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West Meets East By ©Caroline Patrick Workshop Opportunities
For those of you who follow my column on Feng Shui, the ancient art of placement, this weekend was special. Professor Lin Yun, Master of Black Hat Sect feng shui, was back in Berkeley, California for a two-day intensive workshop. Living close by in Benicia gives me a wonderful opportunity to study with His Holiness. Known worldwide for his teaching and knowledge on this subject, he is a leader and speaker in hundreds of cities and universities. During the September 11, 2001 New York disaster, professor was holding classes in the Long Island area. Using feng shui knowledge, he and his students went directly to the site of the twin towers and conducted many ceremonies concerning the victims of this tragedy. Knowing the proper prayers and adjustments needed to calm the area, his expertise was certainly needed. Wanting to learn his interpretation of these events, I made all the arrangements necessary to attend the nearby classes quickly. Leaving the shoppe in very able hands with Barbara, my longtime friend and helper, I enrolled once again to learn feng shui. Driving toward the well-known city of Berkeley, I began to feel the "high pitch" buzz of this unique university environment. The chi or energy bounces, swirls and radiates at a very fast pace. I grabbed the steering wheel of the car and tried to attune myself to Berkeley’s wild side. Pedestrians test your brakes as they walk among the traffic and mesh with the vehicles like cowboys on a cattle drive, letting their bodies brush close to car, daring your driving ability. Next comes parking. Ha, ha! Car horns blast as if Paris and this city are related in their impatient pursuit of a vacant spot large enough to hold four wheels. Signs posted every few feet confirm no parking is available with reasons of various causes and concerns. Remembering why I am on this journey and the privilege of having Professor Lin Yun teach a two-day workshop close by keeps me focused. Finally I am able to secure a needed space at a parking facility, only to find more lengthy instructions on stuffing enough dollar bills into the mouth of this little money taker machine. Packing a lunch, camera, purse and photos to share with old friends whose pictures I took last class, I began to walk toward another one of Berkeley’s beautiful old teaching facility with all my supplies. Arriving from several directions were feng shui experts from all over the world: Hong Kong, Taiwan, Beijing, New York, Florida, Washington, Oregon, Southern California, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Minnesota and Mexico, to name a few. People everywhere are wanting to learn these simple but ancient methods of energy exchange. Although these principles come from I-Ching, the Book of Changes, the definition of feng shui from the perspective of Black Hat Sect Tantric Buddhism, I have found that any surviving culture or race that is prosperous enjoys the basic principles of balance and harmony. The present contemporary development incorporates the ancient tradition of feng shui such as psychology, medical science, physiology, behavior science, architecture, interior design, ecology and the understanding of this combined knowledge gives us a simplified version of placement which any religion can use. Using the five elements found in nature along with the physical, spiritual and mental aspects of ourselves, we began to see the clues of how the home we live in houses information based on the combinations of family energies blend or conflict. A hush falls over the classroom when this special man enters. Students have gathered once again to understand the value of this subtle, but powerful, force called wind and water. The relationship between our chi and our environment starts with a human being, a mystical body created by God, on a journey of discovery. In a space of ever-changing situations and energy, our sole purpose is to return to the source of creation, full of light, love and wisdom. Using feng shui as a tool helps a person to understand space must be provided to create job opportunities, time to learn, build family relations, hang onto money, build a good reputation in the community, enjoy and choose the right partner, find joy and maybe have children, have friends and business acquaintances to help assist us at times and enjoy good health. Blocking this vital energy can lead to problems in the home, in business, and cause misunderstandings between families and nations. Hearing Professor Lin speak about the awkward shape of the United Nations building and many other structures surrounding this area, I agreed with the science of equal balance, whether we are talking health problems caused from blocked chi associated with the body’s arteries, circulation, nerve, blood or bone diseases, or driving through Berkeley on a busy morning or the clogged plumbing, stairways or cluttered closets; all of these examples relate to one another. Removing anger, oppression, hunger, drought in our lives and countries and adding the element of water can bring life to any of these stagnant situations. Two days later I am filled to the brim with new information. Helping my clients find the missing chi from their current environment is my goal. Saying goodbye, the students of professor have again filled their minds with lifesaving advice. Much of it sounds simple but by adjusting the flow of an empty space, we make room for new opportunities. Our next workshop is in Portland, Oregon, and Hawaii will also prove fruitful; listening to the teachings of this humble but humorous Master of feng shui, we learn the art of unity to provide peace in the heart and next peace in the nations. Choose opportunity when it comes knocking at your door. Take those classes and workshops pertaining to a special interest. Don’t let a little inconvenience, such a finding a choice parking spot, deter you from gaining insight and knowledge from those who have walked their talk! Caroline’s Arts & Feng Shui Shoppe 129 1st Street, Suite K Benicia 94510 Open 1-5 daily, closed Monday Offering feng shui supplies and classes in many areas. Please call or email for interest in the following class subjects: 707-748-1127 or caroline@fengshuiartistry.com Caroline is available for feng shui consultations, speaking engagements and teaching art, herbs and feng shui. After 2500 home and business consultations, her experience in combining these talents and cases are recorded in her weekly newspaper column, WEST MEETS EAST. Log onto her websites: www.fengshuiartistry.com and moongateschool.com for schedules, bio and weekly feng shui column. You can email her at caroline@fengshuiartistry.com with questions. Fall Workshops 2002 Feng Shui Classes
(Times and locations to be announced) |