a good thing

7) In some parts of the world where there is freedom of though and expression, feng-shui may find a cadre of supporters but these kinds of things come and go.

8) Perhaps, but since it is based on personal feelings, this is very hard to judge.

9) Where ever the Chinese have gone, they have brought Feng-Shui with them.  It tends to stay mostly with in those communities but other cultures have picked up on the practice to a greater or lesser degree.   Will it last, that depends on the culture and people.

I hope this helps,  Ask more questions if you need clarification or more information.

Please note, much of this is based on my opinion and view. As a non-asian, my view may be less in-depth then someone of Asian decent.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for answering my questions sir. i am very delighted with your response regarding my inquiries.In relation with my previous questions, i just want to clarify another uncertainty sir.:))

  According to you sir, Fengshui matters with the best match between man and nature;So could it be claimed that fengshui is also a practice which belongs to the world of sorcery(where nature and man are also correlated to form unnatural phenomenon)?

  My second follow up question sir is: despite the fact that some countries have a dominant religion of catholic, which prohibits this kind of belief (fengshui practice), why does fengshui still remains penetratable by these countries?

   Hope you will still be delighted in answering my follow up questions. thank you again sir and godbless.:))

Answer
In the view of Feng Shui practicioners the guidance the Feng Shui priest gets while he/she examines the building or place, as well as the calculations done to determine the asupicious timing prevent the negative from occuring. Part of the job of the Feng Shui priest is to ensure that this does not happen.

It is not seen as a "religion" as much as a practice of a non-melevolent type which is to say it is not witchcraft or evil. Thus other religious practice does not see this as an intrusion to their own belief systems. It is viewed as compatible thus permissable.