A Study of the Development of Feng-Shui Art in Sri Lankan Culture

Abstract

Feng-Shui art is a ritual that is practiced worldwide at present. This Feng-Shui art is included part of Chinese culture. Feng is wind and shui is water in Chinese culture. There are two concepts namely ‘Yin and Yang’ and ‘Pancha Maha Dhathu’ included in Feng-Shui which was established three thousand years ago. Meanwhile, Sri Lankans have focused their own kind of attention in Feng-Shui art. The main objective of this research is to review the areas of Feng-Shui art that can be identified in Sri Lanka. Here, the main research problem was to examine the feng-shui elements which have impacted to Sri Lankan culture. The main research method was drawing sources from books and periodicals. In addition, information was collected through the Internet and interviews with specialists in this field. Symbols and other related objects were observed directly. Many Feng-Shui symbols were found in Sri Lankan culture: The Laughing Buddha, Golden Frog, Rings, Dragon tortoise, Paddy pot, Sandriyana plant and Salt container. Various animal symbols represent the different directions in Feng-Shui art. For example, North-rat, South-horse, West-fowl, East-rabbit. The purpose of using these symbols for Sri Lankans is having healthy lives, gaining wealth, gaining employment etc. As such, this study argues that many elements of Feng-Shui art are in operation in Sri Lankan culture.