Feng Shui and importance of doors

By S.B S.Surendran
Master Fengshui Consultant &
Traditional Vaasthu Practitioner

A Feng Shui 'hsien-sheng" or Fengshui Master looks for the terrain, and examines it and the main equipment found in his possession would be a very accurate magnetic compass or a Luo Pan.

The Chinese were the first to invent the compass and it was called a "south pointing vehicle". It was just a lodestone - magnetised rock with an iron spoon that would spin on its pivot.

At the heart of the earth is a magnetic core of molten iron, and radiating from it are strong currents of energy lines which are known as dragon veins or ley lines. As they force their way through the earth with tremendous power, something akin to a pressure cooker releasing steam in a whistling burst of energy, they create mountains.

Mountains are an expression of the strength of the power coming from the earth's core. From the shape of the mountains and its age a Feng Shui Master can determine what kind of energy is diffusing through the immediate area. To feel the energy of the plot or even mountains, the Feng Shui master walks around, pausing occasionally and using his body as a compass. To understand the concept of Feng Shui we need to understand more about energy or 'Chi". As already touched upon, everything in the universe has an energy field unique to itself but influenced and linked in some way to everything else. Likewise everything has a "flow", like a river that flows down the sea. Correspondingly when we are correctly positioned and harmoniously positioned in the universe, whether at home or at work, we have both balance and harmony and conversely when we are out of step with these natural rhythms of the universe, our lives can be a constant struggle, just like the boat going against the current.

The energy can be classified broadly as "Heaven's Chi" which is the energy emanating from the planets and constellations - waxing and waning of the moon, "Man-made Chi" which could be those from air conditioners, electrical equipment, synthetic carpets, indoor fountains, plants or even open fire. If we were to release a small mouse in a room it would rapidly run hither and thither and you would observe that your heart would start beating a little faster due to anxiety and your energy would resonate with the small but intense energy field of the mouse. Conversely if it was a tortoise which would be slow moving you would remain seated in your armchair and watch him move slowly and relax. We need to remember that energy of the environment and that of the occupants in a building need to be in sync and the basic idea of Feng Shui is to harness it and achieve a balance.
The "entrance to your world" is nothing but the area outside your front door and your front door itself. It is also known as the "mouth of chi".

This door relates to your life path, vocation and is the most important door in your home. "Chi" can come through walls and percentage through windows but most comes through the main door. This is one of the reasons that not just in India but also in places like Malaysia, Singapore and China, the footwear is changed when you go into the house.

The footwear can absorb a lot of energy that would be better kept outside but this has always been mistaken to be some religious practice although it is simple hygiene and Good Feng Shui.

The front door relates to your relationship with the outside world. A main door should ideally be large and must be the largest door in the house and should not be broken or chipped or paint worn off. The door should be parallel to the wall when opened and open fully. Round shiny knobs or polished doorknockers are good as they are said to deflect negative energy. The main door should have a step and should not be below the level of the road. Windows on either side of the main door are good but keeping them curtained and positioning round leaf plants on the windowsill would channelise the "Chi" through the main door only. In most of the Chinese homes one would come across a Lion with a round ball or a "Fu dog" which are said to be protecting the main door.

Keeping the main door clean and neat and positioning some tall and healthy plants on either sides of the door is Good Feng Shui as it lifts the "Chi" of the house and channels it properly.