Chapter I. Introduction

Feng Shui, an ancient and mysterious oriental study, has occupied a pivotal position in Chinese culture since ancient times. It explores the interrelationship between people and their living environments, aiming to seek a harmonious state of symbiosis. Among the many schools of Feng Shui, the Form School and the Qi School are undoubtedly the two main streams, each with their own unique characteristics and concepts, which together constitute the richness of Feng Shui .

The Shape School, as its name suggests, focuses on observing and analyzing the shape of the terrain, the ground, and the surrounding environment. Feng Shui practitioners of this school believe that the shape of the natural environment directly affects the luck and well-being of the occupants. Therefore, when choosing a place to live or planning a building, Feng Shui masters of the Form School will carefully examine the topography of the terrain, as well as the distribution and direction of natural elements such as mountains and water. They seek to harmonize with nature and use the power of nature to enhance the aura and fortune of the occupants .

Unlike the Form School, the Li Qi School focuses more on the study of Li Qi and orientation. Feng Shui masters of this school believe that the flow and distribution of energy in the universe follows a certain pattern, and the layout and orientation of the living environment can influence the direction of flow of these energies, which in turn can have a positive or negative impact on the occupants. Therefore, when Feng Shui layout is carried out by Feng Shui masters, they will accurately calculate the orientation and the Ri Qi based on the theories of TianGan(天干) and Earthly Branches, the Five Elements and the Eight Trigrams, etc., with a view to achieving the best Feng Shui effect .

The study of the characteristics and differences between the Form School and the Riqi School will not only help us to better understand the connotation and essence of Feng Shui, but also provide useful insights for the design and planning of modern living environments. In today's society, as people's demands on the quality of their living environments continue to improve, the concepts and methods of Feng Shui are gradually receiving more and more attention and emphasis. Through an in-depth discussion of the ideas and practices of these two mainstream schools of Feng Shui, we can contribute our wisdom and strength to the creation of a more harmonious and livable living environment.

Chapter 2: Characteristics of Feng Shui of the Formalist School

2.1 Theoretical foundations of the Formalist school

As an important branch of traditional Chinese Feng Shui, the theoretical foundation of the Feng Shui School is based on the careful observation and interpretation of natural elements such as landscape conditions, dragon points and sand and water. This school emphasizes the harmonious coexistence of man and nature, through the analysis and use of favorable factors in the natural environment, in order to achieve the purpose of avoiding bad luck and improving the living environment.

In the theoretical system of the Form School, the situation of mountains and water is regarded as one of the key factors affecting the good or bad fortune of feng shui. The ups and downs of the mountains and the twists and turns of the water are believed to contain the mysteries and power of heaven and earth. Feng Shui masters of the Shape School judge the Feng Shui of a place by observing the direction of the mountains and the flow of water. They believe that the strength or weakness of the landscape situation is directly related to the luck and well-being of the occupants.

In addition to the landscape situation, the Dragon Point Sand and Water is also an important concept in the Form School of Feng Shui. Dragon Points refer to the places in a mountain range where the chi field is the strongest and are usually considered auspicious. Sand and water, on the other hand, refers to the gravel and water flow around a mountain range, which play an important role in Feng Shui. According to the Form School, the distribution and shape of sand and water have a significant impact on Feng Shui. A proper configuration of sand and water can enhance the aura of a living place and bring good luck to the occupants; on the contrary, it may lead to a disruption of the aura, triggering many unfavorable aspects.

The theoretical basis of Feng Shui of the Formalist School is also reflected in the overall grasp of the natural environment. This school of Feng Shui emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of man and nature, and believes that human activities should follow nature and respect it. In Feng Shui practice, the Feng Shui masters of the Form School take into account a number of factors, such as the situation of the mountains and the water, the dragon's points and the sand and water, in order to find the most suitable environment for human habitation.

Feng Shui is not an isolated doctrine, but is intertwined with and influenced by other systems of thought in traditional Chinese culture. For example, the philosophical idea of "the unity of heaven and man" in the "Zhou Yi" provides an important theoretical support for the Feng Shui of the Formalist School. This idea emphasizes the harmony and unity of man and nature, which coincides with the concept of harmonious coexistence between man and nature advocated by the Feng Shui school.

