Viewers' Digest: Wei Wei Bring You HUAT Long Long! | 薇薇带你旺久久! (Ep7 -- The Lotus Black Inkstone)

1st May 2021, the topic on "Wei Wei Bring You HUAT Long Long 薇薇带你旺久久", was on the Duanxi Clear Waters Black Inkstone 端溪静水砚台, also known simply as black inkstone 黑砚.

Host Wei Wei invited two amazing and HUAT friends to join her. Do you know who they are?

 

They are...父子档 father and son, Mark and Yi Jie!!

 

 

Mark and family have two black inkstones. They got their 1st inkstone in 2020 and the 2nd one just this year.

 

2020 was the year when Yi Jie just started Secondary 1, for sure, a huge change from primary school for him. After placing the black inkstone, Yi Jie diligently mediated with it (will be covering this later). Miraculously, his first year in Secondary school was very smooth, probably as smooth as a Lao Keng 老坑 (highest grade!) black inkstone, and he managed to score good grades for all his subjects!

And recently, Yi Jie just completed his piano exam. He meditated with both black inkstones and managed to overcome new challenges that arose due to the COVID situation.

Mark's life also improved tremendously after placing the black inkstones! Mark regularly meditated with his black inkstones, wanting to achieve greater heights in life. Last year, Mark was promoted from a contract staff to a permanent staff! Furthermore, Mark's promotion occurred during the Circuit Breaker, a period of time when huge number of Singaporeans faced many difficulties in their career. The Black Inkstone indeed helped Mark to reach new heights in his career!  

Moreover, just last month, Mark was headhunted and changed jobs, getting a much higher pay!!

But what is so special about this black inkstone? Well, the inkstone has fengshui power, helping to boost your literati (旺文昌), smoothen verbal conflicts (化口舌) and resolve legal conflicts (化官非).

The raw material, which is called Duan 端, is rare and powerful. Comes from the Duan River 端溪, hence the name, is the best of the inkstone, and has the unique ability for ink to evaporate slower during summer and less easy to freeze during winter. We only sell 端 category inkstones because it is the highest quality, and at Lotus on Water, we believe in giving the best for all clients.

During LIVE, we discussed about the 4 categories of Lotus on Water 端 inkstones. YES! 端 inkstones are further classified into subgroups.

The 4 categories are (ranked according to quality, starting from the best):

1. Lao Keng (老坑)

2. Keng Zai (坑仔)

3. Ma Zi (麻子)

4. Mei Hua (梅花)

 

When choosing your black inkstone, you might wonder, what should I look out for when choosing the right one? Well, there 3 things you should look out for.
 

1) How SMOOTH is it?

Usually, the smoother the black inkstone, the better. You can pour some water on the inkstone to better feel its smoothness.

2) "Skin" of the Earth

On the black inkstone, there are might be small patches that are rough, like the skin of stones or rocks. The presence of the skin of the earth shows that this black inkstone is carved from a source that's very close to the earths, which means stronger energy!

 

Yi Jie showing the skin of the earth to the audience

  

3) Eyes

In Chinese, we call these 眼、睛、晕.

On the black inkstone, there might be little dots on it. These are the "眼 eyes". In the centre of the eye, if there is a little red concentration, that's the "睛 pupil". And on the edge, bluish in hue, that's the "晕 aura". These eyes, other than a testament to the quality of the black inkstone, also symbolize the power for you to look far and capture opportunities.

 

Numerous Eyes on this powerful black inkstone

 

At the start of LIVE, Wei Wei, Mark and Yi Jie showcased a majestic black inkstone called 龙舞天庭. That is actually one of the greatest treasures Lotus on Water has. Not only it is super grand, but also big enough for a full grown adult to sit on it!

 

This mega black inkstone has an interesting story behind it. When the huge inkstone arrived outside the gallery, 10 strong men were called upon to carry the inkstone into the gallery. However, the men couldn't lift it, because the delivery men mistook the weight of the black inkstone as 250kg, instead of 1250kg!

 

The delivery team and Lotus advisors were in a dilemma, either to send the inkstone back to customs, or use heavy machinery to carry the giant treasure into the galleries. In the end, we decided on the latter.

That day, it was raining heavily, which made the whole issue much more complex and difficult. Bracing the storm, they moved the mega black inkstone. Once the black inkstone touched the gallery floor, the rain stopped immediately.

 

As if the heavenly conflicts were resolved, and smoothened, with the mega black inkstone in place.

