|
West Meets East© By Caroline Patrick The
Year of the Ram
Recently on a trip to a major bookstore, I realized sections labeled religions and self-help were not stocked at capacity, and the aisles were crowded with after-Christmas shoppers. I sidestepped book lovers left and right, looking for special titles of suggested reading material. My daughter’s generous gift certificate was burning a hole in my pocket, and I was disappointed to find most of the authors not to be found on the shelves. Speaking to an employee, I found the reason for the semi-empty shelves was simple. Americans’ hunger for answers to our current world problems. What can we do to change our profile to the nations? Increase our knowledge of other human cultures. With compassion come answers. We are buying books in huge quantities, in a hurry-up effort to understand world events and the foundation of their sources.
The United States is a nation, one among many, who call this planet home. Incorporating old and new knowledge into your environment will ease the transition to bringing harmony to the world. Using the Chinese calendar as a tool explains to us personalities of the twelve types of energies observed in nature for balance and harmony. Learning to use these actions properly is to understand what their culture finds works best for them. As for myself, I blend all positive calculations of each culture using Native American, Celtic, Islamic, Chinese and Christian wisdom, forming the eclectic foundation to help my clients find abundance and peace. Grandmaster Lin Yun, according to the Black Sect Tantric Buddhist theory, gives his views on the Year of the Ram 2003, which starts this year on February 1st. Here is his observation for the coming year. "In general, ‘sheep’ is a tame and gentle animal. It is not aggressive, and it does not engage in confrontations. It’s filial pious nature and docility also demonstrate mild characteristics. The ancient Chinese character for ‘sheep’ and ‘auspiciousness’ have the same pronunciation. Therefore, when we speak of ‘sheep’ (or ram, lamb, goat, etc.), it is often connoted with auspicious and lucky meanings. The auspicious meaning of ‘sheep’ is significant in the year 2003, year of the ram. Innately the year already has an auspicious omen. Last year’s rampage of the ‘heavenly horse strutting across the sky’ has ended, and this coming year will gradually lead us into a stable and auspicious year. "Looking back at last year, there was warfare worldwide, and chaos and natural disasters were prevalent. The economy is in recession, and the stock markets declined, so it certainly was not a good year for most people. With the positive sign of the ‘sheep,’ Grandmaster Professor Lin Yun brings us uplifting predictions. Last year’s upheaval and troubles will turn for the better as the new year approaches." "Every citizen in the global community must contribute their powers so that the seeds of peace will be sowed deeply into the hearts of everybody." Here are more words from Master Lin Yun’s experiences: "To Live in Comfort; Harmony is Key"
"Grandmaster Professor Lin Yun believes that ‘harmony’ is the key to allow one to feel at ease with oneself, to enjoy a happy marriage, to have positive ties with family and friends, to conduct successful interpersonal relationships with others, to have a stable society, and to have world peace. With all these being accomplished, then we can enjoy the happiness of ‘living in comfort.’ "Even though ‘harmony’ is an action of behavior, we must first possess a kind and benevolent heart. We often speak of ‘strengthening relationships between family and friends,’ ‘courteous service will result in good business,’ and ‘be kind to people and animals.’ These are easily and commonly said, but are often in contrary to the realities in our modern society. These once esteemed values are gradually disappearing at a very rapid pace. "Therefore Grandmaster Professor Lin Yun seriously advocates that ‘when people are harmonious then family and friends will be valued; when families are harmonious then all matters will be successful; when the nation is harmonious then prosperity will be enjoyed for hundreds of years; when the word is harmonious then there will be lasting peace.’ Grandmaster Professor Lin Yun is often invited to speak at international conferences with themes related to ‘world peace,’ and at these conferences he always bestows his blessings upon all mankind and prays for world peace. The most recent conference he attended was in October, 2002 at the ‘Global Peace Conference of Women Religious and Spiritual Leaders’ held in Geneva, Switzerland. Over 600 delegates participated from around the world. The conference dealt with how to promote the peace mission from all sectors of society, how to eliminate violence and terminate warfare, and how one should start making these efforts from one’s family through education, and then expand the effort to society, country, and ultimately, the world. "This clearly shows that a peaceful and stable global society is the mission and ideal of all mankind. This calligraphy by Grandmaster Lin Yun not only gives us his highest blessing, but it also encourages us to constantly examine if our behaviors and actions fit the principle of ‘harmony.’" (Text by Crystal Chu; English Translation by Mary Hsu And Crystal Chu) Yes, books of understanding are flying off the shelves. To help knowledge flow into your mind, body and soul easier, check the left front side of your home. Clear the clutter from this area. Add a statue symbolizing wisdom, or maybe use this inside room for a library, office or study room. Add a world map and television, a comfy chair, side table and light for easy access to those self-help publications. 2003 Class Schedule – Solano College
