Although you may not yet be aware of it, Feng Shui affects nearly all aspects of our lives. Most people tend to associate it with construction and interior decoration but there is much more to this ancient Chinese concept than they realise.
Feng Shui literally translates into ‘wind water’ and attempts to understand the relationship between nature and us, so that we may live harmoniously with our environment.
A light colour palette is always soothing. PHOTO COURTESY: SABIHA RITA HASAN
The basic premise of Feng Shui — living with nature rather than against it benefits both humans and their surroundings — stems from the underlying notion that our lives are affected by our physical and emotional environs. It implies that surrounding ourselves with negativity (symbols of death, destruction, hatred and indifference towards nature) can corrupt our lives inadvertently. On the other hand, indulging in positive energies (symbols of beauty, kindness and music, etc) enriches our lives and environment.
Feng Shui was, once the preserve of the Chinese and Asian culture, but has now gained immense popularity in the West as well. In fact, the decades following the 1960’s saw countless people from around the world seeking answers in the concept, studying its history, realising its significance and ultimately, adapting it to their lives. One such example is Badr Nizari, who studied Feng Shui for nearly 25 years before joining the Feng Shui Association of Pakistan. “The impact of Feng Shui is not merely restricted to architecture,” explains Badr. “It has a strong impact on the lives of people who live in a particular place. It can affect their health, relationships, luck, finances, children and even fertility!”
Art work on walls creates depth in a space. PHOTO COURTESY: SABIHA RITA HASAN
The ancient Chinese laid down the principles of Feng Shui by combining some common theories, the first one relating to ‘Qi,’ a negative force believed to exist in nature. The second theory — known as the ‘Yin Yang theory’ — can be interpreted as the modern, magnetic dipole concept, with Yin being an exerting force and Yan receiving the exertion. The Yin Yang theory is also used in understanding astronomy and astrology. Lastly, the Luoshu and River Chart diagrams are also frequent features in Feng Shui scriptures, forming the ‘Bagua’ which is linked to various astronomical events that can affect life on earth.
Don’t always put your furniture against walls. PHOTO COURTESY: SABIHA RITA HASAN
In China, Feng Shui masters commonly use the Luopan to determine the correct direction of furniture and buildings. The Luopan is a compass that dates back to 278 BC and is surrounded by 40 concentric rings which bare the formulae of Feng Shui, according to which the most beneficial positioning is calculated. The dial of the compass is called the ‘Heaven Dial’ while the rotating base is known as the ‘Earth Base.’ The needle of the Luopan points to the southern magnetic pole of the Earth, unlike the conventional compass needles which point to both the north and the south poles.
Often referred to as the ‘mother of all natural sciences,’ the growing popularity of Feng Shui has made it an important aspect of modern-day architecture. Builders, architects, interior designers and furniture enthusiasts make it a point to incorporate the theories of Feng Shui to complete their projects successfully. Of course, the idea is to arrange the furniture or build a room or a building in such a way that will attract the most positive energy and improve the clients’ lives. “It is a fact that the space you live in affects your mood,” says Sabiha Rita Hasan, director at Studio 19, a Karachi-based furniture workshop specialising in fusion furniture. “If the basis of Feng Shui is to infuse harmony and positivity in life, then a good interior designer should incorporate it for their clients.”
However, Sabiha believes the best way to make Feng Shui work is to personalise it to one’s needs. According to her, organised and well-kept spaces speak volumes about the aesthetic sense and personality of the individual. “It is a state of mind,” she suggests. “So the individual should start by clearing their minds.”
Natural light source from two directions brightens up the place. PHOTO COURTESY: SABIHA RITA HASAN
As part of the association, Badr offers expert consultation services on interior decoration, house-building and selection as well. “Feng Shui isn’t just any other ancient concept — I have actually seen a client’s luck change after they redesigned their rooms or moved houses,” says Badr. “It is all about utilising different corners of a room and designing and decorating in a way that generates positive energy.” Badr, who runs his own website called Feng Shui Pakistan, has participated in several radio programmes about the concept and maintains a social media page for those who wish to learn about it. He is also currently compiling his own book highlighting the history, significance and applications of Feng Shui in everyday situations. “Feng Shui affords easy, general life changes that come from positive energy,” he adds. “These changes possess the power to rid an individual of a variety of problems, from financial turmoil or terminal diseases to marital difficulties and infertility.”
Unfortunately, while Feng Shui is indeed still going strong, it runs the risk of becoming a hodgepodge of superstitions and unverified ideas which are passed on from generation to generation. In Pakistan, Feng Shui has arguably, always been part of our culture albeit not as prominently as in other parts of the world. “Here, it is widely believed that building houses built on triangular plots inculcate bad luck,” says homemaker Sultana Khurshid. “Few people in Pakistan know about Feng Shui, let alone follow it. Nonetheless, a triangular plot is perceived as a bad omen. Where does this perception come from? It is Feng Shui, just mixed and modified over the years.” Sultana’s sister, Neeti agrees and offers the example of her friend to justify it. “A friend of mine moved into a triangular house with her family, despite everyone warning them against it,” shares Neeti. “The house itself is beautiful but her life after shifting has been a series of unfortunate events. Her daughter’s engagement broke off and soon after that, her husband lost his job. Of course, all of this could be a coincidence but who knows?” Sabiha, however, holds a different opinion from Sultana and Neeti. “I don’t believe that the shape of the land, a building or house is constructed upon matters, so long as all other aspects of Feng Shui have been covered,” she says. “This includes the placement of the furniture, the colours used in the room, the size and position of its windows, etc. These are things most designers consider when working on a project.”
Unsurprisingly, many people — particularly in Pakistan — shun the concept of Feng Shui, claiming that the lack of any religious backing renders it unacceptable. “Little do they know that Feng Shui has always been there, since the dawn on mankind,” shares Badr. “For example, the city of Baghdad, as we know it today, was built on the foundations of Feng Shui!” As Sabiha says, “Whether or not Feng Shui works is not something that can be answered easily.” The only way would be to try it out and learn from experience.
Published in The Express Tribune, Ms T, December 7th, 2014.
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