miuuhi

Symbolism and the Feng Shui Coin

The origins of symbols of good fortune date back to earth-based religions and are often lost unto all except the most ardent scholars of world religions. This is largely due to the fact that most of these symbols of luck are fairly trite and lacking a clear, motivating philosophy.

There is some minor, cursory understanding of eastern mysticism and philosophy in the western world. Granted, what people 'know' about eastern mysticism is usually an extremely abbreviated knowledge base. There is interest in the mysticism of the East, but that interest is more of an interest in symbols than a deep desire to understand or cultivate the philosophy.

This is probably a determining factor in Feng Shui achieving some popularity in the United States, as Feng Shui became another form of eastern mysticism. However, the western concept of enlightenment through symbolism leads to the prominence of items such as a Feng Shui coin.

The Feng Shui coin does not originate in the West. It is, of course, eastern in design and origin. What a Feng Shui coin represents is a symbol of financial prosperity and, to true believers, it provides a meridian channel that will enhance one's personal prosperity.

Coin of the East vs. Coin of the West

The difference between the symbolism of the Feng Shui coin of the East and that of the coin of the West centers on the definition of prosperity. In ancient eastern societies, famine was a very real danger. Financial prosperity was a way of maintaining existence.

In the West, the Feng Shui coin becomes a perversion as financial prosperity is defined by materialism and comfort level. That is, the West is primarily a technocratic society and financial prosperity creates a comfortable life. This may be well and good, but it is not the path to enlightenment. In fact, a materialistic life is probably the single greatest obstacle to enlightenment. In this sense, the western embrace of the Feng Shui coin is an embrace that misses its meaning.

Owning a Feng Shui coin does not lead one to the path of enlightenment unless one embraces the core that it represents. Whether a technocratic society can do that is doubtful, but the coins make nice decorations.

Nagashi Komatsu teaches the basics of Feng Shui through a series of articles and photos. Read more at Feng Shui Style.

posted by gcpdt @ 10:06 AM