West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick BorNei

Incorporating Ancient Knowledge with New Technology a Winning Combination

On the last day of the recent Boston workshop at Harvard University, Professor Lin Yun, leading expert in the world on Black Sect Tantric Feng Shui, asked the audience if there were any further questions. The subject of his lectures, “Coping with the World Economic Crisis from the Black Sect Tantric Buddhist Perspectives of Chi’s and Feng Shui,” was timely and well received. Thirty years ago most Americans had never heard about Feng Shui, loosely translated as a balance of wind conditions and water flow. Not too much, not too little, but just right. The earliest article on Geomancy, or the study of land, its energies and how these unseen energies affect humans, was sent to me from a friend who thought I might be interested on the subject. She scribbled at the top of the newspaper clipping, “This sounds a little crazy, like you.” Of course it was written with an affectionate tone, as we were both into “the new thought thing.” I was busy with life, children and a job, but this tiny slip of paper would periodically fall out of an art book where it was loosely stored and stare at me like a hungry kitty cat. The children grew up and left home. I quit my job and traveled with my husband. His next assignment brought us to live near Berkeley, California, where new ideas are born, normalized, and eventually considered mainstream. I was in the right place at the right time for East to meet West. Of course this was no accident, as there are few, if any accidents in my opinion. And this is how my teaching of art, herbal studies and Feng Shui blended into a perfect Career.

In the early years of workshops, people would draw up floor plans of homes and facilities and placed on an overhead projector. That way the large class could see the details of the structure in question. With new computer technology, thousands of hand-drawn files have been converted and the old method has been deemed obsolete. Now the floor plan must be ready and scanned in a proper program. Not all consultants are familiar with these techniques and so their Feng Shui question is rarely answered completely. The details cannot be viewed and so you are left guessing … what is right and what is left of this and that. Keeping up with technology is a must in today’s business world. Technology is a blessing for many and a blockage for others. I have several friends my age, 60+, who refuse to train themselves, as the stress of learning one more new thing takes them over the top. I understand completely. But mundane is blending with the transcendental it seems!

The mundane or everyday things we see blends with the transcendental energy we don’t see, such as wave lengths for radio, TV, energy patterns of Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Wind, hands-on healing, and the magic in which prayers are answered.

I took a unique photo of Professor in China, talking on a modern cell phone listening to someone, somewhere in the world, who needed help, as he leaned against a building thousands of years old. One hand embraced the large head of a sacred turtle, while his body was supported by the ancient temple’s memory. This was a perfect visual for me in understanding how modern technology and ancient knowledge are bridged.

Another private moment with His Holiness I would like to share took place in an elevator. We arrived simultaneously at the hotel elevator. He invited me to join him on the ride down to the main floor of the hotel where our group was staying. I eagerly stepped inside the small space and greeting him with a bow and smile. “Did you sleep well?” I asked my teacher. Usually in very upbeat mood, he appeared weary. “No,” he said. Concerned, by the look on his face, my next question was, “Are you well?” Robert, his disciple and translator for many years, only listened to our conversation, as Professor was speaking perfect English. “Yes,” he said with a pause, then continued. “The phone rang all night with friends from all over the world needing Feng Shui help,” he sighed. The statement was not made egotistically, but with love and caring. Just then the elevator door swung open. Preparing for the students who eagerly awaiting his entrance, Master Lin leaned back in his wheel chair with shoulders high. A lovely smile filled his continence, and disciples gathered around the living Buddha for yet another sacred day of learning.

Note: Caroline Patrick BorNei (pronounced Bornay) is Caroline's Chinese name give to her by her Master Teacher His Holiness Grandmaster Lin Yin.

DEPOSITS for THE CHINA TRIP ARE NOW DUE! spaces are limited, please call (360) 424-1501 for details, or go to www.fengshuiartistry.com and click on travelogue for flyer.

CHINA TOUR MARCH 2009 WITH CAROLINE, SIGN UP BEFORE JANUARY 1^st. For schedules & contact info go to www.fengshuiartistry.com

Please consult your physician for physical problems as this article only gives ideas and suggestions. Caroline is not responsible for anyone using these suggested plants or advice for cures or healing any problem either medical or Feng Shui claims. This column and article is for entertainment only. Please seek help from a qualified physician, naturopath, herbalist or other certified person for treatment.