 

On this 龙舞天庭, there are 9 NINE dragons.

There are 9 dragons carved into the inkstone, can you see them?

 

"9" is the strongest yang number, and dragons represent status and power, bringing the entire Lotus Family more prosperity!

 

A lot of skill was required to carve such a fine dragon. Beautiful!

 

龙舞天庭 also bears the skin of the earth, has many "eyes", and is amazingly smooth. Truly a class above all!

 

I hope that after reading this post, all of us can better understand the Lotus black inkstone. 

 

Stay tuned as more recaps of "薇薇带你旺久久" be coming soon!

-- Yi Jie
Follower and Intern of Lotus on Water

Black Inkstone Also Can Be Very "Atas"

 

Most people would think White Inkstone 御用白端 is the much more expensive one. Well, just to let black inkstones feel a bit better, there are also pretty expensive black Duan inkstones 端溪静水砚台.

Exquisite in terms of grade, generous in terms of size, abundant in terms of inclusions and special features, and definitely smoother than a baby's cheek.

 

I placed my favorite top grade 老坑 Laokeng black inkstone (still available!) next to them so we can roughly get the difference in size.

 

This is of the 麻子 Mazi grade. 麻子 Mazi is just two grades after Laokeng, and this piece has many "live" eyes (see the round things with a red speck in the center?); those are super valuable features that they regard highly in auction houses. The reddish "skin" (remnants of the raw boulder) is decorated as the leaf of grapes.

Price: 88,868SGD

 

This is of the Laokeng grade. In fact, top tier of Laokeng grade. Those who have touched it before will never forget how smooth it is. So smooth, as if all your troubles and obstacles shall slip away. One obvious feature, is the plentiful of golden threads, intertwined like veins and blood vessels, giving life to this magical piece of black Duan inkstone. The favorite of mine, the smaller Laokeng black inkstone, is from the same source.

Price: 138,868SGD

Now you know, black Duan inkstones can also be very atas.

 

Because your kids' grades are worth it. Because harmony is worth it. 

-- Kan, Executive Director

How about a HUAT package for this HBL period?

BRACE YOURSELF -- HBL begins.

Home-Based Learning. When your kids spend a month with you when schools close. For a month. Who doesn't love another acronym?

I propose to you a HBL package. Who doesn't love a good package/starter-pack, especially in such unique times?

Something for you, something for your kid, something for your house.

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Here's the Lotus jadeite for your kid: the Lotus jadeite bamboo

A classic choice for students (and those looking for jobs or a better career) since the founding of the gallery. For good grades, for promotion, for progression.

 

Of course, your kid has to wear the Lotus jadeite bamboo of the auspicious elements/colors.

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Here's the Lotus jadeite for YOU: the Lotus jadeite Qilin 麒麟

For parents, especially mothers. They say, Confucius 孔子's mother dreamt of a Qilin before becoming pregnant with Confucius, who turned out to be the greatest sage in Chinese history, ever.

When you are with the jadeite Qilin pendant of your favorable element/color, you attract more benefactors, your luck shall influence your kids too, bringing them literati and progress.

May you have scholarly children.

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Here's what to have for your home's fengshui: Duanxi Clear Waters Black Inkstone 端溪静水砚台

Now, first, having the black inkstone at the specific spot, boosts literati and good studies, which is important. It's not just any black inkstone. It has to be Duan inkstone 端砚. I have written about this several times. Duan inkstone is the top category of inkstones, recognized since Song dynasty 宋代. Many people who are selling inkstones have no idea what they are talking about, they might be saying "Duan inkstone 端砚", but they have no idea of what's "Duan 端" or "inkstone 砚".

 

ALSO, it smoothens conflicts. Which in this period, when everyone is stuck at home, is VERY IMPORTANT.

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Here's what else to have for your home's fengshui, or for yourself: Lotus sandalwood beads/pendant 檀香念珠/牌

Sandalwood activates the literati star (studying, good grades, promotion...). Be it pendant or beads, you can either hang it at the spot we advise, or you wear it. The scent from your Lotus sandalwood shall influence your children, who in this period of HBL, should be right beside you...

 

BTW, did I mention, sandalwood also prospers your indirect wealth.

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Have that extra boost this unique season. Get that extra edge, for yourself and your children.

Speak to your Lotus advisor today: http://bit.ly/lotusjadeite 

Prosperity with Elegance, Lotus on Water.

