Feng Shui is an ancient art with roots stretching back thousands of years.
The term itself first appeared in The Book of Burial by Guo Pu
(276–324 AD), although the practice was historically known as Kanyu—the
observation of Heaven and Earth. Its
development can be understood in three main phases.
Origins
From earliest times, humans have chosen where to live based on natural
conditions—sunlight, shelter, and orientation. In ancient China, particular
importance was also given to burial sites, reflecting the understanding that the resting place of
ancestors influenced the living.
The foundations of Feng Shui are closely linked to early Chinese
metaphysics, including concepts of form (Luan Tou) and direction (Di
Li), possibly dating back to the time of Fuxi (~3000 BC). Early methods of
orientation were simple, often based on observing the shadow of a vertical
stick.
Classical Development
A major turning point came with the invention of the Luo Pan compass,
likely during the Tang dynasty (around 700 AD). This allowed precise
measurement of direction and marked the emergence of Feng Shui as a formal
system.
The great master Yang Yun Song is credited with key
developments, including the 72 Dragons ring. From this period, two main schools
emerged:
- San He (Three
Harmonies) — focused on landform
- San Yuan (Three
Cycles) — focused on time
Feng Shui was traditionally transmitted in secrecy, making its history
difficult to fully document. However, figures such as Jiang Da Hong
(Xuan Kong system) and Tan Yang Wu (early 20th century
Shanghai) remain central to its development.
During the Maoist period in China, Feng Shui was suppressed, leading many
masters to relocate to Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore—regions that
preserved and continued the tradition.
Modern Expansion
The third phase began in the 1980s with the spread of Feng Shui to the West.
New interpretations emerged, including systems such as Black Hat Feng Shui,
introduced by Lin Yun.
Modern Feng Shui reflects a fusion of cultures and approaches, ranging from
traditional methods to more intuitive and contemporary interpretations. It can
be seen as both an extension and reinterpretation of the original art.
Below: Grand Master Francis Leyau teaching Yin Zhai Landform (Luan Tou).
