Jun 16, 14:49

Feng Shui and Spirituality

Last month I attended a Masters Series lecture by Huston Smith, beloved expert and author on world religions, at Pacifica Graduate Institute, in Santa Barbara. His Friday evening talk was entitled, The Re-enchantment of the World. Within moments, Huston Smith, in his red shirt at age 86, hypnotized us with his gentle voice, bright eyes and powerful wisdom. We listened, captivated like school children, to this great storyteller expand our thoughts and emotions with each fascinating story. It was a magical weekend that illuminated the importance of creating those special spaces we call home.

Photo of Huston Smith Huston Smith pointed out that our blind attachment to the scientific method for solving problems and creating advancement has undermined the importance of faith, religion and spirituality within people’s lives. By placing such emphasis on the scientific method, modern society only gives power and credit to that which can be proven and confirmed by our senses. Instead of celebrating or honoring the mysteries and beauties of life, modern society has become a mechanical expression of endless functions to satisfy our senses and logic. We have become statisticians comparing how many megabytes this computer has, or how many square feet and number of bathrooms this house has, or the number of burners on our gas grill, etc. Compared to the experiences of our ancestors and despite all of our modern conveniences, our lives have become gray. Instead of refuting this notion that science alone can nourish both our bodies and souls, we have, as Huston Smith said with a gleam in his eye, swallowed this misperception, “hook, line, and sinker.”

Authentic religions of the world are based on the appreciation of the difficulty, yet importance of nourishing one’s spiritual life. Within each of us is a yearning for fulfillment and understanding that will never be addressed through television, or through our mundane daily “to-do” lists. Today, ask yourself, “Does my home reflect my soul?” In feng shui, Master Lin Yun teaches both the importance of visible (yang) elements and invisible (yin) elements. Unless there is a balance of the visible and invisible within our homes, our lives will not enjoy a deeper level of harmony. To conclude his lecture, Huston Smith firmly expressed the vital importance of spirituality to the overall health and well-being of our society and its individuals. With his fist in the air, Huston Smith challenged the audience to re-enchant the world.

I remember reading my first article on feng shui and being completely enchanted with its concept. I know that many of you can share a similar experience. On some level, I believe we are all striving to appreciate this amazing experience of life. Myths, legends and stories all speak to life’s magic, yet it so difficult to bring that awareness into our daily existence. Feng shui developed to help people create an intention driven life filled with more meaning and purpose through the creation of special, sacred living spaces. Ask yourself: what stories and legends does my home tell of my life and the life of my family? Ultimately, the re-enchantment of life begins in our hearts and homes.

-edited by MJHB

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