The theoretical foundation of the Formalist School of Feng Shui is based on in-depth observation and interpretation of the natural environment, as well as a deep understanding of the relationship between man and nature. By analyzing and utilizing the favorable factors in the natural environment, this school of thought provides useful guidance for humans to create a more harmonious and livable living environment. In modern society, despite the controversy over the scientific nature of Feng Shui, the concept of harmonious coexistence between man and nature embedded in the Feng Shui school of the Formalist School is still of great practical significance and reference value .

2.2 Practical Applications of the Formalist School

In its practical application, the Feng Shui of the Formalist School is mainly based on the principles of layout and site selection for both yang and yin houses. This school focuses on the examination of the actual environment and determines the best place to live or be buried through careful observation and analysis based on the landscape situation.

In terms of the yang residence, the Feng Shui of the Formalist School emphasizes that the residence should be in harmony with its surroundings in order to achieve the ideal state of "unity of heaven and man". The location of the house should take into account factors such as the height of the terrain, the direction of the water flow, and the layout of the road. For example, there should be a mountain behind the house to form a stable support; the front should have a wide view to receive more sunlight and positive energy; and the left and right sides should have appropriate guards to avoid the intrusion of evil energy. These principles are widely used in the practice of Feng Shui of the Formalist School with good results .

The Shape School of Feng Shui also focuses on the layout of the interior of the home. According to the theory of this school, the rooms inside the house should be distributed in a reasonable manner, and the doors and windows should be opened in accordance with feng shui principles. For example, the master bedroom should be located in an auspicious position to absorb more positive energy, while the kitchen and bathroom should be placed in a relatively minor position to avoid adverse effects on the main living space. These careful layout adjustments will help to improve the overall feng shui quality of the home, which in turn will have a positive impact on the fortunes of the occupants .

The Feng Shui of the Formalist School is equally widely used when it comes to yin houses. This school believes that the graves of ancestors have a profound effect on the fortune of future generations. Therefore, when choosing a Yin residence, Feng Shui practitioners of the Form School will take into account a number of factors, such as the landscape situation, soil texture, and the surrounding environment, in order to find the best location for burial. For example, the grave should be located in a place with beautiful mountains and wide terrain in order to favor the resting place of ancestors and the reproduction of future generations. At the same time, the shape and orientation of the grave should also comply with feng shui principles in order to achieve the best feng shui effect .

In its practical application, Feng Shui of the Form School focuses on field investigation and detailed analysis, and uses the landscape situation as the basis for determining the principles of the layout and location of both yang and yin houses. These principles not only reflect the core concepts of Feng Shui, but also play an important role in practice, creating a harmonious and stable living environment for people.

The Feng Shui of the Formalist School is not superstition or metaphysics, but a summary based on long-term life experience and observation of the natural environment. These principles and methods were widely used in ancient times and have had a far-reaching impact on modern urban planning, architectural design and other fields. Therefore, we should treat Feng Shui of the Formalist School in a scientific manner, take the essence and remove the dross, and contribute to the harmonious development of modern society .

In practice, Feng Shui masters of the Form School will also take into account the local cultural practices and the actual situation to make adjustments and refinements to meet the needs of different clients. For example, in the Feng Shui practice of Hakka houses, the Feng Shui masters of the Form School will take into account the cultural characteristics and living habits of the Hakka people, and develop Feng Shui programs that meet the actual local conditions . This flexibility and practicality is also one of the key reasons why the Feng Shui of the Form School has been able to last for so long.

Chapter 3: Characteristics of the Riqi School of Feng Shui

3.1 The theoretical system of the Rigel School

Li Qi Feng Shui, as a major school of traditional Chinese Feng Shui, has a deep and complex theoretical system covering many elements such as the Five Elements, the Eight Trigrams, TianGan(天干) and DiZhi(地支), etc. These elements not only have their own unique symbols, but are also interrelated in the theory. These elements not only have their own unique symbolic meanings, but are also interrelated in the theory of the Riqi School, and together they build a huge system of feng shui interpretation.

In the theoretical system of the Riqi School, the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams are the core components. The five elements, i.e., gold, wood, water, fire and earth, are the ancient people's abstract generalization of natural phenomena and the nature of things. In Feng Shui, the theory of the five elements is widely used in the interpretation of geographic environments and architectural attributes. Each of the Five Elements represents a specific energy and aura, and the relationship between them is used by the Feng Shui masters of the School of Reiki to analyze and adjust the environmental aura, in order to achieve the purpose of avoiding bad luck and good fortune.

