yin yang
From Wikipedia: Feng shui is a Chinese system of geomancy believed to use the laws of both Heaven (Chinese astronomy) and Earth to help one improve life by receiving positive qi.[3] The original designation for the discipline is Kan Yu (simplified Chinese: 堪舆; traditional Chinese: 堪輿; pinyin: kānyú; literally: Tao of heaven and earth).[4]
The term feng shui literally translates as “wind-water” in English. This is a cultural shorthand taken from the passage of the now-lost Classic of Burial recorded in Guo Pu‘s commentary:[5]
Major cities are cultural melting pots. According to a recent poll, Manhattan is #1 followed by Los Angeles and Miami. As a real estate agent, it’s interesting to see how peoples’ heritage influences what they’re looking for in a home. For example, in my experience, the British are partial to pre-war charm than to new construction. Again, this is only what I’ve witnessed and I don’t want to start stereotyping.
However one factor that is indisputable and crucial to some buyers is the ancient art of Feng Shui, a practice that is based on the Taoist philosophy of nature, particularly the belief that land is alive and filled with Chi, or energy.
We Yanks ignorantly talk about Feng Shui like we’re experts. “Sure, throw some bamboo on the counter, face the bed away from the doorway, and don’t have too much junk lying around.” If only it were that simple.
I previewed several co-ops today for my buyers. One of which I think they’ll really like. While doing my due diligence I noticed that several months ago it had signed contracts. When I asked the listing agent what happened he told me an incredible story.
The couple purchasing the unit were Chinese and devout Taoist’s to the extent that before they made an offer, they had their Mystic Sage come to advise them on the apartment’s energy, or Chi. He told them that it was good as long as they made some minor adjustments which included removing the crown moldings from the master bedroom. They proceeded with the purchase. Contracts were signed by both parties, and the massive board packages were painstakingly assembled by the listing agent and eventually approved by management. The happy couple went in front of the board and was approved the same day.
The walk-through and closing were scheduled for the following week. When the morning came, the listing agent woke up smiling; looking forward to a Champagne lunch in celebration of his closing and large commission check he’d soon receive.
As he strolled through the building’s double doors he was met by the couple — and surprisingly the Mystic. The wife explained that before closing, she wanted him to see it one last time.
When they entered the apartment the agent immediately sensed trouble. The Mystic wasn’t responding as he had the first time and as a result the wife was distressed. The couple and Mystic talked quietly amongst themselves for a time until the wife confidently announced that they were very sorry but could not go through with closing. According to the Sage, the energy had shifted from good to bad between visits and therefore he could not in good conscience advise his pupils to go forward with their purchase. The agent was dumbfounded, depressed and probably wanted to strangle the Mystic (although that’s just my opinion).
To put the importance of Feng Shui in perspective, you have to realize how much the buyers were willing to lose by not closing – $90,000 to be exact. That’s a fortune to most of us.
I’m just hoping the apartment’s filled with good Chi when I bring my buyers and they leave their Mystic at home.