While in Penang, Sheila brought me to the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion aka “La Maison Bleu” or the Blue Mansion. During my last visit, I missed the timings for the daily tour, but this time round, we managed to catch the 3pm tour. The tour was nothing short of fantastic, especially the story behind this magnificent mansion and it’s owner. I was especially sad to hear that after his death, his children sold off his business and all his properties, except this one, which was kept because it was enforced by his will.

 

Anyway, part of the tour went about how the mansion was built with strong emphasis on “feng shui”. The guide showed us how these were inconspicuously incorporated into the entire house, from the most basic structures to the minute details. There came a point where the guide said… “Feng is wind and Shui is water… these are free, you don’t pay bills for wind or (rain) water right?”. In the back of my mind, I wanted to ask her “are you sure we aren’t paying bills for wind and water?” And no, I’m not talking about the PUB bills because we’re lucky we’re only paying money. There are people (and animals) around the world who are paying it with their lives. Just look at the rising amount of “natural” disasters.

 

Although I didn’t ask any questions, but based on what happened after his death, I figured, no amount of Feng Shui will help if one doesn’t work for it. And if we don’t change for the better, very soon, there won’t even be “feng” or “shui”.

 

Anyway, this is just a thought. I’m not an environmentalist or Greenpeace activist and I don’t go to Live Earth concerts. Don’t use me as a benchmark:)

 

[tags]Feng Shui, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang[/tags]