Fu Dogs
Fu Dogs, as they are
commonly called in the West, are among
other things referred to as Guardian Lions and Stone Temple Dogs. Their original purpose was to protect the homes
of the Chinese Emperors, their ancestors and high-ranking officials of the
Imperial Court as well as the wealthy of the country. Their image resembles that of a stylised male
lion rather than a dog and was often seen embroidered onto Chinese official
garments.
In Buddhism Fu Dogs
are said to be sacred and they are displayed as guardians at Buddhist temples.
Today they are utilised
extensively as protectors and are frequently seen gracing the entrances of Chinatowns
worldwide, Chinese Stores, Restaurants and Hotels. They are also displayed outside many of the
historical buildings in the Far East such as the Forbidden City in Beijing and
the National Palace Museum in Taipei.
So what is their
significance as a symbolic enhancer in Feng Shui?
They are probably one
of the most recognisable and popular enhancers in symbolic Feng Shui.
When displayed in
pairs they suggest Yang and Yin, Male and Female, Heaven and Earth. They represent the Dragon (male Fu Dog) and
the Tiger (female Fu Dog.) The male sits
on the left of an entrance (looking from the inside out) with a ball or
sometimes the image of a globe, beneath his right foot. The ball is said to represent global networking
and supremacy in the business world. The
female sits on the right of an entrance with a cub beneath her left foot
representing nurturing and family. They
are rarely displayed alone, signifying balance and harmony as well as
protection.
As protectors their
image is best placed at ground level on either side of the outer door of your home
or office. Alternatively elevate them on
a wall at the entrance to your property.
Their size should be in harmony with the area they are protecting. Too big and they will overwhelm the space,
too small and they become ineffective.
As well as protecting the home they can dissipate or slow down negative
energy and turn it from Sha Chi into Sheng Chi before it enters the front door.
Smaller images of the
Fu Dog are often placed inside the home or office. They can sit in a window (facing out) to
serve the same purpose as those displayed outside the home. If you live in an apartment they can be
displayed in a window or at the entrance to your apartment. This can be particularly effective if your
apartment door faces a window, a staircase or a lift. This will neutralise any negative energy
before it enters your domain. If your
apartment building has long corridors displaying Fu Dogs outside will slow down
Sha Chi around the entrance to your private sanctuary turning it positive and
harmonious.
To
the fulfillment of your dreams
LynC
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