West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick

Words of Wisdom from a Master, Part II

The world of art was my life’s focus for many years. I taught painting, demonstrated, entered shows, belonged to leagues and affiliate organizations, judged and hung shows. I included my interests of Native American Indians, flowers, herbs and animals as subject material for my paintings and those of my students. I gave classes and took classes when great teachers appeared. While taking some classes called “Sacred Art,” the instructor mentioned Master Lin Yun, who was teaching The Art of Placement called Feng Shui. She was interested in the energies of color and how those colors related to working and living spaces. As a graphic artist, these Feng Shui classes in Berkeley, California, were right up her alley. She encouraged me to join her.

In the next few weeks, his name came up in conversations. In my experience, if a name or situation is mentioned at least three times, that is the clue to listen-up. After meeting Professor Lin, I knew this subject was deeper than all of my other studies combined. Feng Shui was the knowledge of Life Force. It included all aspects, gave them a space, body part, assigned an energy, color and element, an action for the seasons and put them in a mathematical octagon called a Bagua. What a great package of information for all living things! The day I signed up for a workshop my life altered. There were answers to my problems, each intertwined with this science. Just as I think I know it all, I find I know very little, and as the years pass I have more questions than answers. So I travel to Professor Lin’s next class, to ask one more question. Harvard University was the next on Master Lin Yun’s yearly schedule.

Streets in Boston and Cambridge are “as crooked as a dog’s hind leg” my father might have said, and are hard to navigate. Taxis are best for quick travel, unless you are on holiday. It is said that originally the streets were laid out by following old cow paths! I believe it. The taxi jolted quickly from right to left in the early morning traffic, I felt like Paul Revere riding his horse at top speed, warning the early settlers that the British were coming! I arrived at the Divinity School, a bit car sick, but on time. The building looked the same as I remembered from past classes. I began to feel very American walking up the old stone steps and into the church-like structure. I felt somehow smarter as the large door closed behind me.

Colleagues and friends welcomed one another. Many twenty-five and thirty year students attended, always learning more and never disappointed, as Professor teaches according to the Chi of those attending. No two classes are alike. A small new island country showed an attendance of over sixty. One of their leaders had been coming to workshops for three years, then took his knowledge back to his country and used Feng Shui for their cities. Success stories abound from the citizens attending. Most people only think of using Feng Shui for a home, but it can be applied to nations! Professor Lin announced that he would come to their country next year to teach. The cheers were deafening. It proves how dedication to balanced city planning can bring peace to a place.

When I had a moment alone with Master Lin, I asked what subject he would like me to write about. He gazed into space as if seeing something I couldn’t see, then suddenly replied. “Life Force,” he said strongly, “what it is it and how it affects all living things.” The interview continued on, as I watched his face and hands tell a story of life, how we have choices to be happy or sick and how each of the eight triads of the Bagua can support us if we make that choice. I decided I had better get comfortable as he had much more to tell, which I will elaborate on, in another article.

Throughout the ages, Masters seem to make an appearance when mankind is in trouble. Yes, we are in deep trouble, and we need help. I listened to the wisdom of this special messenger word for word, trying to understand how, with very little effort, thoughts as energy could shift world behavior.

Caroline is a Feng Shui consultant, artist, herbalist, newspaper columnist, businesswoman, author and teacher. She has conducted over 3500 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 advice is only considered suggestions and she is not responsible for any problems relating from her suggestions. Please consult a physician for any diagnostic evaluations concerning your health.

CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS 2006------sign up now------

1. ART classes and workshops – from 6 weeks to Saturday All Day Workshops!

2. FENG SHUI ISLAND TOUR – onsite evaluations in the San Juan Islands, Washington State

Where is the entrance or “Mouth of Chi” to the Island?

Please email caroline@fengshuiartistry.com for more information on classes or to purchase her greeting cards.

Caroline Patrick Caroline's Feng Shui Concepts Mt. Vernon, WA 360-424-1501

caroline@fengshuiartistry.com www.fengshuiartistry.com www.moongateschool.com