Feng Shui Study

Introductory Note: Fu talismans are powerful esoteric cures originating from Taoism. Many Chinese Feng Shui masters will be aware of Fu talismans and some are even able to create them. This way many things that could not ordinarily be changed in a Feng Shui consultation can be quickly transformed. For example, one's mental states, the energy within a home, black magic and mischeif caused by Yin spirits can all be very quickly remedied by the use of Fu talismans. The use of such charms is as old as Feng Shui itself.

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.

In the mini soul deliverance ritual just concluded, many souls have appeared - including those of cats and dogs. Obviously someone must have registered on their behalf. In fact, all the sentient beings from the six realms of existence have shown their presence in the ceremony.

There will be a fun fare tomorrow. Today I want to talk about "Fu protective charm" or talismans, since so many of you have come from overseas.

A Fu talisman - this one is the "Nine Phoenix Purification Fu" for cleaning away impure and negative energies and bringing spiritual protection

A disciple wrote to me and asked whether the protective charm that he has carried with him for years is still effective. He wanted to know whether the charm will still protect him as his job involves a lot of travelling, as a result the charm is often soaked with perspiration. He wondered whether his body odour will drive the Buddhas/Bodhisattvas away. I feel the urge to answer his questions right now.

How long will a protective charm last after being empowered? Is there a validity period? Some say it must be re-empowered once a month, while others says once a year. Many people lose their confidence in the protective charm as they are uncertain about how long the empowerment will last. Some disciples complained that they still fell down while walking, had minor accidents when they were not at home, they wonder whether protective charm is really effective. That is why I want to talk about protective charm today.

Whether the protective charm is effective depends on our frame of mind. We must have confidence in it and seem to have confidence in it. For instance, I hang a crossed Vajra in my car, and every morning before I drive the car, I will cup my palms and pay respect to it by reciting a certain mantra. How do we pay respect to the protective charm that we wear? All we need to do is to take it out and touch our brow-point respectfully once a day and wear it again. Before we sleep, bath, or go to toilet, we can take it off. If we want to wear it again, we must hold it to touch our brow-point first. Using our forehead to touch the protective charm is a form of showing respect to the Buddha. And cupping our hands is another. The protective charm will never lose its power; hence it is not necessary for it to be re-empowered.

Another Fu Talisman; this one is for Car Protection

Whenever we see protective symbols such as the Mahakala hanging on the door, or the charms inside people's house, we must cup our palms to show our respect to them. Likewise, we must respect others' sacred shrines. This is an indication that "when there is a will, there is a Buddha." We will experience spiritual response, and be protected. As long as we respect the protective charm, it is not necessary to do a great prostration to it , or make offering to it. The protective charm that we wear must be placed at a clean place if taken out. When we want to wear it again, we use it to touch our forehead. This is to show respect to the god of the protective charm. If we do it everyday, he will protect us. As regards mantra, we can use "Om Mani Padme Hum" (pronounced Om mani bemi hum) or "Amitabha Buddha". If we treat the charm as if there is a god in it, the charm will protect us. If we do not care about the charm, throw it anywhere we like, wear it when it is necessary and casually, the charm will not be effective. We can wear the protective charm to sleep but remember, it will protect us only when we respect it wholeheartedly.

In Tantrayana Buddhism, there is a Dharma known as "Chu Ji-Tuo". In which a person will use his head to touch the Buddha's foot. By paying respect to Buddha this way, one will be protected by the Buddha if he steps on your head. Using protective charm to touch our forehead is also one of the "Chu Ji-Tuo". I hope all of you can understand me now. In short, if we want the protective charm to be effective, we want Buddhas to empower us daily, we must respect the protective charm. This is the right way we should treat our protective charm.

Om Mani Padme Hum