Bagua, as another important element, is closely related to the five elements. Bagua is based on the two lines of yin and yang, which are combined to form eight different symbols representing natural phenomena such as heaven, earth, thunder, wind, water, fire, mountain and zephyr. In Riqi school of Feng Shui, Bagua is not only used to describe and explain the characteristics of the geographic environment, but also combined with the five elements, which together form the basis for Feng Shui adjustments.

In addition to the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams, TianGan(天干) and Earthly Branches are also important elements in the Feng Shui theoretical system of the Ri Qi School. TianGan(天干) include ten symbols such as 甲、乙、丙、丁, etc., while DiZhi(地支) include twelve symbols such as 子、丑、寅、卯, etc. These symbols can be used to indicate both the flow of time and space. These symbols in Feng Shui are given a dual meaning of time and space, and can be used to indicate the flow of time as well as to describe the layout of space. Through the calculation of TianGan(天干) and Earthly Branches, the Feng Shui masters of the Li Qi School can deduce the fortune or misfortune of a certain time and space, so as to provide appropriate Feng Shui advice to their clients.

The theoretical system of the Riqi School of Feng Shui is not isolated, but is closely linked to the philosophical ideas, historical background and social customs of traditional Chinese culture. For example, the use of elements such as the Five Elements, the Eight Trigrams and TianGan(天干) and Earthly Branches all reflect the ancient people's pursuit of the idea of the unity of heaven and man. Guided by this idea, Riqi School Feng Shui masters not only focus on the material aspects of the geographical environment, but also on its connection with the spiritual world of man.

The Riqi School of Feng Shui also emphasizes the principle of adapting to place and time. This means that in practice, Feng Shui masters need to adjust the Feng Shui layout according to the specific time and place. This flexibility and practicality has made the Li Qi School of Feng Shui an important part of traditional Chinese culture, and has had a profound impact on later generations in the fields of architectural design and urban planning.

In a nutshell, the theoretical system of Li Qi School Feng Shui is a complex and subtle system, which reveals the mysterious connection between the geographical environment and the destiny of human beings through the correlation and application of the elements of Five Elements, Eight Trigrams, Heavenly Stems and Earthly Branches, and so on. Although the validity of Feng Shui is still disputed by modern science, it is undeniable that the unique theoretical system and rich practical experience of Riqi School Feng Shui, as an important part of traditional Chinese culture, still have important research value and cultural significance.

3.2 Practical tips for Rikishi

The Riqi School of Feng Shui has demonstrated many unique and practical techniques that have largely shaped the character and influence of the Riqi School in practice. The following is an in-depth discussion of a few of these key techniques.

The use of the compass occupies a pivotal position in the Li Qi School of Feng Shui. The compass is not only a tool for geographic positioning, but also an important basis for Feng Shui masters to interpret the qi of heaven and earth and to determine good and bad fortune. Feng Shui masters of the Li Qi School use the compass to accurately measure the location and analyze the distribution and flow of Qi in the environment. When using the compass, they also incorporate the theory of the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams to further interpret the energies and meanings contained in each direction. This refinement of analysis and interpretation allows the Li Qi School of Feng Shui to demonstrate its unique precision and depth in practice.

The judgment of good and bad fortune is another core skill of the Riqi School of Feng Shui. This skill integrates the profound traditional Chinese cultural heritage and philosophical ideas to predict and evaluate the good or bad fortune of a place through the comprehensive analysis of multi-dimensional information such as orientation, time and space. In this process, the Feng Shui master will use the complex theoretical system of the five elements, the birth and death, TianGan(天干) and earthly branches, as well as long-term practical experience and intuition, to make accurate judgments. This skill of judging good and bad fortune not only reflects the profound and mysterious nature of the Riqi School of Feng Shui, but also provides an important reference for people in the selection of sites and layouts.

In addition to the use of the compass and the judgment of good and bad luck, the Li Qi School of Feng Shui has many other practical tips. For example, in terms of layout, the Riqi School emphasizes harmony and balance, focusing on the functionality and beauty of the space. They will take into account the actual situation of the environment and combine the theory of the five elements and the eight trigrams to rationally plan the layout and decoration of the space in order to achieve the best results for living or working. In terms of site selection, Riqi School Feng Shui masters will take into account information about geography, climatic conditions, human factors, and other aspects to choose a location that is most conducive to people's lives and development.