RECAP ON TALK 3: Be Assertive, Have Your Imperial White Inkstone In Place

And so, we have concluded the 3 sessions of Annual Fengshui talk. I am really touched by your support, faith, and turnout -- we accommodated more seats, still fuller than full-house!

But, that is just the beginning, right?

In the 3rd and final session, we talked about another set of 一白遮三丑 (one white covers three ugliness) -- when you enhance one area of auspiciousness, three sectors of bad energies are suppressed. We covered the first set in our second session: pumping up our annual wealth lucks (both direct and indirect) to counter crisis, accidents, illness; using agarwood and sandalwood to attract prosperity to us, absorb negativity and convert them into opportunities. We have a recap here.

There are 三煞 "3 Sha" (in general, we can understand as conflicts) in 2017 (丁酉). Ranging from mere verbal conflict to unwanted fame, even to legal conflicts. I emphasized in the last session: the intensity of these 煞, whether they impact you positively or terribly negatively, really depends on you. Whether you are going to smoothen the impact, tackle it, convert it, or ignore it. 

Yes, we can smoothen the impact of such conflicts. Just place the Duanxi Clear Waters Black Inkstone 端溪静水黑砚台 at prescribed locations.

Many are already aware, the Duan category of black inkstone is the top grade of inkstones (from Song Dyansty to recognized auction houses today) -- as like other Lotus collections, we always go for the top order of things, right? -- it has the subtle power of "冬暖夏凉" (warm in winter, cooling in summer), a good agent to appease arguments and fights.

So this is one action that you can take. And since there are 3 areas of conflicts, if you want to defend against all 3 spots, place 3 Duanxi Clear Waters Black Inkstones.

3?? Ok, hold that thought. 

I also urged you, in my last session, to face such potential conflicts with courage, to embrace them. We have to admit that certain conflicts are necessary. Without potential conflicts, there won't be talks, there won't be negotiations and discussions. All is but silent. Bad news for people in business. Bad news for employees too. There won't be even talks about your promotion. Just still as water. 

The key thing is to emerge victorious from such imminent conflicts and negotiations. That's when your 一白遮三丑 comes in. Instead of defending, be assertive. Use your Imperial White Inkstone to up your status, power, benefactors, and subdue the negativity that might emerge from the conflicts.

We spoke about the Imperial White Inkstone for years, despite we might only be able to harvest less than 10 pieces every year. Here: http://lotusonwater.blogspot.sg/2014/10/exquisite-lotus-collection-sold-to.html 

And we did MANY episodes on the Imperial White Inkstone before:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMWHTDGlC8Q&list=PLAga51AM1ga0i-YRuLd7slr3waJD1811l

Much has been said about the rarity and power of the Imperial White Inkstone, and there is still much to revere about it (do refer to the notes given out during the sessions).
 
But just as a recap, know this: with one Imperial White Inkstone, while you are covering the conflicts from 3 sides, you are also boosting your benefactor and victory power. 

This is why we keep emphasizing 一白遮三丑. It is an efficient way to get your annual fengshui done up. You secure the key positions, while they minimize the negative interference, you are benefiting and prospering as well. 

And this is also a way of life -- I did say before, the Lotus prosperity is about having Lotus collections, and also making prosperous decisions at every possible turn. Instead of choosing to be neutral or not-that-bad, go for victory, go for prosperity. 

Here's a summary of the 3 sessions that we had, coming from this perspective:

1. Leverage on your big cycle of fengshui, we need all the boost we can get for 2017.
2. Agarwood is the necessity. You need it to boost your wealth luck, and to absorb and convert. If you have agarwood, boost it with your sandalwood. You are overcoming the intrusion of the evil brothers of crisis star and illness star.
3. Be assertive. To defend is good. But not good enough. Have your Imperial White Inkstone to boost your benefactors and victorious power.

So this is yet another beginning. Remember to fix your appointment with us to go through your floorplans to see how we can appropriate these annual remedies for your 2017. 

Let's make your 2017 a game-changing and prosperous one. Huat on. 

-- Kan Ying Loong, Executive Director

It All Began With The First Stroke - How I Started, Kan

I love new year periods, like now [I started writing this since couple of months back, the 2015 new year period, but was seriously way too hectic to complete this...]. This is the time when clients who have followed the Lotus for 8 years, 10 years, come back to the Lotus and prosper themselves for the coming year. It's comforting to recount their progress over the years. They are a testament to the promise of the Lotus. 

