A
person’s destiny is further governed by the following factors:-
- Timing (to be born at the right time)
- Space (to stay at the
right place)
- Action (to do the
right things)
Timing
refers to the time of birth when a person is infused with the energy of the
universe or heaven’s luck which is one’s fate.
Space
refers to the place of habitation or earth’s luck where the energy of the
environment affects the inhabitants on earth.
Action
refers to the cause and effects of one’s attitudes and actions or man luck.
In
“The Art of War”, whether a battle ends in victory or defeat depends on the
conditions of the landscape or environment surrounding the army. Aside from his
destiny’s chart which is based on his timing of birth or heaven’s luck, a
general will need to take cognizance of his space or landscape - the hills and
the valleys, the rivers and the oceans, etc on the battlefield. In this
context, the Chinese metaphysical science of Feng Shui plays an important part
in ensuring victory. The precepts of this ancient art of geomancy stipulate
that the energy in our environment can affect us positively or negatively
depending on the location and direction of one’s living space. According to
Feng Shui, the energy or life force known to the Chinese as “Qi” is dispersed
by the wind and gathers at the boundary of water.
In
this respect, Sun Tzu advised;-
“Military
tactics are like water. As water shapes its flow according to the ground, an
army wins by relating to the enemy it faces and adapts to the conditions of the
environment and modify his tactics according to the enemy’s situations.”
In
the modern context, how we face adversities in life and whether we are
successful in the pursuit of our goals and aspirations will depend on the conditions
of our living space or environment and our attitudes and actions. Just like a
general who fortified his fortress to make it impenetrable, how do we make our
environment conducive to living a successful life? By tapping into the positive
energy of the environment using Feng Shui of course!
As
Sun Tzu advises;-
“It
is a principle of war that we do not assume the enemy will not come, but
instead be prepared for his coming, not to presume the enemy will not attack,
but instead to make our own position invincible to ensure victory.”
By
knowing our natal chart based on the four pillars of destiny and our luck cycle
over the course of our life using the intrinsic luck pillars, we can use Feng
Shui as a moderator to overcome anticipated challenges and at the same time, as
an enabler to achieve our goals and purpose in life. Our house is a gateway for
Qi to enter and collect. By positioning the front door of our house in the
auspicious location and direction based on compass reading, we can tune into
the positive energy of our environment for harmony and prosperity and avoid
negative energy which brings misfortune and calamity. Depending on the facing
direction of a house, it is generally auspicious to have a mountain or hill at
the back of the house to act as support and a lake or water catchments area in
front of the house for Qi to settle.
Apart
from our destiny’s chart and Feng Shui, we can always rely on our own free will
as well. When the going gets tough and life is but a struggle, our attitude and
action will partly determine whether the battle is won or lost.
Here’s
what Sun Tzu has to say;-
“We
move where there is advantage to be gained; we halt when there is none. A wise
general considers both the advantages and disadvantages at his disposal. When
considering the advantages, he makes his plans viable; when considering the
disadvantages, he finds a way to extricate himself from the pitfalls.”
When
going through a luck pillar of prosperity, we shall make every opportunity
count and when going through a luck pillar of despair, we keep a low profile
and cut our losses.
The
hallmark of a great general is best sum up by the man himself;-
“If
you know yourself and know your enemy; in a hundred battles, you will not fear
the outcome. When you know yourself but not your enemy, your chances of winning
or losing is equal. If you know neither yourself nor your enemy, you are sure
to be in peril in every battle.”
Therefore,
how do these systems of Chinese war strategies and metaphysical science help us
in the reality of modern times? It teaches us to be empowered by knowing our
strengths and weakness, to be energized by tapping into the energies of our
environment and to be proactive in taking destiny into our own hands for the
same goal – victory!