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Can Buddhists Seek Fengshui Advice?

Even when not mindful
of how mind is the forerunner,
the potential power of the mind
still rules over matter.

– Stonepeace | Books

As Buddhists, is it considered superstitious to seek fengshui (geomancy) advice for, say, family harmony? Geomancy is supposedly an ‘art’ for knowing how the environment affects its residents, though it is hard to measure its efficacy scientifically. As an example of simple geomantic advice, not having the bed directly opposite an open toilet makes sense due to potential hygiene and dampness issues, that can affect the health of those sleeping. However, it is often not easy to know if each piece of geomantic advice is sensible or not. Having called geomancy a ‘low art’, the Buddha would probably advise against using it. Geomantic advice, if still sought, should only be heeded when rational and moral (not breaking any precept). If you pay for and blindly follow advice neither questioned nor understood, it kind of amounts to being superstitious.

One might be conned into buy strange, expensive and supposedly blessed items without clear rationale for placement at home, at where they are unlikely to bring any improved physical or psychological effects. Moving some furniture around or adding furniture is unlikely to help much, unless their (dis)placements really create (un)happiness, which should be easy to know and (un)do based on good old common sense. For true family harmony, beyond geomancy, you should practise the Dharma by mindfully, kindly, wisely and patiently looking for the causes of conflict. They should be systematically traced for resolving in a heart to heart manner. It is by changing attitudes and actions that truly changes lives for good.

So-called geomantic ‘laws’ are also not above the law of karma, bearing in mind that even the richest and most powerful, including ancient Chinese emperors, could hire the ‘best’ geomancers to ‘ensure’ successful ‘perpetual’ rule of the land and the masses. Yet, even their greatest of dynasties eventually crumbled in time due to war and other reasons. That said, will you lose out by not subscribing to relevant geomantic advice? Not really, because as suggested, if you actively take care of your individual karma, while improving the collective karma of your family and others you associate with by avoiding evil and doing good, your environment will karmically morph to become more and more conducive for well-being. With the other way round, neglecting your conduct will only destroy even your most ‘blessed’ home.

Being the most crucial for harmony,
of all laws natural and man-made,
the universal law of karma
should be the first understood.

Stonepeace | Books

Related Articles:
Some Buddhist Perspectives Of Fengshui
https://thedailyenlightenment.com/?s=fengshui

1 Comment

  • Comment: Does wearing Buddha jade pendant help or protect us? Do we need to consecrate it? Any possibility that spirits will come to reside in the pendant? How about non-jade pendants, amulets, talismans or prayer beads, do they need to be consecrated, will they protect us? Will burning talisman and put inside a cup of water to drink help us? Will these help to improve our lives?

    Reply: It protects if it reminds the wearers and seers of the Buddha’s teachings, and/or if consecrated properly by virtues of good Dharma practice. But it should not be addicted to, as one is not always karmically with such objects, and they might not be consecrated properly. Buddhists don’t burn or drink talismans. Burnt paper can be unhealthy if consumed. Buddhists focus on proper learning and practice of the Buddha’s teachings to transform themselves to become more and more like the Buddha, compassionate to all and wise about all. It is best to keep a tab on courses and talks available at http://www.TheDailyEnlightenment.com/courses Amituofo

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