The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Feng Shui by Lillian Too
A Comprehensive Illustrated Guide to the Origins, Principles, Philosophy and Practice of Feng Shui
Discover the fascinating world of traditional Chinese Feng Shui through The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Feng Shui, a richly illustrated reference book by internationally recognised bestselling author Lillian Too.
Exploring the origins, fundamentals, principles and practical applications of Feng Shui, this comprehensive publication introduces readers to the traditional Chinese understanding of how people interact with their surrounding environment.
Drawing upon Chinese philosophical concepts, directional principles, spatial arrangements and traditional Feng Shui practices, the book examines how the arrangement and characteristics of a living or working environment are interpreted within Feng Shui traditions.
Combining detailed explanations with full-colour artwork, specially commissioned photographs, line drawings and a dictionary of Feng Shui terminology, this encyclopedia provides an accessible introduction to a complex and longstanding Chinese cultural practice.
Whether you are beginning your exploration of Feng Shui or expanding your collection of Chinese metaphysical literature, this substantial illustrated volume offers an engaging reference to the subject.
Discover the Origins and Foundations of Feng Shui
Feng Shui, written as 風水 in Chinese, translates literally as Wind and Water.
Rooted in traditional Chinese environmental philosophy, Feng Shui examines the relationship between people, landforms, buildings, directions and the surrounding environment.
Historically, Feng Shui developed through the observation of natural landscapes, geographical formations, directional influences and traditional Chinese cosmological principles.
Its study incorporates concepts such as Qi (氣), Yin and Yang (陰陽), the Five Elements or Five Phases (五行), and the Eight Trigrams (八卦).
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Feng Shui introduces readers to the foundations of Feng Shui and explores how these concepts are interpreted and applied within traditional practices.
What You Will Discover
1. The Origins and Fundamentals of Feng Shui
Explore the historical and philosophical foundations of Feng Shui, including the principles that have influenced traditional Chinese approaches to the environment.
2. Traditional Feng Shui Principles and Tools
Discover the concepts, directional methods and traditional tools associated with Feng Shui study and practice.
3. Feng Shui for Homes and Living Environments
Explore practical approaches to examining residential spaces, room arrangements, interior layouts and the relationship between buildings and their surroundings.
4. Personal and Family Feng Shui
Learn about traditional interpretations of environmental influences on individuals, households and family life.
5. Feng Shui, Love and Marriage
Discover traditional Feng Shui perspectives relating to relationships, marriage and domestic harmony.
6. Feng Shui for Work and Business
Explore how Feng Shui principles have been applied to offices, commercial environments and workplaces.
7. Gardens and Outdoor Environments
Gain an introduction to the significance of landscapes, gardens, surrounding structures and environmental features within Feng Shui traditions.
8. Feng Shui Terminology and Reference Material
Develop familiarity with important concepts and technical vocabulary through the book's illustrated explanations and reference dictionary.
Understanding the Traditional Principles of Feng Shui
Feng Shui is founded upon a collection of philosophical and technical concepts that have developed over centuries.
Qi (氣) — The Concept of Environmental Energy
Qi is a fundamental concept in traditional Chinese philosophy and Feng Shui. Within Feng Shui theory, it is used to describe the qualities and influences associated with natural and built environments.
The interpretation of Qi is central to many traditional approaches to assessing landforms, buildings and spatial relationships.
Yin and Yang (陰陽) — Complementary Forces
Yin and Yang represent complementary and interdependent qualities within Chinese philosophy.
In Feng Shui, these principles are used to understand contrasts and relationships within environments, including light and shade, movement and stillness, openness and enclosure.
The Five Elements (五行) — Five Phases of Transformation
The Five Elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water.
Within Chinese metaphysical systems, they represent categories of relationships, processes and transformation rather than simply five physical substances.
Their interactions form an important theoretical foundation for various traditional Feng Shui methods.
The Eight Trigrams (八卦) — The Bagua
The Eight Trigrams are associated with the I Ching, or Book of Changes.
Each trigram represents a particular arrangement of Yin and Yang lines and is associated with traditional cosmological meanings, directions and natural phenomena.
The Bagua forms part of the conceptual foundation of several Feng Shui systems.
Directions and the Feng Shui Compass
Directional measurements are important within many classical Feng Shui methods.
