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West Meets East© By Caroline Patrick BorNei Certified Red Ribbon Professional of the International Feng Shui Guild
Caroline is traveling in China once again and will bring you up to date on her new travels soon. Please enjoy these rerun series of her past journeys to Asia.
Phase Four, China Each day was an awaking experience as I continued to travel over several thousand miles within the ancient providences of China. I never knew what to expect, as the Feng Shui group seemed to gravitate toward unusual experiences not listed in the travel books. After several days, you learn to ‘go with the flow’ of the moment. These are the unexpected experiences you might miss if you try to control any situation.
The Drum Tower was a definite life ‘defining moment,’ as Dr. Phil’s TV personality might say. I stayed behind on the bus to have a private conversation with Professor concerning the last decade of my life and what I needed to accomplish this mission. My birthday was approaching, and his advice was a special gift for the next phase of my life. Master Lin also drew a personal calligraphy in a special book I had brought with me. He chose a red colored pen for the main lines and a black ink for the ancient picture type lettering. It’s a gift I will treasure always.
Other sites of importance were Yonghegong Lamasery, Baiyun Guan, special because as a group from the Yun Lin Temple of America, Master Lin’s group was invited into sacred quarters of high ranking, Abbots, and Taoist Establishments. There were many, too numerous to mention as we were blessed by many monks and lamas.
I must mention one event which came about after several hours journey by bus into the country side. Narrow roads slowed the bus and twice the bus driver had to shovel dirt from the road to continue. Horses, goats and various livestock wandered down the same path as we made our way through the seemingly National Geographic-type scenery. Suddenly the first giant bus topped over a large green vast hill and there below were over 200 people gathered to great us.
A beautiful temple with cinnabar red walls off in the distance was our destination. On one side of the dirt path, monks in golden and crimson robes lined the road with the ancient long horns held by other monks, blared a haunting sound which echoed over the mountains. Gongs and drums sounded in unison as Professor Lin was welcomed by high officials. On the other side of the road, dancing in the misting rain, were a hundred or more Tibetan women dancers in local dress, holding hands and singing a melody I will never forget.
Children and babies made up the rest of the audience as we were welcomed by the entire countryside. Most of us wept as it was the most unexpected and spiritual experience we had ever witnessed. We laughed and cried and walked and walked and walked to the temple. I was given a special blessing by the highest official, for it was my birthday. Professor Lin and Crystal had told him as I walked forward. The large and mystical holy man laughed as he laid his hand on my head and said, “Very auspicious day for you, and blessings on your birthday.” A buzz started on my crown and traveled clear to my toes as I felt the energy of this special being touch my head. These special people spend their whole lives learning to harness energy and I was buzzing the rest of the day.
The Archaeological Museum, home to more than 6000 life-sized terra-cotta warriors and horses, was overwhelming and shouldn’t be missed; but I was more impressed and affected by the Famen Temple in Xian built by Ding Asoka of India 147 AD. We had now flown across the country and were seeing the Stele Forest, Grand Mosques, Da Xing Shan Si and Qin Long Si.
On to the Kunming and the Bamboo Temple. We had seen the Tang Dynasty Dinner Show in a previous city and now were being entertained by the ancient Nazi music performance in Lijiang, high in the mountains. The next day found us on the tops of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Yak Meadow. Tiger Leaping Gorge shadowed the Himalayas and the first bend of the Yangtze River roared through the narrow channel of the mountains.
Now we were traveling by air, water ferry and bus to Kunming, Hang Zhou, Suzhou, gardens, famous green tea growing hills, delicious, I might add, as we only get the fourth cutting from these healthy leaves and the good stuff is kept in China, unless you have a bag of money. Silk factories took us from start to finish, from the worm to silk comforters, which were used by every hotel. I bought one because I never slept as good as under this lightweight blankets of natural breathable fibers.
I never tired of local food and found the vegetables wonderful. Little meat is used in cooking, and fish was always with every meal. I was surprised to find potatoes, squashes, beans, and pork swimming in fat daily. I suppose the grease is balanced by the vegetables and very little sweets. Fruit is the normal dessert, if any. Children snacked on dried fish and I saw no toys for the children in the countryside and few toy shops in the huge cities.
Now we come to Shanghai, one of the largest cities in the world. I was amazed at the modern look and beauty. They have invited other cultures to come and build structures, so the main tourist center is lined with architectural designs, which add to the uniqueness of the city. We stayed at the first hotel which featured drinkable water. This was their claim to fame, but I didn’t partake, as I had stayed healthy this long and didn't want to chance it!
We left the city to transfer by ferry to the famous island Putuoshan, dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Guanyin, a imperial decree from the 13th century. Rough seas had our Steven Post, wrapping slices of ginger on to our wrists to help with the nausea. Monasteries, shopping, climbing and ocean breezes filled the two-day visit, plus a cable car view to the top of the mountain.
The seas were still rough, and our guides decided to vacant us by ferry another direction and send us back to Shanghai by bus. “Only five hours,” was the announcement.
Professor took turns riding on the two buses and joined us once more for part of the journey. He slept often, a minute’s notice, while we sang, laughed and slept our way back to the giant city of China, Shanghai.
Another banquet, glasses clicked in unison as we toasted our guides, Professor, Crystal and everyone who came to see the other side of the world.
We became one during the trip, watching Master Lin hold a sick child in his arms, giving his parents Fang Shum instructions for the 2-year-old’s health, watching Professor answer questions in a humble ever-present manner to those who asked questions. Knowing he must be tired, I observed the manner of his disposition. He never turned away from his work. We missed the boat on one occasion, while the present tour guild looked on helplessly. The teacher continued to teach, and we learned.
I arrived home and blessed all the water and paper in sight, went straight to bed and slept until 2 a.m. Days went by as my husband and I passed each other in the night. I dreamed and assimilated the experiences, woke briefly and fell into another sleep. Three weeks later, I’m still taking ‘it’ all in. I’m teaching, traveling and consulting, but in a different way, a better way, I hope, for we all need to change and grow and breathe. Put the clock away for a day and take a trip anywhere you desire.
Greetings to all,
I am opening new a new office in Portland and closing down the office in Mt. Vernon, WA and will be in residence by September 1st.
Much of my work has expanded to Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, California and other locations, which makes Portland a pivotal location for travel, teaching, speaking and the arts. MILEPOST 5 is a community for Creating and is 15 minutes from the airport.
I will be traveling to Canada, China and Arizona in-between the relocation, so the phone number above is the best way to stay in touch for now (also email) ... temporary phone is (360) 420-5096. For teaching schedules, please go to www.moongateschool.com.
Thank you for your continued support, stay focused and let the OX of 2009 plow the fields of opportunity, but decide now what you want planted now.......for 2010 and in the future.
Blessings and good Chi,
Caroline Patrick BorNei Certified Feng Shui Consultant Red Ribbon Professional of the International Feng Shui Guild www.fengshuiartistry.com caroline@fengshuiartistry.com
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