Previously in PART 1...
When fengshui is practiced as a business, there are standards to follow. No longer can one do fengshui as they feel like it, there has got to be some kind of system -- that is, if one aspires to be a good businessman!No longer is it just about one's own pleasure when studying and practicing fengshui; it's not just a hobby. You can't afford to be whimsical about it anymore! You have to answer to your paying clients, provide value, and be responsible.
The rules, processes and systems are part of what it means to be an
enterprise, and they keep the enterprise thriving, ensuring that we
consistently provide substantial and real value to clients. If its just an interest or a
hobby, there's no need to give value to others. And providing value is
very important, not just for profits, but also for the longevity of the
art of fengshui.
When a client is willing to pay for fengshui, it means that fengshui is providing value to the client. It means, fengshui is useful. When a client is willing to pay high amounts for a fengshui jewelry, it means the fengshui jewelry is very, very useful.
And you know that it is definitely useful, when clients selflessly introduce their friends and loved ones to Lotus on Water (my greatest appreciation!!). Some even refer their clients, colleagues and bosses. Just imagine the awkwardness back in office if Lotus fengshui did not work...! And having witnessed how Lotus clients have changed for the better and prospered, how fengshui has been useful, friends and loved ones take their first steps to join the huat family, and in turn, introduce even more others along.
We have a beloved and long-time client who has made it as the top insurance agent. She introduced her colleague working in the backend to Lotus on Water, who eventually introduced more than 10 of her relatives. And the relatives brought more friends along. The usefulness of Lotus fengshui spreads.
And when fengshui and fengshui jewelry are useful, even till today, that means they have been adapted constructively into today's world. The idea of fengshui already existed in one of the oldest Chinese classics, "I-Ching"《易经》, which dates back to about 3,000 years ago. Many empires don't even survive for 300 years.
Let's say you know classical ballet, and you somehow know how ballet was practiced and performed hundreds of years ago. If ballet were a mere hobby to you, it wouldn't matter that much if others enjoyed it or not. You could perform it at your own comfort, the hours and hours of what used to be an important ritualistic dance to the gods or royalties. But if you seek an audience, if you seek paying audience, then the dance must mean something to them (the people today!), or provide some kind of value. Otherwise, the art would be detached from today's reality. The art would be purposeless in today's world.
Lotus on Water has breathed new life into an ancient art.
Do
you know what happens to a purposeless art, culture or heritage? The
best scenario is that they be kept in the museums and become a relic of
the past. World organizations like UNESCO might bestow some title or status, it would definitely serve as a great pride and advantage, but it doesn't ensure the longevity of the art.
The worst scenario? The art and culture shall be totally forgotten, as if it never existed before. The onus of making sure this never happens, and that the art and culture thrive even in modern times, is on the practitioner. How we practice fengshui matters.
By the way, I think we all can agree, your heart is where your money is. When one is willing to spend $10k on a branded luxury bag but not on one's own culture, it simply means the person feels that the bag is more worthy or valuable. The same applies to people who claim their love and respect for the art and culture of fengshui, but somehow regard that it should be cheap or even free. That's 口不对心 (the words do not match the heart). And to the many who practice fengshui but do it cheaply, fakely or irresponsibly, you are tarnishing the name of your heritage, you too are undervaluing your culture. That's 作贱自己的文化 (cheapening our own culture).
On a lighter note, using the words of the Joker from "The Dark Knight" (2008), does make sense too: "If you are good at something, never do it for free."
-- Kan, Executive Director
[Continue to PART 3]
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