In classical feng shui study, there are 4 classics that are revered as containing the quintessence of feng shui. These classics are The Green Earth Classic,Green Earth Basics, Profound Notes on the Green Earth Classic and the Heaven Jade Classic.
These classics are the reference point for feng shui studies and they are written in quite coded and obtuse language.
Feng Shui Insights took a look at these four classics and summarized their content in English. This is what they wrote:
Book 1: Green Earth Classic - (Qing Lang Jing):
The origin of the Green Earth Classic (Qing Lang Jing) is obscure but its exposition of the physical forms, the unseen forces and their interaction remains the foundation of feng shui theory, study and practice.
It also is steep in philosophy and once comprehended promises rationale for all endeavors from feng shui to the governing of nations, society and human life. It comprises three short sections and is said to be written by Huang Shi Gong.
This classic rationalizes what harmony is. The order of the universe and correspondingly our world lies in this balance. The king and the subject are but one aspect of the order of things. Harmony is achieved when the rhythm is there.
Book 2: Green Earth Basics - (Qing Lang Xu):
The Green Earth Basics (Qing Lang Xu) deals with the yin-order of the universe, coarsely translated as masculine and feminine. It explains the cyclical order of things. This classic is reputed to be written by Zheng Qiu Ji of the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD).
In movement and change, it arises as a natural result of the interaction of the yin and yang principles. Where there is wind and moisture, there is rain. When there is rain, there is water and when a fertile seed along with a fertile soil are present, then a plant grows.
This is a simple illustration of the intercourse of the forces of nature.
Book 3: Profound Notes on the Green Earth Classic - (Qing Lang Ao Yu):
The Profound Notes on the Green Earth Classic (Qing Lang Ao Yu) discusses the basic principles of feng shui. Both land forms and features are discussed together with the Qi qualities.
It has inspired the many schools of thoughts of feng shui and has too generated a great diversity of debate and confusion. It was the work of Yang Jun Song of the Tang dynasty.
Book 4: Heaven Jade Classic - (Tian Yu Jing):
The Heaven Jade Classic (Tian Yu Jing) is also the work of Yang Jun Song.
Qi is dealt with in great depth. It is an exposition of the interplay of forces, its mutability and the corresponding results are explained, though not in a straightforward language. Much reference is made to the Gua (or trigrams).
Though the words are there, they can be interpreted and understood in a number of ways, depending on which platform it is viewed from.
This work, on its own, had also generated much additional commentaries and addendums by numerous scholars. Some of the interpretations of what is said in this Heaven Jade Classic are reflected in the variants of the Three Harmonies (San He) schools and the Three Cycles (San Yuan) schools.
Many Feng Schools have developed due to different interpretation of the Classics.
Also read our article on: Fengshui Classic Qing Nang Xu (ιεεΊ) (Preamble), another important book on Feng Shui.