March 1st, Saturday, 10am - 12:30pm, $45 plus $15 materials FENG SHUI MADE EASY – MAPPING THE HOME – MOVE YOUR STUFF, CHANGE YOUR LIFE How does energy enter your dwelling? This class explains the ancient system of harmony and balance and how it applies to your life. The words feng shui translate as the balance of wind and water. When negative ions blow upon gently moving water, energy or chi is created. Applying this eastern concept to western structures and landscaping is some times confusing because of so many different feng shui schools of thought. Caroline brings her experience as a successful feng shui consultant, with over 2500 consultations as case histories. Her stories are woven within her visual demonstrations, as she provides the student with colored images, explaining how the 5 elements of water, wood, fire, metal, and earth must be incorporated into your personal working and living spaces for balance to occur. Bring a floor plan of your home, at least on an 8x10 sheet of paper, to follow along as Caroline demonstrates how the chi or breath of life enters your life. Troubled areas of your life are quickly located and suggestions are made for corrections. For split-level and two-story homes, make a quick reference to all levels. It is time saving if the layout is done before class, but not necessary. This class is a real treat. This part one in a series of feng shui classes. Each class is complete within itself, or can be combined with 3 more classes for a total of 10-hour instruction in the art of placement. Colored pens or pencils are good for notes.
*** March 15th, Saturday, 10am - 12:30pm, $45 plus $15 materials FENG SHUI ROOM BY ROOM What problems are causing family confusion? How does the home affect your career and money? Why is your love life crazy? Children out of control? Health issues? Using the Bagua or 8-sided octagonal grid placed over your home or office will help locate problems. The ancient mathematical tool which lays over your current house will show the owner where these stagnant areas are located. Jumpstart your home with chi. Learn the methods of placement needed for a less stressful life and create a haven for some relaxation and retreat after a busy day. This exciting class shows a person how to gain back control of their life. When needed, past issues can be explored through past floor plans of previous houses. Shape of land plots, shapes of rooms and locations of mom, dad, and children’s bedrooms are a factor in bringing peace into your life. Colors of clothes and rooms also have an impact for success and health. Bring a floor plan as described for class 1.Colored pens or pencils are nice for notes. *** April 26th, Saturday, 10am -12:30pm, $45 Plus $15 Materials FENG SHUI INTERIOR and EXTERIOR HOUSE PLAN for ABUNDANCE The ancient art of placement has come to the west! This system of harmony and balance is a welcomed approach which time has come. This science can be used by any culture or religion to improve how we feel about our neighbors, city, nation and world. Caroline explains these thoughts as she also gives you a suggested floor plan and outside garden design following the 8 quas or sections surrounding your home or office complexes, city planning. Whether it is your own backyard or dream home design, magic fills the space when feng shui principles are applied to the space. Using the 5 elements as balance, colors and shapes attract the earth’s energies to your property. This is the perfect class for interior designers, architects, landscaping personnel, artists, muralists, gardeners or the family who enjoys entertaining. Placement of barbecues, hot tubs swimming pools, shapes of gardens, water features and statuary have their own correct zones. Mixing fire and water could cause steam! Case histories of clients with these landscaping problems will be woven into her teaching so you can also adjust your design before your wealth and fame clash. Bring a floor plan of the home and outside property and the plot shape plus the instructions for class 1. Colored pens or pencils are nice for notes. *** May 17th, Saturday; 10am -12:30pm, $45 plus $15 materials FENG SHUI GARDENING – SUPPORT CAREER, KNOWLEDGE, FAMILY, WEALTH, FAME PARTNERSHIP, CREATIVITY AND CHILDREN, HELPFUL PEOPLE AND TRAVEL, AND HEALTH Gardening is a meditation when working with the correct plants, colors, aromas, and placement. Using feng shui to heal your home in the way can only bring visual happiness to all of your senses.