Overall, the Riqi School of Feng Shui demonstrates unique practical techniques and profound philosophical ideas in actual practice. These techniques not only reflect the profoundness of traditional Chinese culture, but also provide useful guidance and insights for modern people in their lives and work. By applying these techniques, people can better understand and adapt to the natural environment and achieve the goal of living in harmony with nature. At the same time, these techniques also embody the practicality and profundity of the Riqi School of Feng Shui, so that it still has value and significance that cannot be ignored in modern society.

Of course, the practical techniques of Riqipai Feng Shui are not static, but have evolved and improved with the times. In modern society, these techniques are not only used in the traditional siting and layout of yang and yin houses, but are also widely used in urban planning, architectural design, commercial siting and many other fields. This fully reflects the flexibility and adaptability of the Riqi School of Feng Shui, as well as its wide application and far-reaching influence in modern society.

In exploring the practical techniques of the Riqi School of Feng Shui, we have to mention its close connection with traditional Chinese culture. These techniques are not only influenced by the philosophical thinking of Taoism and Confucianism, but also incorporate the knowledge of ancient astronomy, geography, medicine and other aspects. This interdisciplinary integration makes the practical techniques of Riqi School of Feng Shui richer and more diversified, and also provides a broader space and possibilities for its application in modern society.

The practical techniques of the Riqi School of Feng Shui are an important part of its theoretical system and the key to its usefulness in practice. These techniques not only embody the wisdom and essence of traditional Chinese culture, but also provide useful guidance and assistance to modern people when facing the complex and changing natural environment.

Chapter 4 Comparison of the Differences Between the Formalist School and the Rigidist School

4.1 Differences in theoretical perspectives

In Feng Shui, there are significant differences in the theoretical perspectives of the Formalist School and the Liqi School, the two mainstream schools. These differences are mainly reflected in the interpretation of the basic principles of feng shui, the view of the landscape situation, and the basis for the judgment of good and bad luck.

The theoretical basis of the Form School of Feng Shui, also known as the Situation School or Range Head School, focuses primarily on the observation and interpretation of the natural environment. According to the Form School, the landscape situation is the key factor in determining whether feng shui is good or bad, and the feng shui advantages or disadvantages of a certain location can be determined through careful observation of natural elements such as mountain ranges, water currents, vegetation, and so on. In the theory of the Form School, elements such as dragon points and sand and water play a crucial role. Dragon points, i.e. the alignment of the mountains and the place where the points are formed, are considered to be the place where the wind and the chi are gathered, and have a decisive influence on the selection of the location of both yang and yin houses. Sand and water, on the other hand, refers to the situation of the surrounding mountains and rivers, the configuration and direction of which will also directly affect the feng shui.

In contrast, the Riqi School of Feng Shui focuses more on the use of elements such as the Five Elements, the Eight Trigrams, TianGan(天干) and DiZhi(地支). According to the Li Qi School, there exists a delicate balance between these elements, and by rationally configuring and adjusting these elements, the effect of avoiding bad luck can be achieved. In the theory system of the Li Qi School, the principle of the five elements is widely used in the layout and adjustment of Feng Shui. At the same time, the Li Qi School also emphasizes the use of the compass, which is considered to be an important tool for detecting and adjusting Feng Shui. In determining good and bad luck, the Li Qi School usually combines the elements of TianGan(天干) and Earthly Branches and the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams to conduct a comprehensive analysis in order to determine the good and bad luck of a certain location in terms of feng shui.

It can be seen that there is a clear difference in the theoretical viewpoints of Feng Shui between the Form School and the Li Qi School. The Formalist school pays more attention to the observation and interpretation of the natural environment, emphasizing the importance of the landscape situation, while the Riqi school pays more attention to the use and balance of the elements of the five elements of the Bagua, TianGan(天干) and DiZhi(地支). These differences are not only reflected in the basic theoretical views of the two schools, but also in their practical applications. In practice, the Formalist School will select a site and layout based on the landscape situation, while the Li Qi School will optimize Feng Shui by adjusting the Five Elements and Eight Trigrams and other elements.

Despite the differences in theoretical perspectives between the two schools, they are both committed to seeking the way of harmonious coexistence between human beings and the natural environment. Both the Formalist School and the Reiki School emphasize the adjustment and optimization of feng shui on the premise of respecting the natural environment. Therefore, in practical application, we can choose the appropriate school of thought to refer to and learn from according to the specific situation in order to achieve the best feng shui effect. At the same time, we should also keep an open mind to continuously learn and explore new Feng Shui theories and practical methods to better serve human life and development.

