Fengshui: Science, Religion, Superstition, or Trade?

Abstract

Fengshui (also called Chinese geomancy) is a pre‐modern tradition rooted in Chinese civilization. Chinese civilization is pre‐modern and practice‐oriented due to the domination of political power in China. In contrast, Western civilization is modernized. It witnessed the development of religion in ancient times, and the growth of science through reason (logic) and experiment in modern times. It is both rational and transcendental. It seems that Fengshui is an intermediate between science and religion. It is not science although its focus is on this world, for it does not seek knowledge and truth. It is not religion although it is mystical, for it does not seek transcendence and good. It is not only superstition (or magic), but also a mystical trade that centers on secular benefits.