Caroline came to the feng shui as an artist and herbalist. Her vast knowledge of herbal plants can bring healing harmony to your landscaping. In her own garden she grows over 30 healing varieties which can be dried and used for teas and medicines. Placing certain plants in correct locations of the bagua, the 8-sided grids placed over properties and homes for feng shui mapping, the effects of the plants can become powerful enhancements to any home. Auspicious flowering plants and trees will also be discussed during this workshop. The 5- element shape and color guide will help you determine your landscaping choices. Water features, rock gardens, pools, statuary, and color placement also have their own homes in the garden. Dead trees, plants, broken objects need attention as Caroline points out the principles of feng shui. Stagnant ponds, pools, and birdbaths can hamper moneymaking projects when not given attention. Where to place outdoor structures and children’s play yard restrictions should be considered. Bring home floor plan on paper big enough to take notes for outdoor garden designs, please keep size of blueprints reduced to a workable size for class space consideration. Colored pencils or pens are nice for making notes. *** May 3rd, Saturday, 10am - 2pm with lunch break or bring sack lunch. $45 plus $15materials FENG SHUI ART – PAINTING WITH CHI Acrylic Welcome to the world of color. Caroline will show the student how to bring your paintings to life using the 5 elements of water, wood, fire, metal and earth. Using these colors of life, their musical notes and vibrations, your painting will bring new energy visually to the viewer. Each painting or creation can be used as a correction or enhancement to a room, foyer, hallway, staircase, home, office or business. What better way to enliven a section of your house with the correct color, element and placement. Caroline has been painting in oils since the age of six. Over the years her passion for teaching art has expanded from home classes to college campuses. With over 35 years experience in workshop and classroom teaching, she has expanded her knowledge of the arts to include feng shui and its applications to the world of herbal healing. The bagua or tool used to determine spaces in a structure will be explained a brief discussion at the beginning of the class. This magic grid was formed over 5000 years ago as a means to determine the best placement of homes, temples, and successful crops for villages. Seasons were also taken into consideration along with colors, shapes, and lush plants to create harmony and peace for living. Join the fun! Beginners to Advanced Canvas 11x14 to 16x20. Bring at least 2 boards or stretched. Brings acrylic paints, primary Medium yellow, ultramarine blue, red medium, red light or cad red light or a brilliant orange red, green, ochre, brown, violet, blue green, and any brilliant colors that turn you on! Large tube of white, paper towels [good quality], waxed paper palette. Brushes,[I will loan some] table easels or standing ones if you take an end table seat, as not to block view of demo. Large water container. Newspaper to spread under your space. Pencil, paper, eraser, I will provide some paint and booklets and flower essence to be explained in class. Last but not least bring an open mind and some joy. Call Solano Community College for registration. *** LOCAL March 8th, Saturday, 10am -1pm, $125 prepaid one week in advance. Meeting Location- Caroline’s Arts and Feng Shui Shoppe, 129 First St., Suite K, Benicia, CA 94510. Call (707) 748-1127 for sign up, space limited. For cancellation policy, please check website: moongateschool.com. FENG SHUI A HOME Caroline Patrick will take you through a local home for an on-site consultation! This is the first time she has shared this knowledge with her students. This valuable experience will give you information to use in your own home. Don’t miss this opportunity for visual understanding in the art of placement. Each room of the home can also be feng shui’d. Children’s bedrooms reveal important information for parents to help their child feel secure and focused in life. Family situations and money cures will be pointed out as she takes you through the bagua of the house. Caroline’s Arts & Feng Shui Shoppe 129 First St. Suite K Benicia, Ca. 94510 Phone 707-748-1127 Fax 707-747-9315 1-5 daily, closed Mondays All clients and students receive a 10% discount on their purchases at the Shoppe open 1-5 daily, closed Mondays.
Caroline is available for speaking and teaching engagements. For consultations, call to make an appointment. Caroline is a feng shui consultant, artist, herbalist, newspaper columnist, businesswoman, author and teacher. She has conducted over 2500 feng shui consultations. She has taught art for over 35 years. Her weekly column West Meets East can be viewed on her website moongateschool.com. Caroline’s advise is only considered suggestions and she is not responsible for any problems relating from her suggestions. |