4.2 Differences in practical application

In the vast field of Feng Shui, the two mainstream schools of thought, the Form School and the School of Physics and Qi, are not only different in their theoretical viewpoints, but also in their practical applications, showing very different styles and effects. This difference is not only reflected in the specific methods of operation, but also deeply reflects the different perspectives of the two schools of feng shui understanding of the nature of feng shui.

In practice, the Form School is known for its keen insight into the landscape situation and precise interpretation of dragon points and sand and water. In terms of the layout of yang houses, the Feng Shui School focuses on the overall harmony of the environment, emphasizing that the house should be in harmony with the surrounding landscape in order to achieve the ideal state of "unity of heaven and man". During the site selection process, the Feng Shui masters of the Form School would carefully observe the terrain and look for auspicious places where the spiritual energy of heaven and earth could be gathered. They believe that only by building a house in such a place can the occupants be assured of a peaceful and prosperous life.

In their practical application, the Riqi School pays more attention to the use of elements such as the five elements of the Bagua and TianGan(天干) and Earthly Branches. They are able to accurately determine the fortune or misfortune of a place through their superb compass skills. In the view of the Li Qi School, the core of Feng Shui lies in adjusting the balance of the qi field between people and the environment to achieve the purpose of avoiding bad luck and good fortune. Therefore, in the practice of the School of Reiki, they use various methods to adjust the aura of the living environment, such as placing specific feng shui objects, changing the layout of the house, and so on.

This difference in practical application not only stems from the two schools' different understanding of the basic theories of Feng Shui, but is also closely related to their historical origins and regional characteristics. The Formalist School originated from ancient landscape painters and geographers, who had a more in-depth observation and understanding of the natural environment, while the Li Qi School was more influenced by ancient philosophies and divinatory cultures, and their practical methods were more focused on the search for and application of mystical powers.

Although there are obvious differences in the practical application of the Form School and the Ri Qi School, they are not completely opposed to each other. In practice, many Feng Shui masters will combine the knowledge and techniques of both schools to achieve better results. For example, when selecting a site, they may first choose a place surrounded by mountains and water with beautiful scenery based on the principles of the Form School, and then apply the methods of the Li Qi School to adjust the aura and pattern of the house. This integrative approach to practice reflects the great profundity of Feng Shui and demonstrates the complementarity and integration of the Form School and the Li Qi School in their differences.

In general, the difference in practical application between the Form School and the Riqi School is a continuation and embodiment of the difference in their theoretical perspectives. This difference not only injects rich connotation and vitality into the development of Feng Shui, but also provides more choices and possibilities for people in practical operation. Whether it is the landscape sentiment of the Form School or the mysterious exploration of the Riqi School, they are all indispensable treasures in the treasury of Feng Shui.

Chapter V. Conclusion

After an in-depth discussion of the characteristics and differences between the Feng Shui of the Formalist School and that of the Riki School, we can draw the following conclusions. The Feng Shui of the Formalist School, based on its superb interpretation of natural elements such as landscape situations, dragon points and sand and water, emphasizes the harmonious coexistence of the environment and human beings. This school of Feng Shui has demonstrated its deep cultural heritage and practicality in practical application, especially in the layout and location of yang and yin houses. Comparatively speaking, the Riqi School of Feng Shui focuses on the intrinsic connection of the five elements of the Bagua, TianGan(天干) and DiZhi(地支), and constructs a complete theoretical system. In practice, the Li Qi School uses unique techniques such as the compass and the judgment of good and bad luck, reflecting its refined and scientific characteristics.

There are significant differences between the two schools of thought in terms of theoretical perspectives and practical applications. The Formalist School focuses more on the relationship between the natural environment and human beings, emphasizing intuition and perception; whereas the Physicalist School tends to apply logic and reasoning, and to guide practice through precise calculations and judgments. These differences not only enrich the connotation of Feng Shui, but also provide diversified choices for people with different needs.

In general, as the two mainstream schools of Feng Shui, the Formalist School and the Riqi School each have their own unique characteristics. Their complementary theories and differences in practice have jointly promoted the development and innovation of Feng Shui. Whether it is the profound understanding of the natural environment of the Formalist School or the fine construction of the theoretical system of the Liqi School, both have made important contributions to the inheritance and development of Feng Shui.