In these times, I would recount the years that I myself started. How did I arrive here today, to advice, to consult, to be a representative, and in fact - a part of the Lotus? It has been 18 years.

Today, I am speaking to you directly through our talkshows and short clips. With me here, Herng Wei, my client and friend.

Many would have heard me saying that I started like how the primly attired tea stewards of the Lotus galleries are doing now - learning how to brew tea, in the Lotus way. 

Then I recalled, preparing tea was actually the second lesson. The first lesson was Chinese calligraphy. 

When I was 8 or 9 years old, Master Yun started teaching me to write simple stokes with the Chinese calligraphy brush. In those times when the Western way and culture were dominant, it was perceived as "uncool" to be associated with such "Cheena" activities. But this discrimination has never impeded Master Yun from teaching the ways of our ancestors. Throughout all these years, I finally come to know Master Yun as a person who doesn't really care what others think, even less of what others unreasonably feel, but zealously focused on doing what he knows is right. And his reason is simple, as like how truths often are: this is our culture, if we don't do it, who will?

Every stroke, with strength. Eventually, they laid the foundations of the Lotus. And of course, the Double Dragon jadeite ring

And if you have touched calligraphy before, you would know that the very beginning is day after day of mundane writing of strokes, vertical, horizontal strokes. After the first "boring" lesson, a few dropped out. A few more sessions later, more disappeared from Master Yun's calligraphy class. Master Yun never wavered. He never short-cut the rigorous training required. He also never pandered to the suggestions that wanted him to adjust according to the wishes of the masses. He explained simply: well, not every one can breathe and live my standards. It's not the culture that needs to change. It is not the students' fault either.

What was born out of those black strokes on white rice paper were to last me a lifetime. The belief that you can control the soft brush, through the disciplined persistence to do it day after day, and the commitment to endure our culture.

This was way before I started touching jadeite, way before I started learning about the stars. Way before the first Lotus gallery was founded, I was grinding ink on inkstones while learning to decipher their quality, and stroke by stroke, laying today's foundations. This was when I was in primary school.

And when I was ready, Master Yun went on to guide me in literature, philosophy, taiji, jadeite, fengshui, crystals, agarwood...

...that took 18 years. And I think I am far from done. 

-- Kan Ying Loong, Executive Director

How Lotus treasures turn my dreadful presentation into a successful one?

I was in my previous job as a stock broker, that I was ‘arrowed’ or tasked to do a presentation that is something out of my scope (wordy regulations) to two very important people.

 

The day came for me to step up to the front of a packed conference room.  As I began I was very relaxed as I know I had did my work homework and my fengshui homework, I continued till the end with confidence and in pace.  And then comes the Q&A.  This is when it becomes a courtroom.

 

I was probed by the group chairman, who owned the firm and is a billionaire, as well as the HR director, who was known as unforgivingly direct.  I answered them appropriately.  And as they looked for uncovered areas, I expectedly stumbled.  I gave my best shot and they, to everyone’s surprise, became my benefactors by talking lovingly and caringly like a grandfather and grand-auntie to their grand-son.  They saw that I had done my best but wanted to make it better.  I was touched and felt very relieved when I managed to set the successful momentum for the rest of the presenters to follow.  In my 4 years at the company, never was this ever accomplished.  Not with any other staff of presentation.  I can say I was the first.

I thought to myself, my exquisite jadeite pendant did work to pull the Chairman and HR Director in my favour and my duanxi plum blossom inkstone did reduce the potential for arguments, turning them into benefactors instead.

How did I manage to be so successful?  I over-prep by consulting materials outside my company to gain new insights, and I diligently grind my duanxi inkstone in 6 repetitions as prescribed, while visualizing the desired outcome of a smooth and successful presentation. Holding on to my exquisite jadeite pendant which is a dragon-head ruyi, I recalled the emperor used jadeite and ruyi meant everything should go in my way.

 

I now had a win for myself, my department and my firm.  You too, can score a winning goal for yourself at Lotus on Water by getting a Lotus Ruyi Dragon exquisite pendant like mine, and a duanxi inkstone to grind away all the worries.



My Lotus Ruyi Dragon that won over a victory (left) &
Lotus Dragon Ruyi that is still available at Lotus on Water  Exquisite Gallery (right)



My Lotus Duanxi Plum Blossom inkstone that reduce all arguments to a minimal (left) &
Duanxi Keng Zai inkstone still available at Lotus on Water Gallery

 --- Leonard