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While the Western feng shui has got its fame with hopeful measures, there has been a similar approach in Korea too. It is called bibo feng shui, which literally stands for "supplementation and protection."
It was related with geographical aspects and applied mostly to how and where to build temples making up for drawbacks in the lay of the land. This heritage continued to cast its influence over many historical structures.
Namdaemun, or the Great South Gate of Seoul has been restored recently after the fire in 2008. Before then, there was a concern among feng shui masters about a statue of Haetae. It was a mythical unicorn lion and believed to prevent calamity near the gate. But it had been removed and the masters deemed that the fire took place because of this.
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| The signboard of Sungnyemun |
Hanyang, the capital city of Joseon or the old name of Seoul, was set up after thorough elaboration. Groups of people, such as scholars and great Buddhist masters put their expertise on its design, layout of palaces and main gates. There are lots of traces they adopted to improve and conserve the fate of the city.
Reviewing multidirectional geographical aspects, they evaluated that the energy of Mt. Gwanak located in the south, was overly strong. South represents fire element and the shape of Gwanak itself emits fire. Craggy mountains are called fire type. Mr. Seorak is one of them. There indeed have been frequent fires due to the excessive fire energy and the masters deliberated to sooth its harmful qi.
The old name of the South Gate was Sungnyemun, which stands for the reverence of courtesy. According to the five elements disposition, fire represents courtesy. So the name, Sungnye itself appeases fire and by putting the signboard set upright, they meant to prevent any possible disaster on this capital city.
In addition, the statue of Haetae and a pond, were removed before the fire.
There are many other examples like a pagoda and various types of totem poles, used to escalate fortune.
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| A statue of Haetae |
In order to understand the underlying intention of bibo feng shui, we need to read the story of Do-sun, the great Monk (827-898). He was also known as a feng shui master living in the latter part of the Silla Dynasty.
There was a saying that he studied in Tang Dynasty of China, but he actually established his own creative theory and prophesied the birth of Taejo Wang Geon, the founder of Goryeo Dynasty.
His contribution in the history is the change of conception about auspicious sites. The historic places and temples chosen and constructed by him were not faultless. Quite many villages especially temples were actually situated on rather common places but with the support of bibo feng shui.
What we can learn from his teaching is not to make perfect feng shui. The more importance lies in how to improve our residence and environment within the given context of environment.
Temples and shrines are prominent constructions to preserve the earth energy. The structures like a statue of turtle and other mythical symbols such as 12 zodiac animals can protect us from harmful energy. Stone towers are frequently used to pray for good luck. Ponds are built to hinder fire while the walls of trees are to defend the village from outer detrimental energy on top of its wind breaking function. Names are one of the most constant ways to vitalize the positive qi.
While teaching people feng shui, I see so many people seeking perfect fortune by feng shui. It is definitely not likely to happen because of the realistic conditions as well as modern geographical circumstances.
The lesson of bibo feng shui is a human initiative in developing their residence within the given natural environment.
Are you interested in learning more about the ancient Chinese teaching about the "Four Pillars of Destiny"? For further information, visit Janet's website at www.fourpillarskorea.com, contact her at 010-5414-7461 or email janetshin@hotmail.com.
The writer is the author of "Life's Secrets".
