'Fengshui' stumbles along as debate continues (Xinhua) Updated: 2005-09-14 08:53 Pros and cons -- the long-running debate
As a matter of fact, the debate over whether "fengshui" is science or
superstition had been going on long before the new training program was launched
-- with top scientists on both ends.
Tao Shilong, a noted science fiction writer, warned in an online forum
earlier this year that fengshui was making a comeback in China "in the name of
science".
His view was echoed by Chen Zhihua, a renowned architect and Qinghua
University professor. "Fengshui is no science. It only swells some swindlers'
wallets," he said.
In China's rural areas, two families often fight over one piece of land that
promises good "fengshui". "Sometimes it becomes a feud that continues for
generations. These are tragedies of the Chinese nation," said Chen.
But Professor Yu Xixian of Beijing University thinks otherwise.
"Many people tried to discourage me when I took up fengshui study in the
1980s," he said. "As far as I remember, fengshui consulting was first
discouraged in the 1920s, when Western architectural culture entered China."
Though the Chinese government never banned the practice officially, fengshui
is defined in Chinese dictionaries as "superstitious beliefs in ancient China".
Fengshui studies that were revived in interior Chinese regions starting in
the 1980s were also widely criticized, said Yu.
"Fengshui, having long been part of the Chinese culture, was already found in
Yangshao culture period some 6,500 years from today," he said. "It has
superstitions intertwined with scientific beliefs."
"Most people take it as a magic trick, but really, it's all about the simple
philosophy of living in harmony with your environment," said Prof. Han Zenglu of
Beijing Civil Engineering University.
As a specialist on city planning, Professor Han said frankly he "admires the
seasoned fengshui masters in ancient times".
"Fengshui stresses balance and coordination in the overall urban planning,
ideal space between buildings and comfort of the dwellers -- modern
architectures often lack these qualities," said Han, 68. "What Chinese-style
buildings do we have for foreign tourists to see today? The skyscrapers most
cities are building are the same everywhere in the world."
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