| September 20, 2014
Dato' Joey Yap and his students started out early on Day Two of the China Excursion 2014 with an interesting destination ahead. By 8am, they were already making their way to the famous Long Hu Shan, a scenic location known for its spiritual power and is recognized as the birth place of Taoism in China.
The first location took the entourage to the Elephant Trunk Peaks, a natural rock mountain formation that resembled the shape of the head and the trunk of an elephant. Dato' Joey explained that if the shape of a landform takes a clear and obvious form of animal, this signifies that the land holds potential power and natural energy. Dato' Joey brought the whole group to the top of a viewing point where the view of this formation can be seen and analysed. The location of this eye-catching formation also means something in Feng Shui, as Dato' Joey elaborated. He pointed out that the formation is located near the Water Mouth of the area, and therefore, plays the important role of Regulating Water Mouth Star.
The entourage headed for the second location - Mosquito Free Village - and that's where the fun began. At this site, Dato' Joey gave the students a task: to locate the facing and assess the Feng Shui quality of the entire village in 10 minutes. Hearing this, many students rushed off to different directions with Luo Pan in hands, with careful eyes studying the landforms around. The exercise proved to be a success as students were able to apply their knowledge in Feng Shui in real life situation. Dato' Joey gathered them around to explain that it is important to treat the village as a small development project when it comes to Feng Shui assessment. With hints given, he said that it is important to look out for one of the most integral things when it comes to Feng Shui analysis: the availability of Incoming Dragon in the area and the direction of the Water, which is a river right in front of the village. He revealed that the village taps into the energy of the Water, instead of a more potent source as he pointed out.
With lessons learned, they headed for the third location: Zhengyi Temple - the place where Heavenly Master Zhang, the founder of the Zheng Yi school of Taoism, is said to attain his immortality. Students were fascinated by the story especially when Dato' Joey said that the cave where Master Zhang meditated and attained immortality could possibly be a Meridian Spot itself. But unfortunately, the area was off-limit and sealed off due to upgrading activities. All is not lost though as students learned one very important fact: the temple is surrounded by the North Dipper 7 Star formation. Dato' Joey showed the students one after one formation in the area and it was clearly an eye-opening experience for all of them!
At the end of the day, Dato' Joey promised a raft ride down the Celestial Water Rock waterway and the students got what they were promised. It was an educational journey down the river (Good experience as all of them got their feet wet!) as they were plenty of interesting formations along the curves of the river. Dato' Joey also revealed one of the most fascinating historical aspects of Long Hu Shan, the hanging coffin and explained the reasoning behind this strange practices. Students were intrigued to find out further but the day has come to an end and it was already dark outside as the entourage made their way out. It was a fruitful day, according to many students, and they were looking forward to more!
Dato' Joey promised more to come for Day 3 of China Excursion as they will explore another interesting site here in China. Stay tuned!
Reported by Daniel Woon for Joey Yap's China Excursion 2014. |