The Meaning of the Term "Feng Shui"

Introduction: The Origin of "Feng Shui"

The term "Feng Shui" originated in The Book of Burial (Zang Shu, 葬书) by Guo Pu (郭璞), a renowned Feng Shui master of the Eastern Jin dynasty (317 CE – 420 CE). Over time, "Feng Shui" has become the most recognized term for this ancient discipline. Guo Pu was not only a skilled practitioner but also a respected literary figure and philologist. His work, The Book of Burial, remains one of the most significant classics in Feng Shui, serving as a foundation for the field's development across generations.

The Core Concept: Earth’s Qi

In The Book of Burial, Guo Pu described Qi as a vital life energy that flows through the earth, gathering and moving according to the terrain. Feng Shui emphasizes understanding and managing this movement of Qi to ensure its accumulation without dissipation. From his definition, it becomes clear that "earth’s Qi" is at the heart of Feng Shui principles.

Practitioners focus on analyzing soil and water to locate areas with favorable Qi suitable for human habitation. This process, known in Feng Shui as studying "earth’s Qi," highlights the connection between natural elements and human well-being. The theory suggests that an individual’s fortune is deeply influenced by the earth's energy field, often described as the "veins of Qi" or "Qi meridians." Many Feng Shui texts further explore the concept of "Dragon Veins," which are primary channels where Qi gathers and flows, demonstrating the intricate relationship between the earth and Qi.

Feng Shui is traditionally divided into two main schools: the Form School (形势派) and the Compass School (理气派). Among these, the Form School holds the most significance, with its core focus being the study and application of Earth's Qi.

The Dual Elements: Wind and Water

The term "Feng Shui" highlights two essential elements: wind (Feng) and water (Shui).

• Wind ymbolizes the invisible yet omnipresent life force, Qi, which is pervasive and ever-present.

• Water acts as a medium to gather and transmit Qi, playing a crucial role in its distribution.

A famous quote from The Book of Burial states: "The principles of Feng Shui prioritize the presence of water, followed by the containment of wind." This highlights water as the primary element in Feng Shui, with wind as a secondary factor. The "containment of wind" refers to preventing Qi from dispersing, ensuring it remains concentrated and beneficial.

The Importance of Water in Feng Shui

Water holds a central role in Feng Shui because "water domains" are natural reservoirs of Qi, and "water paths," such as rivers, act as channels to transmit this energy. As a result, water is regarded as the most critical element for maintaining a harmonious flow of Qi.

In modern environments, streets function similarly to water paths, guiding Qi through urban areas. Therefore, evaluating the Feng Shui of living and working spaces begins with examining the surrounding streets. By identifying the flow and direction of these "urban water paths," practitioners can assess the overall energy of an area and suggest adjustments for improvement.

Looking Ahead: Understanding Street Feng Shui

Starting from the next series of articles, we will explore various types of streets, their Feng Shui characteristics, and their influence on our lives. Feng Shui encompasses intricate theories about water, many of which have deeply influenced traditional Chinese architectural culture. To shed light on street Feng Shui, I have selected some straightforward concepts from the renowned Tang Dynasty (唐朝，618–907) Feng Shui classic, Xue Xin Fu (雪心赋，Snow Heart Ode), written in poetic form by the famous Feng Shui master Bu Yingtian (卜应天). These concepts will serve to illustrate the underlying principles of street Feng Shui.

By understanding how streets influence the flow and accumulation of Qi, you will gain deeper insight into evaluating, optimizing, and enhancing the Feng Shui of your living environment.