Feng Shui and Religion

The practice of Feng Shui, in and of itself, has a spiritual premise. The theories are based on metaphysical principles which pervade Chinese culture as well as other ancient cultures. Feng Shui is also based on common sense and good design, but clearly there are many assumptions and applications that have not yet been validated by Western science.

Is Feng Shui in conflict with any organized religion? What is ironic is that Feng Shui originates from a culture and country where Buddhism is the predominant religion, and yet there are sects of Buddhism, which presently dissuade their followers from believing in any kind if divination arts, including Feng Shui. This is ironic because those who only have a passing acquaintance with Feng Shui often assume that it is an integral part of Buddhism.

As a consultant for over two decades, I have had clients from all walks of life. I have customers who are Christian, Jewish, Taoist, Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh, and atheist, pretty much in that order. Perhaps I am only dealing with clients who are not orthodox in whatever religion they practice. I know this must be the case with the clients who are Muslim and Christian, but I suspect this is the case with the other religions as well.

I was raised Jewish and it’s my understanding that the Orthodox Jews in Israel do not even think that the Reform Jews in America are even Jewish. I do recall having an Orthodox Jewish client once who was very uncomfortable with my suggestions in her home. I had been recommended to her by a concerned friend, so she reluctantly scheduled with me. It was not that I was suggesting she do anything that would be offensive to how she had her household arranged. It was merely the fact that she was taking advice, outside the Torah, which perplexed her. And yet, I have been asked to evaluate a Kabbalah Center in my area.

As well, I have had clients who met with me when their born-again Christian spouse was not home, to avoid conflict or confrontation. Of course, this is all very sad and silly for me. From my perspective, whatever your spiritual or religious beliefs, I know that Feng Shui applications can only enhance whatever it is that one is doing in their life and in the name of their religion.

If you have a place in your home for prayer or meditation, there are Feng Shui principles which can enhance that experience. I have even evaluated a few churches and synagogues. I think that most religions preach family harmony and see the body as a temple which should be respected. This means peace at home and taking care of your health. Feng Shui theories only complement these goals.

People of all religions will acknowledge the special feeling they get from being in their respective houses of worship. The sense of holiness, sanctity, and peace is consciously created in these religious spaces and people want that experience. If we all can acknowledge that space feels holy, we have an idea or know from personal experience what the OPPOSITE feels like. If we are affected by areas in a religious, spiritual or inspired context, we can also acknowledge that other forces are at work to affect us temporarily, if not long term, as well. As much as space can feel holy or “unholy,” Feng Shui can address this aspect, in addition to the most mundane concerns that most Feng Shui adherents have: money, health, and love.

If someone views Feng Shui as an “occult” practice because we are manipulating the forces of nature, I just want to go on record as saying that the one God of the Universe would not allow us to manipulate the forces of nature unless He/She/It allowed us to do so. Nothing happens outside of God’s Will, so Feng Shui is part of God’s Will. Finding cures to kill diseases is also manipulating the forces of nature.

My own concept of God is very abstract and I love the acronym G.O.D.: the Generating, Organizing, and Destroying principles of the Universe. Feng Shui is about living in harmony with Nature. Nature as we know it is a manifestation of God.

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