How does ancient feng shui enter modern society? A perspective from a feng shui master
Key
- Metaphysics Revival: A phenomenon where there is a growing interest in spiritual practices among young, highly - educated groups.
- Feng Shui: A traditional Chinese practice that explores the harmony between humans and the environmental energy.
- Yin Yang: The core of Feng Shui theory, representing opposing yet unified and mutually transformable forces.
- San Yuan Jiu Yun: A time - cycle theory in Feng Shui. Each cycle lasts 20 years and influences the energy pattern.
- Tian Ren He Yi: A philosophical view that believes natural phenomena and human activities are inter - related and interactive.
Abstract
This podcast episode explores the increasing popularity of metaphysics and spiritual practices such as Feng Shui in contemporary society, especially among young people with higher education. The program invited Jian Yinglong, the executive director of Yunlongzi Wangcai Hall in Singapore, to share his insights as a senior practitioner. The content covers the basic concepts of Feng Shui (such as Yin and Yang, the correspondence between mountains and people, and waters and wealth), its main schools, and its profound connection with Chinese classics of traditional culture like the I Ching. The guest emphasized that Feng Shui is not simply superstition but an empirical practice based on long - term observation, which needs to be interpreted and applied in combination with the context of the times. The program also delved into the theory of "San Yuan Jiu Yun", especially the changes and opportunities that the current entry into the "Ninth Yun" (2024 - 2043) may bring to individuals, society, and even the global pattern. It also explored the operation of the Feng Shui industry, the qualities of practitioners, and its practical significance and cross - cultural dissemination in modern society.
Insights
The content of this podcast reveals a notable cultural and social - psychological trend in modern society: Against the backdrop of globalization and rapid technological development, a group of people, especially the younger generation, have not fully embraced pure rationalism or materialism. Instead, they turn to traditional or emerging spiritual practices such as Feng Shui, meditation, and astrology to seek meaning, a sense of order, and personal growth.
This is not simply a "resurgence of superstition." It is more like a way for individuals to use diverse cognitive frameworks and tools to understand the world, cope with anxiety, and improve well - being in an era of rapid change and uncertainty. Practices like Feng Shui have been re - interpreted, transforming from what might have been regarded as "feudal dross" in the past into a means of connecting with traditional culture, engaging in "self - care", and even assisting in personal and business decision - making.
The implications for industry development are as follows:
- The "spiritual economy" or "meaning economy" has significant growth potential, especially among young consumer groups that value personalized experiences and spiritual needs.
- There are opportunities for the modernization, productization, and internationalization of traditional culture, but it also requires guidance in terms of professionalism, standardization, and ethics to distinguish the essence of culture from commercial gimmicks or superstitious misguidance.
- It reflects the pursuit of holistic well - being in modern society, that is, not only focusing on the material level but also emphasizing the harmony of the spirit, emotions, and the environment. This brings the possibility of cross - border integration for multiple industries such as health, consulting, and cultural creativity.
Views
01 "The Core of Feng Shui: Yin - Yang Balance and Space - Time Interaction"
The essence of Feng Shui is inseparable from the core concept of Yin and Yang, which is manifested in the interaction between "wind" (invisible qi) and "water" (visible carrier). In practice, attention is often paid to the layout configuration of "mountains" (related to population) and "waters" (related to wealth). Meanwhile, the effect of Feng Shui is also profoundly influenced by two dimensions: time (yun) and space (orientation), and it is not static.
02 "Modern Interpretation of Ancient Wisdom: Empirical Science and Humanistic Interpretation"
Feng Shui is not completely opposed to science. It is more like an empirical science, a summary of the long - term observation of the laws of nature and human affairs by the ancients. Its theory is rooted in classical literature such as the I Ching and the Book of Rites. However, it is not an absolute and formulaic science but contains room for humanistic interpretation. It needs to be interpreted and applied in combination with specific situations and individual characteristics, just like interpreting a literary text.
03 "The Arrival of the Ninth Yun: Opportunities and Challenges in the Era of Change"
According to the "San Yuan Jiu Yun" theory, the period from 2024 to 2043 belongs to the "Ninth Yun", and its five - element attribute is fire. Historical experience shows that the Ninth Yun is often a period of severe change and upheaval but also full of great opportunities (such as new discoveries and pattern reshaping). This era emphasizes innovation, flexibility, and breakthrough thinking. Individuals and organizations need to actively adapt to changes. "Hard work alone is not enough; one needs to break the rules," otherwise, they may face the risk of being quickly replaced (such as being replaced by AI).