The traditional Chinese Feng Shui compass, known as the Luo Pan (羅盤), incorporates directional rings and information used in different schools of Feng Shui.
Understanding orientation, location and the surrounding environment is an important part of studying traditional Feng Shui.
Feng Shui, Sacred Symbols and Mantras — Understanding the Difference
Feng Shui is sometimes presented alongside Chinese religious traditions, sacred symbols, Buddhist practices and devotional objects.
Although these subjects may share elements of Chinese and Asian cultural heritage, they are not identical disciplines.
What Is a Mantra?
A mantra is a sacred syllable, word or sequence of sounds recited or contemplated within certain religious and meditative traditions, particularly Hinduism and Buddhism.
In Tibetan Buddhist practice, for example, the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum is associated with Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion.
Its recitation is traditionally connected with the cultivation of compassion and wisdom.
Are Mantras Part of Classical Feng Shui?
Classical Feng Shui is primarily concerned with the assessment of environments through traditional principles, directional measurements, spatial relationships and established calculation methods.
The recitation of Buddhist mantras is not a fundamental requirement of classical Feng Shui.
Although some contemporary Feng Shui publications combine religious practices, symbolic objects and spiritual traditions with Feng Shui advice, it is useful to recognise the distinction between these subjects.
This distinction helps readers appreciate Feng Shui as a traditional Chinese environmental and metaphysical discipline while respecting the separate religious significance of Buddhist mantras and devotional practices.
This explanation provides cultural context and does not imply that a particular mantra is taught or reproduced in this encyclopedia.
A Richly Illustrated Feng Shui Reference
One of the distinguishing features of The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Feng Shui is its visual presentation.
The publication includes:
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Full-colour artwork and illustrations.
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Detailed line drawings.
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Specially commissioned photographs.
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Explanations of traditional Feng Shui concepts.
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Practical examples relating to homes and living spaces.
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A reference dictionary of Feng Shui terms and techniques.
The combination of visual material and written explanations makes the book approachable for readers who prefer to understand complex subjects through diagrams, images and practical examples.
Why Add This Book to Your Library?
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Written by internationally recognised bestselling author Lillian Too.
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Introduces the origins and principles of Feng Shui.
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Explores traditional Feng Shui concepts and applications.
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Covers homes, families, relationships and workplaces.
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Includes full-colour artwork, photographs and line drawings.
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Features a dictionary of Feng Shui terminology.
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Provides an accessible reference for beginners and enthusiasts.
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Offers insights into Chinese environmental philosophy and cultural traditions.
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A substantial hardcover volume suitable for a personal reference library.
Who Is This Book For?
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Beginners interested in understanding Feng Shui.
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Readers exploring Chinese metaphysics and philosophy.
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Students of traditional Chinese cultural practices.
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Feng Shui enthusiasts seeking an illustrated reference.
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Interior design and architecture enthusiasts interested in traditional environmental concepts.
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Collectors of Chinese cultural and metaphysical literature.
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Readers interested in the historical development of Feng Shui.
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Admirers and collectors of Lillian Too's publications.
An Illustrated Introduction to a Living Chinese Tradition
Feng Shui remains an important part of Chinese cultural and philosophical heritage, with a history extending across generations of scholars, practitioners and communities.
The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Feng Shui introduces readers to this extensive tradition through illustrations, practical discussions and accessible reference material.
Whether purchased for personal study, as an introduction to Chinese environmental philosophy or as part of a collection of Feng Shui literature, this encyclopedia offers an engaging exploration of the art and practice of Feng Shui.
Product Specifications
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Title: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Feng Shui
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Author: Lillian Too
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Format: Hardcover
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Pages: 359
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Language: English
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ISBN: 9781435110779
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Subject: Feng Shui, Chinese Metaphysics, Chinese Philosophy and Environmental Traditions
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SKU: 002000200017
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Weight: Approximately 1,670 g
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Height: Approximately 28 cm
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Width: Approximately 22 cm
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Product Type: Physical Printed Book
Measurements and weight are approximate.
Please Note: This is a physical hardcover publication, not a digital download. Feng Shui interpretations and practices described in the book reflect traditional cultural and metaphysical perspectives and should not be understood as guarantees of wealth, health, relationships or other outcomes.