It occurred to me that most of you, the majority in fact, would most likely never see the inside of a beautiful place; a Monastery. A Monastery is defined as " a place of residence occupied by a community of persons, especially Monks living in seclusion under Religious Vows." When Professor Lin Yun arrived her in the early 1980's, he decided to open a Monastery. His original one is located in Berkely, California and his second one is right here on Long Island, in Old Westbury (The Gold Coast).
Most of the monks that live at the Monastery take care of the land and any work that needs to be done. In addition, most of them are under a "vow of silence." This is a beautiful and amazing place but several years ago, residents in the community decided this lovely place was a "cult." For some reason, the most respectful people in the world were fighting to stay in the Monastery. Thankfully, they won. They hold occasional important weddings there and graduations of Black Sect Feng Shui Students who have become Certified in Feng Shui Studies. Last year I was honored for having reached ten years under this certification.
It is not a well known fact that anyone can put up a website and write that they are a Feng Shui Consultant. There are some people on the internet that have read a book, perhaps and put up a website as they saw this as a quick way to earn some money. Not only are many not Certified, since there are no standards in the industry, they have anywhere from a three year course to a two day online course at which time they will mail you a Certificate. If Feng Shui has touched a nerve with any of you, look for Certification and check the actual school your consultant attended. If you see it has online courses, RUN. The principles of Energy must be felt and students of good schools will often attend "site" visits with a Mentor to actually get the "feelings" of homes and businesses. And check how long they have been practicing; nothing can make up for a number of years of experience.
Since I love to show pictures, this is a peek inside the Monastery at Old Westury, Long Island, New York. Formally opened quite often, you now need a special invitation to get in because of the controversy over this lovely place.
RED is the auspicious color in Feng Shui....and a FIRE element.
Foo Dogs protecting one of the many entrances to the Monastery.
Their altar
HH Professor Lin Yun is on the Right. He is accompanied by an Indian Master: Feng Shui is almost the exact same as Vastu, or Vastu Shastra, what people of the Indian faith believe
Setting up for the newest graduates of Black Sect Feng Shui.
Feng Shui, literally translated means Wind and Water.
This place is peaceful, calming and absolutely beautiful. If you are going to be near either monastery, sometimes if you call in advance they will let you in for a few minutes. It would certainly be worth a try.
As usual, I loved reading your post, Carole. Wind and Water. I didn't realize that Feng Shui stood for that. How interesting. Wind and Water are two of my favourite things...I love to sail.
I am interested in taking a Feng Shui course since I am very intuitive and pick up on energy in houses . Strangely enough, right after I read your post today, I checked my main email account and there was a 5 day on-site course being offered there by a Feng Shui school out of Toronto Ontario for realtors. It is in September and they are running it in Ottawa. I am thinking of signing up for it.
Thank you for your wisdom, insight and the incredible story on the monastery.
Hope you are having your perfect kind of day,
Jo