04 "The Responsibility of Practitioners: Knowledge, Ethics, and Contextual Application"
A qualified Feng Shui practitioner not only needs to have a solid foundation in ancient books knowledge and theoretical skills but also the ability to keep up with the times. They should know how to appropriately apply ancient wisdom to the modern social environment and avoid rigid application and creating superstition. At the same time, practitioners should have professional ethics, be able to distinguish between Feng Shui problems and problems in other fields (such as medical and psychological issues), and serve clients with a responsible attitude, using Feng Shui as a constructive auxiliary tool rather than the sole determining factor.
In - depth
When the Ancient Compass Points to the Future: The "Metaphysics Craze" and New Interpretations of Feng Shui in Modern Cities
In the 21st century, where the light of scientific rationality shines brightly, a seemingly "inappropriate" phenomenon is quietly spreading: Practices such as Feng Shui, astrology, and meditation, which were once labeled as "mysticism," are attracting more and more highly - educated urban young people. This has not only given rise to a growing "spiritual industry" but also triggered profound social and cultural reflections. As explored in the special episode of the podcast Inappropriate on the Ghost Festival, how exactly does ancient metaphysics, especially Feng Shui, transcend time and space and integrate into contemporary life? What needs of modern people does it meet?
Feng Shui: A Cultural Code and Spatial Philosophy Beyond Superstition
When it comes to Feng Shui, many people's impressions may still be stuck in the mysterious rituals in rural memories or they may dismiss it as "feudal superstition." However, in the view of Jian Yinglong, a senior Feng Shui practitioner and the executive director of Yunlongzi Wangcai Hall in Singapore, Feng Shui is far more than that. He emphasizes that the core of Feng Shui is "Yin and Yang" - the basic forces that constitute all things in the universe. It is manifested in the interaction between "wind" (the invisible flow of qi) and "water" (the visible geographical environment), with the ultimate goal of achieving harmony between humans and the environment.
"Feng Shui is all about Yin and Yang," Jian Yinglong explained. "It mainly focuses on two aspects: population (health, interpersonal relationships, inheritance) and wealth (opportunities, resources, accumulation), which exactly correspond to the traditional pursuit of 'happiness, prosperity, longevity, and good fortune' in Chinese culture. For example, 'May your happiness be as boundless as the Eastern Sea and your life as long as the Southern Mountain' is essentially a longing for wealth and population."
The practice of Feng Shui is not based on speculation. Jian Yinglong, a graduate of the Chinese Department of Peking University, found that the knowledge he gained from ancient books such as The Analects, Tao Te Ching, I Ching, and even The Book of Rites in his early years became a solid foundation for him to interpret and apply Feng Shui. He believes that Feng Shui is more like an "empirical science", a systematic set of rules summarized by the ancients through long - term observation of the relationship between the operation of heaven and earth, natural changes, and the rise and fall of human affairs. "Just like the hexagrams in the I Ching, which are inductions and symbols after observing a large number of phenomena," he explained. "It has a logical basis, but at the same time, it needs to be interpreted and understood in combination with specific situations, which is similar to our analysis of literary texts."
This understanding attempts to find a more appropriate position for Feng Shui beyond the binary opposition of "science" and "superstition" - it has the regularity based on observation and also acknowledges the importance of individual experience and subjective initiative. This may be one of the reasons why it can find new audiences in modern society: It provides a perspective different from pure scientific rationality to understand and cope with the complexity of life.
The Arrival of the "Ninth Yun": Feng Shui Insights in the Era of Change
The theory of Feng Shui is not static, and its time framework of "San Yuan Jiu Yun" is particularly noteworthy. This theory divides time into a large cycle of 180 years, and each large cycle contains nine "yun" periods, each lasting 20 years. Jian Yinglong pointed out that we have just moved from the relatively stable "Eighth Yun" (2004 - 2023, with the prosperous northeast, witnessing the rise of Korean K - Pop) with the five - element attribute of earth to the "Ninth Yun" (2024 - 2043, with the enhanced southern qi field) with the five - element attribute of fire, which indicates severe change.
