What is Feng Shui in the simplest terms?

Today, let’s talk about “Kan Yu” (堪舆,) which many of you know as Feng Shui. At its heart, Kan Yu explores the relationship between people and their environment. The place you live in shapes the person you become—your fortune, your health, and your destiny are all intimately tied to your home.

At the core of this philosophy lies one fundamental principle: “Hide the Wind, Gather the Qi” (藏风聚气). If you can understand these four words, you’ve grasped half of what Feng Shu means. Simply put, it’s about finding a space that retains good energy and keeps bad energy out.

Qi is invisible and intangible, but it’s undeniably real. It flows like water and behaves like money. When you earn money, you store it in a wallet or a bank—that’s gathering Qi. You wouldn’t scatter your cash on the street, letting the wind blow it to somewhere you don’t know.  That’s Qi dispersing with the wind.

So, hiding the wind means protecting your good fortune from being blown away. Why is wind so important? Because Qi rides on the wind. If the wind is too strong, Qi cannot settle. Think of a desert—wind howls, and the land is barren and lifeless. A good home must first be able to shield the wind.

We often hear stories of people who work tirelessly for decades, honest and diligent, yet feel they can’t hold onto their wealth. Some earn well, yet money slips through their fingers. Others seem to have decent income, but end up with nothing. Many blame fate or divine injustice. But I tell you—it’s not fate. Often, the problem isn’t out there, it’s beneath your feet.

Have you ever truly considered what “home” means? Many think it’s just a place to sleep—a building made of bricks and cement. That’s a mistake. A true home is a convergence of energy, a place that nourishes you.

Here’s a simple example: you walk into a space and instantly feel relaxed, your breath flows easily, your mood lifts. But in other places, the moment you step in, you feel uneasy, agitated, even want to turn around and leave. What is that? That’s the difference in Qi fields. You can’t see or touch them, but you can absolutely feel them.

Feng Shui is about the dynamic interaction between people and their environment. The space affects the person, and the person in turn influences the space. Our ancestors understood this deeply. It’s only today that many dismiss it as superstition. But in truth, it’s closely tied to your mood, your health, and your wealth.

The most important function of a home is to hide the wind and gather the Qi. When Qi is concentrated, the people living there feel mentally clear, physically healthy, and spiritually uplifted. Things go smoothly, and wealth follows naturally. But if the Qi is scattered, chaotic, or even negative, then even the most talented and intelligent person will feel restricted, miss opportunities, and face constant obstacles.

Think about it—don’t you know someone who works hard but constantly loses money, or whose family keeps falling ill. And others who seem to glide through life effortlessly, with wealth flowing in. Is that fate? No—it’s the environment. It’s Feng Shui.

True wealth isn’t something you chase—it’s the natural result of doing everything right. Yet many people spend their whole lives trying to earn money, never once considering whether their home is a place that can actually retain it. It’s like carrying water in a bucket with a hole—no matter how fast you fetch, it won’t stay. Isn’t that ironic?

Don’t dismiss it. There are countless real-life examples. People complain about bad luck or poor finances, but the moment you step into their home, the answer becomes crystal clear. It’s bad Feng Shui.