Luojing is an instrument used to measure directions in fengshui. This paper aims at studying the development process and importance of luojing from the perspective of fengshui.
Confucianism deals with ways of life based on the moral aspects of live p...
Luojing is an instrument used to measure directions in fengshui. This paper aims at studying the development process and importance of luojing from the perspective of fengshui.
Confucianism deals with ways of life based on the moral aspects of live people. Fengshui, on the other hand, is a philosophy involving dealing with treatment of the dead. Fengshui occurred naturally for human beings' convenience and stability and it has been inherited and developed for a long period of time. Furthermore, through more studies and historical investigations by scholars, it will be developed even further in the future.
In general, fengshui is applied to our daily lives naturally. However, we do not fully recognize the existence of fengshui. The reason is that we do not know the concept of fengshui even applying it to our lives. People tend to prefer to choosing a place to build a house in a site that they can get water easily and prevent winds effectively. This is an example that fengshui aims for. This principle of selecting a site is called baesanimsu, which literally means that the ideal house is built with a mountain at the back and a river in the front. Mountains behind a house dispel fear at the back. Having a river in the front is because people consider water as important. This corresponds to the principles of fengshui.
When we discuss fengshui, it is inevitable to mention luojing, the milestone of the points of the compass. However, it is difficult to understand the theory of luojing easily because it is made according to the combination of various theories. On this account, many geomancers have conducted studies on the principle and usage of luojing based on classic literature. Thanks to their efforts, we have been able to formulate a theory of luojing as today. However, as the theory of luojing covers profound and mysterious logics, a myriad of theories have been created due to the differences in many geomancers' reasoning. Therefore, there should be more reviews and historical researches on these theories.
Every study experiences some obstacles in the process of research and fengshui is no exception. In order to overcome these obstacles and make further development in fengshui, it is necessary to study astronomy. The reason is that the earth is affected a lot by movements of heavenly bodies. Accordingly, fengshui can take a major step forward through astronomy.
In the past, studying astronomy had been prohibited by China as China considered Korea governed by its feudal lord under the toadyism, which resulted in negative effects on fengshui.
It has been well-known since ancient times that astronomy is closely interacted with topography. Indeed, luojing is found in the literature of astronomy and science as well as in the literature of fengshui.
Now, nobody prohibits studying astronomy. Unfortunately, however, successors to the oriental astronomy are not seen in the sight. Even the people engaging in the study of oriental astronomy do not direct enough energy to researching astronomy related to fengshui.
Another problem studying in fengshui is the fact that many types of valuable literature and books are in the hands of people who have no academic purposes for them. Thus, many scholars have difficulties in finding materials valuable for their study and even some have problems in reading difficult Chinese characters. Therefore, senior scholars are asked to deal with these problems.
Through the study on luojing used for orientational demonstration, it will be possible to establish the theory of fengshui, to understand the providence of nature and to reasonably use nature. Fengshui that we research into natural phenomena for promoting our convenience is the study that human beings interpret nature.
Luojing is essential in discussing fengshui. Etymologically, luo means all things in the universe and jing means that governs the order of the heaven and the earth. This combination of meanings shows that luojing involves various undertones. Luojing is an essential element that we have to understand in order to approach the theoretical study of fengshui.
The development of the compass, the original form of luojing, one of the best three inventions of China with gunpowder and paper, has a huge significance. When luojing did not exist, it was impossible to take a long travel in case of rain or during the daytime. However, after the invention of luojing, human beings could find directions and ways to their destinations, beyond the direction finding system depending on stars. Luojing was not invented for fengshui but it was introduced to fengshui after the invention of the compass. Today, luojing is known as the exclusive property of fengshui. This paper is to discuss the overall theory of luojing, mainly used in oriental cultures, based on classic literature and to research understanding of fengshui and the transition process and the use of each stratum of luojing.