Background:
Someone (a seemingly concerned Western viewer) from my tumblr account went on a comment rampage about "cultural appropriation" when I posted about 红包 'hong bao' or red envelopes as a custom and as an evolving lucky charm in the local and international market. He complained about how I was openly sharing "sacred rituals" for Asians for random people to merely turn into "lucky charms". I don't think he even read the whole post (there's a difference between a ritual and a common, non-mandatory practice borne from cultural superstitions & traditions). I had to give a brief explanation at the end of that post about the availability and global inclusivity of the practice of Feng Shui and Asian Practices on the Laws of Attraction as well (which, by the way, has existed for centuries). The "concerned" citizen's account was deactivated for whatever reason, so his rants was removed from my tumblr post's comment section. However, I think you can still find his "concerns" on cultural appropriation somewhere in the reblogs history of the post itself.
A half-assed differentiation on Asian Religions, Schools of Thought, Metaphysical Practices, and Culturally Passed Down Superstitious Beliefs:
While a part of me feels grateful over the fact that there are people from other nationalities concerned about protecting our culture(s), I feel the need to make some things clear for those who are interested (but are not yet quite familiar) in the topics mentioned in the title of this post.
That being said, although Religions, Schools of Thought, and Metaphysical Beliefs & Practices are related to each other by roots and influences, there are still fine lines drawn between all of them. The three are seen as separate entities that intertwine by scholars, believers, and practitioners alike.
To give some quick examples, I can come from a family who observes Shintoism or Taoism, but that doesn't mean I will follow every traditional rule of FengShui-- the former two are religions, while the latter is a form of geomancy;
likewise, I can practice and even apply the principles of "ZEN" into my daily life without being a Buddhist-- the former is seen more as a Philosophy, while the latter is directly referring to the religion itself;
my ultra Asian uncle can attend my wedding and not bring a "red envelope" as a present (he can give me cash or a new car and it won't decrease his "Asian-ness"), while his American friend can give my niece a red envelope for her birthday and we will consider it a great gesture of generosity and not someone "ruining" our culture;
a Christian man from Los Angeles can enroll in Yoga Classes opened by their Hindu neighbors without him being Hindu-- the former is considered an ideology beyond a physical set of exercises while the latter is a religion;
a woman of Mexican decent who wants to study how divination is done in different parts of the world is allowed to find Eastern mentors who can teach them about I Ching- because again, it is a form of geomancy and is not exclusive to only a specific culture, nationality or religion...
--These are just some basic examples that I hope can give those who are not familiar with the topic an idea on the differences between Religion, Cultural Practices, and Schools of Thought. For those who may be interested in this topic or wish for a more scholarly explained set of examples and definitions, I always encourage you to do a little reading during your free time. Who knows what new doors it might open for you :)
So yeah, no matter your nationality, religion, or color, if you are interested in learning common Feng Shui practices AND you have the confidence that it doesn't go against your religion and/or personal values, you're always free to learn more about it. The whole point of Feng Shui is to work with the flow of energy in order to bring balance and harmony into one's life. Official publications both online and in print, as well as guidance from self-professed "Masters" are available to all the "seekers" and "learners" in this day and age of globalization. Oh, but just be extra careful and do your research should you decide to hire or consult one of the so-called "masters" and "experts"-- some of them are seriously "sus". I suggest studying the basics first so you get a feel on whether or not you're getting sincere and legitimate service. 😖
*Note: I may continue to add more references and definitions for the convenience of this blog's future readers when I have the time . Feel free to check back or send me academic definitions and sources that will add more clarity to the content for people who are interested in this topic :)
