Feng Shui of the Sutra on Unburial

　Burial is concealment, utilizing the vital energy (Sheng Qi). The energy of Yin and Yang, when exhaled, becomes wind; when ascending, becomes clouds; when descending, becomes rain; and when moving within the earth, it is called vital energy. Vital energy moves within the earth, giving rise to all things. Humans receive their form from their parents; when the ancestral bones receive the vital energy, the living descendants are blessed. For the living are the accumulation of energy. What condenses becomes bone, remaining alone after death. Therefore, burial is the method of returning energy to the bones to bless the living. The Sutra says: 'Energy responds to sensation, and the blessings of the spirits extend to humans.' Thus, when the copper mountain in the west collapses, the spiritual bell in the east resonates. Trees bloom in spring, millet sprouts in the room; energy moves within the earth. Its movement follows the terrain. Its accumulation follows the stopping of the terrain. The ancients gathered it so it would not scatter, and guided it so it would have a stopping point, hence it is called Feng Shui. The method of Feng Shui prioritizes obtaining water, followed by hiding from the wind. When energy is abundant and flowing, even the remnants still have a stopping point. Even if scattered, the deep parts still have accumulation. The Sutra says: 'External energy flows horizontally, internal energy stops and generates,' which refers to this. The Sutra says: 'When depth and appropriateness are mastered, Feng Shui is naturally formed.'

Explanation: The term 'Feng Shui' originates from: 'Energy scatters when encountering wind, and stops when meeting water,' hence the name Feng Shui.However, it is often interpreted as 'energy scatters when meeting wind, and stops when meeting water,' which is actually a misreading.

　　The 'energy' mentioned in the Sutra on Burial refers to vital energy (Sheng Qi). What is vital energy? It is the energy of vitality in all things. This vital energy is divided into Yin and Yang, precisely as stated: the energy of Yin and Yang, when exhaled, becomes wind; when ascending, becomes clouds; and when moving within the earth, it is vital energy.

　　Earth conceals vital energy, thus earth can generate all things. Humans receive their form from their parents, just as all things receive from the earth. Therefore, in the I Ching hexagrams, the Kun hexagram can represent parents, and also the earth, which is the meaning here.

　　Remainsburied in a place with vital energy can receive its protection. Energy enters the bones, and感应 (responds to) the living people. The surrounding terrain of the burial site affects the living people accordingly; this is the way of Feng Shui.

　　However, some people's parents were not buried in a good location, yet their descendants still prosper. Why? This is actually due to the effect of inheritance.

　　The phrase 'Energy scatters when encountering wind, and stops when meeting water' means that with wind, it scatters; even if scattered, the deep parts still have accumulation. Energy moving with water, even if there are remnants, still has a stopping point, hence it is called 'stopping when meeting water.' This does not mean energy stops when meeting water, but rather that when meeting water, it should stop the energy; they should not be confused.

　　Therefore, the phrase 'Energy scatters when encountering wind, and stops when meeting water' is the method of Feng Shui, not the nature of energy.

　　Whenever there is water, energy moves with it, so the energy is strong there. However, although the energy is strong, it is also concentrated. Thus, although full and abundant, the outward flow of energy is limited. Therefore, one needs to meet water to obtain energy, hence 'obtaining water is superior,' referring to prioritizing proximity to water.

　　As for hiding wind and gathering energy, although wind moves and energy scatters, if hidden deeply, the scattering can still result in gathering. Thus, mountains are far and water is near; this is the way of hiding wind and gathering water.

　　If the ground is dry and hard, there is insufficient water energy, which is not enough to connect with vital energy. One should dig deep to find moist soil and use water to guide energy.If the ground is flat and soft, water is definitely not lacking. One should not dig deep, as energy will arrive naturally.

　　If digging too deep, it becomes too damp. Although one obtains the energy of water, it is difficult to obtain the energy of the mountain, which does not conform to the balance of Yin and Yang. Thus, the transformation of energy is insufficient,therefore, shallow burial is better.