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Part II, Day 3 - The Last Dragon by the Ocean
Last update: 25th April 2008 9:15am (GMT+08:00)
Reported by Sherwin Ng.
23rd April 2008 (Wednesday)
The final day of the China Excursion 2008 begins with the tour guide informing us that today's Mount Lao is not higher than yesterday's Mount Tai. In reality it is less than half the height. Temples are to be expected, but the biggest difference is that Mt. Lao's temple is at the foot of the hill which attracts a steady bustling of pilgrims and tourists. The one on Mt. Lao's peak is quiet when all of us gathered up there for the discussion.
Now, Qing Dao is right next to the sea, and the temple here is no difference - the hills all stop right at the open sea. There is no Table Mountain or island seen in a distance - Qi escapes... Or does it?
 From the peak looking to the left, we are all actually facing a Dragon Head, with the 'Canopy' opening very distinctly. We were staring at the release of vein, and from that spot over there, left and right embraces are clearly seen. And since we are looking across toward the vein, we are standing on the Table Mountain for that spot. Another amazing thing about these rocky Water Star mountains is that the vicinity of the spot is all lush and green!
The lower temple receives the Qi from the Meridian Spot vicinity, enclosed within the embrace, receiving the sea view as a Water Mouth - sounds like an excellent formation for tourism and business. The inner temple which is more spiritual in nature lies toward the rocky mountain. From a distance, we can see this entire Dragon body curling inwards, meaning it is a 'Dragon Looking Back to its Ancestors', benefiting the motherland.
Back in the hotel for our final meeting, we discussed the differences between Flatland and High level mountains. Flatland, being more open and Yang in nature, allows quicker results whereas Highlands, being more Yin promises a longer-lasting substance.
The highlight for this year's excursion would have to be the 'Water Stars' or 'Literary Arts', because we have tracked the path of ancient Masters and sages and scholars who left behind their wisdom and story - 'a scholarly trip' as Joey puts it. And I think, when better to do this than in a Water year?
We know that emperor and king-maker stars are the Chastity and Broken Soldier, and the Literary Arts is seldom chosen in favour of Greedy Wolf and Military Arts - who doesn't want power and glory?
But without the Literary Arts, old knowledge would have been lost in the sands of time. We cannot help but to feel grateful to the great Masters like Yang Yun Song and Confucius was having the foresight to use lands which perpetuate knowledge and information. This is how they leave behind an 'actual lineage' by allowing information to be transmitted, even far and wide across the seas (Sky Horse!).
Learning about Dragon Veins is easy - Table, embrace, open canopy. But Landform mastery is all about training the eye to identify the true spot (to spot the spot), and that is the part no books can replicate. You just have to see it and keep seeing it until you become part of it.
When you walk the dragons for half a month, you do not only learn about Feng Shui. You learn about people and nature, and you learn just a little more about life. When 40 people all over the world come together for one unified goal, you are not just students-at-arms. You become friends. Paths have crossed, affinity is linked.
Who knows when we will all meet next time. But then again, having met is all that matters.
These are the small insights that will change you. Spirits renewed, I am proud to study Feng Shui. And that it is my profession.
Cheers,
Sherwin Ng
Gui Si Day in beautiful Qing Dao.
Reported by Sherwin Ng.
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