"Historically, the Ninth Yun has often been a period of upheaval in the world pattern and the emergence of major discoveries," Jian Yinglong reminded. "This means that in the next 20 years, change will be the norm."
What does this mean for individuals in the Ninth Yun? Jian Yinglong believes that it requires people to have stronger adaptability, innovation, and breakthrough thinking. "During the Eighth Yun, hard work and stability (such as investing in real estate) might have brought good returns. But in the Ninth Yun of the fire element, **hard work alone may not be enough. More 'rule - breaking' creativity and flexibility are needed." He even half - jokingly mentioned that those jobs lacking creativity and being easily replaceable may face greater challenges in the Ninth Yun with the increasing power of AI. This is not a fatalistic prediction but an interpretation and coping suggestion for the characteristics of the era based on the theory of the five elements and historical cycle observation.
This concern about "time and fortune" is also reflected in the trend of Feng Shui practice shifting from the grand narrative of ancient emperors and generals pursuing "eternal prosperity" to modern people's greater focus on short - term (half a year to one year) effects and personal well - being (career breakthroughs, relationship improvement, physical and mental health).
Modern Feng Shui Masters: Knowledge, Ethics, and Cross - Cultural Communication
With the increasing demand, the Feng Shui industry itself presents a diverse picture. Jian Yinglong emphasizes that a qualified Feng Shui master not only needs to have a solid foundation in classical literature and theoretical knowledge but, more importantly, should know how to "contextually" apply this ancient wisdom to modern society.
"You can't blindly apply the methods suitable for the agricultural society and wooden - structured houses in ancient times to today's high - rise buildings and urban life." He gave an example: A Feng Shui master once advised a client to cut the doormat at a specific angle to "adjust" the orientation of the door. In his view, this kind of practice is out of touch with reality and inappropriate.
In addition, the role of Feng Shui masters is becoming increasingly complex. They are not only technical advisors but also sometimes need to play the roles of listeners and preliminary diagnosticians to help clients clarify the root causes of problems - whether it is an environmental Feng Shui issue, a personal horoscope problem, or if they need to seek help from doctors or psychologists. Jian Yinglong shared that he often first asks couples seeking fertility help if they have seen an obstetrician - gynecologist. "Feng Shui can be used as an auxiliary means, but it cannot replace professional medical diagnosis."
This professional quality and professional ethics are the cornerstones for the Feng Shui industry to gain trust and develop healthily in modern society. At the same time, Jian Yinglong also observed that Feng Shui is gradually crossing cultural boundaries. His clients are not only from the Chinese community but also an increasing number of Westerners. "They are sometimes more open - minded and more likely to accept concepts such as 'energy' and 'frequency' and regard them as an ancient wisdom that resonates with their own culture (such as the ancient Greek theory of the four elements)."
This international trend also leads to reflections on the commercialization of traditional culture. Jian Yinglong believes that appropriate commercialization and pricing cultural products in line with their value are conducive to their inheritance and development. "If we don't cherish and are not willing to 'pay' for it ourselves, how can we expect it to last and go global?"
Conclusion: Seeking Meaning and Harmony in Uncertainty
The resurgence of metaphysical practices such as Feng Shui in modern society is a multi - faceted prism that reflects the complex psychological needs and cultural choices of contemporary people. It may be a response to the sense of alienation and uncertainty brought about by high - speed modernization, as well as a re - exploration of one's own cultural roots in the context of globalization. It reminds us that human beings' pursuit of meaning and desire for harmony will not disappear with the progress of technology.
Of course, while embracing these practices, it is equally important to maintain critical thinking and rational judgment. Distinguish between real cultural wisdom and superstitious dross or commercial gimmicks, choose responsible and ethical practitioners, and avoid using them as a shortcut to escape reality or replace professional help.
As advocated by the Inappropriate program, approaching the world we don't fully understand with humility and awe may enable us to find a richer and more balanced way of survival between tradition and modernity, rationality and sensibility. The ancient Feng Shui compass may not be able to directly navigate every detail of the future, but the wisdom it contains about balance, change, and the inter - relationship between humans and the environment still shines with a thought - provoking light in today's era full of uncertainties.