Expert: Justin Choo - 2/6/2008

Question
QUESTION: A Buddhist family is coming to view my house for sale.  I have been told their list is long, in what they need for a house, starting with what direction it faces, which way the stairways turn, and the house number.  Can you explain more of the specifics they might be looking for?

ANSWER: Hi Lea,

A Buddhist family does not mean that they are practising the teachings of the Buddha.  The teachings of the Buddha have nothing to do with all these.  

What you are talking about are the peculiar taboos and idiosyncrasies of the different cultures and races. These are like "One man's meat is another man's poison".  Let me give you two examples.  To the Chinese of the Cantonese dialect the number "4" signifies death.  But to the Indians "4" is an auspiscious number!  The number "8" is luck for the Chinese, but to the Indians it means infinity to problems!!  

As this is a Buddhist site about the teachings of the Buddha, I would not like to dwell too long on this issue.  By the way you did not say who these people are, and where is your location.  The Chinese would consider this "Fung Shui" characteristics, but is subject to misconception due to ignorance and fear.

Since you are just wanting to sell the house, just present your house as it is.  You will never be able to completely satisfy such people's unreasonable demands.  There are other more reasonable people who would want to buy your house.  And a word of caution, just ignore their uncalled-for negative remarks about your house, if they ever do so.  

If I were you, I will just give the agent or the prospective buyer all the facts, and tell them that they can view the house only if the facts meet their requirements.

Good luck.

Justinchoo :-)

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

QUESTION: The reason I asked is I was asked these questions  by a realtor.....
What direction does your home face?
What are your house numbers, they don't want 4's in the number.
Does your staircase turn?

There are several other specifics to the list of this family.
I am just trying to understand a little better.

Thank You, Lea

Answer
Hi Lea,

If you ask under the Chinese geomancy site (is there such a site?) you will be given a handful of interpretations.  I take it that these people are Chinese.  Then again, Chinese is not a stereotyped race.  The Chinese race has spread all over the world.  My contention is that the people from Hong Kong are the most superstitious and over zealous on "feng shui".  Like vitamins and other health supplements, too much of it can harm one's health; same to Feng Shui when one becomes a slave to the various interpretations.  Feng shui is not just a simple assumptions of shifting positions and spiral stair cases.  It involves very detailed and meticulous calculations based on many factors, including the life chart of the person concerned.  So, one particular house may not be suitable to one person, but to another,  it may be most auspiscious!!

OK, I can give my comment although I am not interested in this subject, for I believe that if one's life is conducted wholesomely, one is protected by the good forces.  If one is evil, no amount of calculations and shiftings will save him!  

Generally speaking (for there is no stereotyped Chinese belief),  houses should be facing east where the sun rises.  The house should be at a higher ground (always on top of others).  Spiral staircase means you will be spinning and liable to fall (failure in whatever you do).  The shape of the land should not be triangle. Sharp edges will stab the occupiers.  The front must not be wider than the back, otherwise the house will be unstable. Facing junction is a no-no. All the bad vibes will enter the house.  What else?? Ha! Ha!

(Please be reminded that this site is about Buddhism.)

Good luck!

justinchoo :-)