West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick BorNei

Certified Red Ribbon Professional of the International Feng Shui Guild

The Four Treasures of Chinese Art for Creating Good Chi

For the Lan Su Chinese Gardens (11-30-10)

Whether you are creating Feng Shui Gardens, painting, using statuary, living art, sculpting or cooking, preparation is vital to bring life to your creation. Caroline will share some of these sacred steps given to her by Grandmaster Lin Yun. As a senior student of His Holiness, her studies with Professor Lin Yun have changed the way she sees, feels, and creates art. Learn the Four Treasures.

The manner in which we prepare to create will determine the vitality of the creation. Just as we are shaped by the spaces of our own lives, Feng Shui principles, when used to create beyond the four walls of our dwellings, expand the limitlessness of our ability to bring new life and sacredness to our endeavors. Embracing the ancient wisdoms of harmony in all that we do allows life force to flow not only in our homes and buildings, but through our bodies, minds and spirits. Gardening, cooking, teaching, sculpting, composing, singing, playing music, dancing, writing poetry, books, calligraphy, building, painting or creating with purpose are a few ways to apply the Art of Feng Shui to your creations.

In April of 2010, I was honored to have some private time with His Holiness Grandmaster Lin Yun, leader of Black Sect Tibetan Buddhism and world expert on Feng Shui. Not everyone knew one of his first loves was art and poetry, although he had been educated in law and medicine, which are very connect to the practice of Feng Shui.

Though Grandmaster had been ill for many years, he could “restore” his Chi and teach an 8-hour class with no problem. Mind over matter. I had witnessed this miracle on many occasions.

Our meeting in April would be the last mentoring session I had with His Holiness before his passing in August. He knew his time was limited, as he had announced he was ready to pass over to the Pure Land. His private quarters were in the Berkeley, California temple on the top third floor. I climbed the stairs alone, while some of my students waited for me in the statuary on the first floor. Tears came to my eyes as he came down the upper hallway and was helped to his study by an interrupter. I bowed deeply before him, showing my gratitude for his eternal patience with me over the years, his humble manner and his willingness to see me once again. He motioned me to his studio/study and was helped into his chair, which faced the doorway in a commanding Feng Shui position. I could see the pain in his eyes, but without hesitation he asked, “What is your problem?” I stared through the golden curtains sending a heavenly glow over unfinished calligraphy, the ink stone, brushes standing in a bamboo holder, red cinnabar paint and a few U-bowls setting on the huge mahogany table/desk. My troubles seemed to have vanished in his presence and I heard myself say, “I have no problems, only questions about the preparation of sacred art.” A smile widened across his face and he appeared instantly younger. Although Professor Lin was an accomplished Chinese artist, calligrapher, poet and more, it seemed he had not been questioned about these matters. I had learned early on, if a question was not asked in the right way, it was never discussed. As an example, the word house and home have different translations in Feng Shui and for years, he had been asked about the house, when one day a workshop had changed the word house to home. This opened up an entirely different lecture on Family life and the WOOD element, involving the people living in the home.

I learned many things that auspicious day on the preparation of creating sacred art works, which I will teach in a class someday; but for now I will tell you the time of day is of importance to the artist. I was asked about my birth and what time of day I do my best work. Here are some other very important items that are needed to create paintings.

“The Four Treasures of the Study” or the tools for painting, which are:

THE BRUSH-PEN: Invented over 3000 years ago in China. The construction of the brushes for specific purposes such as painting or calligraphy for the effect needed, made with animal hair such as goat, wolf, sable, pony, mountain horse.

PAPER: Paper was invented by a Chinese named Cai Lun around 105 AD from bamboo and silk. 700 years later papermaking technology was absorbed by Islamic countries, and in the 13^th century, paper replaced papyrus and parchment in Europe.

THE INKSTICK: Made from carbon powder from wood and oils, mixed with glue and pressed into wooden moulds to make sticks. The ingredients were shrouded in secrecy.

THE INKSTONE: Made of fine smooth stone. These are works of art, handmade from slate and usually carved. They would be passed down to future generations.

Caroline Patrick BorNei is a certified Feng Shui Practitioner and a Red Ribbon Professional of The International Feng Shui Guild. Her abilities as a consultant and artist are widely known in the US and abroad. Caroline has completed over 5000 consultations for individuals, large and small businesses. Return clients appreciate the value of her suggestions both mundane and transcendental, providing support on multiple levels. As a college art instructor for many years, Caroline understands the power of color; its symbolism and the visual effect images have on individuals in their surroundings. Her home base is Portland, OR where she continues to write, teach, paint, do illustrations and give herbal medicine making classes. She is available for Feng Shui consultations; Feng Shui art consultant, advises builders, architects and mentors a few serious students.

Call (503) 208-2960 or email caroline@fengshuiartistry.com.

Any suggestions given in this column are only for entertainment. Please contact your physician for any medical or herbal advice or diagnosis. Caroline Patrick is not responsible for any misuse of her advice or suggestions.

Caroline’s “West Meets East” weekly newspaper column can be read from archives on her website www.fengshuiartistry.com.