For all of us practicing Feng Shui, or any other art that has been passed down from one mouth to another’s ears, I share these words chronicled from my time with Professor Lin. He loved his students, and with loving care, he offered guidance – often in the form of a triad. Here he speaks of three types of students, and we could not help but hear his words resonate in our hearts and minds.
First Type: The Very Wise Ones
These students are very smart—extremely intelligent. They are able to learn very quickly and apply the teachings in helpful ways. They are able to grasp and truly understand a principle. Then, they often use their creativity to apply the principles in new and creative ways. They may create new objects and ritual items, and this is setting a good example. “However, the wisest of the wise have sought advice from me
Professor emphasized that he encouraged change and that he was willing to help develop new ideas. However, he mentioned some pitfalls.
• Avoid teachings or new items that do not adhere to our principles and methods. If the new concept steps outside the bounds of our theory, trouble may ensue. Here is one example:
Professor once mentioned that a flute can be placed above an entrance to purge evil from the house (a bit like a sword). So, a student of this type took a real sword and placed it above the door. The principle was not grasped, as the student missed the other important attributes of the bamboo flute—peace, support, safety, stepping up, finding direction, etc.
“The wise ones must remember their roots.” Remember that the worth of an item rests upon one’s cultivation in the development and production.
• “You do not want to create competition that fractures our community.”
Second Type: The Very Wise Ones Who Do Not Display Their Wisdom
These students are very wise but do not necessarily appear as such. They are common in their speech and actions but are very knowledgeable and capable. They take the teachings to heart and remember them exactly. They offer the teachings to others without alteration or adjustments.
This type knows that each and every cure is to be given in an effort to help another, and never to harm anyone. He was once asked about his motives:
• A politician in Taiwan asked Professor for help. During the election process, the person had become anxious and was having dizzy spells. Professor gave the person a cure. He was asked by the politician, “Have you taught this to anyone else running for this office?” Professor’s answer:
Please don’t worry. I use these cures to help others, not to harm you or anyone else.“ “Don’t drag me into politics!”
Never use our cures to harm anyone. You will only hurt yourself.
Third Type: Professor’s Favorites
These students find themselves in class for any number of reasons. They may be here by their own volition, or they may have been forced to attend. Regardless of who they are or where they come from, they pay their own way. They pay their tuition. They listen, or not. They ask no questions and even find it strange that some people do have questions. They may learn nothing, but are very supportive. “They are very kind to me.”
We learned with every word, stunned at times by his serious and powerful protection of the lineage, reminded of our responsibility to use the information with care and humility, and delighted by the twinkle in his eyes as he voiced his great regard for those who come to this work and their teacher with loving kindness.
With gratitude . . .
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.