Period of the Property (宅之元运). Currently, with regards to ascertaining the period of the property, different views have been advocated and widely discussed by many Fengshui practitioners.

At present, the basis used for ascertaining the period of the property includes:

1. Period of construction completion date of the property
2. Period of move-in date of the very first occupants of the property
3. Period of move-in date of the current occupants in question
4. Period of current date

For each of the basis above, Fengshui practitioners have offered various arguments such as San Cai concept (天地人三才), “birth” of property analogy, etc to support their viewpoint. However, regardless of the arguments used, one must first understand that 《易》本是道; 《易》 is about the Principles or Way of Nature (自然之道). No matter how convincing, logical the theories and arguments are, or the inclusion of inferences from notable sources or cases for the arguments, conforming to the Principles or Way of Nature is of the essence. If one is not able to comprehend Nature, not only is one unable to comprehend this issue, but the Way of Fengshui (风水之道) as well. Let’s take a look at the first two views.

On “Period of construction completion date of the property” as the basis for ascertaining the period of the property, it is commonly opined that the period of the property is akin to the birth of a person (Completion of Property; Birth of Property) where the birth chart of a person is based on the date and time of birth (Construction Completion Date).  As for “Period of move-in date of the very first occupants of the property” as the basis, it is opined that only upon the move-in of the very first occupants of the property will the Qi be activated; start of period (天地人三才).

Though both offered arguments using concepts or theories seemingly convincing, logical, and/ or including Chinese metaphysics concepts, do both views conform to the Principles or Way of Nature?

First, the heart of 《易》 is on Life (生命乃易理之推导、焦点). Without life, there is no Auspicious or Inauspicious to be concerned with (无吉凶可言). Again, a seedling planted during spring will grow and able to survive past winter, but what if one remove the tree during winter and replace it with a new seedling? What is, and what will be different? What does one understand from the 《易》 saying of “Auspicious, Inauspicious, Regret, Impenitent arises from an act of movement or action” (吉凶悔吝生乎动)? What does the tree symbolizes? What does the land the seedling is planted on symbolizes?

Though the above points may appear simple, one must remember 易本是道，大道必至简！The Way of Fengshui is inseparable from 《易》, and 《易》 is one’s study and learning of the Nature, and Simplicity is a characteristic of the Principles or Way of Nature and in simplicity comes greatness and complexity (大道至简，而以简御繁). What sounds logically right may not necessary be the 理 of Nature. Do you think the first two views on ascertaining the period of property conform to the Principles or Way of Nature?

What about the last two views then? Furthermore, what does changing the period of the property means and entails? Again, don’t be quick to answer these using concepts or theories, or even the technicalities…

Does your understanding reflect or conform to the Principles or Way of Nature? Instead of just blindly focusing on theories, concepts and inferences, use one’s heart to comprehend, reflect and observe Nature more (用心体会自然规律), and not only is the point on ascertaining the period of the property no longer an issue, one’s path in Fengshui will be greatly enlighten.