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A Peek inside a Monastery: A respectful way of life in Old Westbury, Long Island, New York by Feng Shui Long Island

By
Home Stager with Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island #888

It occurred to me that most of you, the majority in fact, would most likely never see the inside of a beautiful place; a Monastery.  A Monastery is defined as " a place of residence occupied by a community of persons, especially Monks living in seclusion under Religious Vows."  When Professor Lin Yun arrived her in the early 1980's, he decided to open a Monastery.  His original one is located in Berkely, California and his second one is right here on Long Island, in Old Westbury (The Gold Coast). 

Most of the monks that live at the Monastery take care of the land and any work that needs to be done.  In addition, most of them are under a "vow of silence."  This is a beautiful and amazing place but several years ago, residents in the community decided this lovely place was a "cult."  For some reason, the most respectful people in the world were fighting to stay in the Monastery.  Thankfully, they won.  They hold occasional important weddings there and graduations of Black Sect Feng Shui Students who have become Certified in Feng Shui Studies.  Last year I was honored for having reached ten years under this certification.

It is not a well known fact that anyone can put up a website and write that they are a Feng Shui Consultant.  There are some people on the internet that have read a book, perhaps and put up a website as they saw this as a quick way to earn some money.  Not only are many not Certified, since there are no standards in the industry, they have anywhere from a three year course to a two day online course at which time they will mail you a Certificate.  If Feng Shui has touched a nerve with any of you, look for Certification and check the actual school your consultant attended.  If you see it has online courses, RUN.  The principles of Energy must be felt and students of good schools will often attend "site" visits with a Mentor to actually get the "feelings" of homes and businesses.  And check how long they have been practicing; nothing can make up for a number of years of experience.

Since I love to show pictures, this is a peek inside the Monastery at Old Westury, Long Island, New York.  Formally opened quite often, you now need a special invitation to get in because of the controversy over this lovely place. 

Feng Shui Long IslandRED is the auspicious color in Feng Shui....and a FIRE element.

Feng Shui New York ConsultantFoo Dogs protecting one of the many entrances to the Monastery.

Feng Shui Consultant Long IslandTheir altar

Professor Lin Yun Feng Shui Long IslandHH Professor Lin Yun is on the Right.  He is accompanied by an Indian Master:  Feng Shui is almost the exact same as Vastu, or Vastu Shastra, what people of the Indian faith believe

Feng Shui New York CitySetting up for the newest graduates of Black Sect Feng Shui.

Feng Shui TipsFeng Shui, literally translated means Wind and Water.

This place is peaceful, calming and absolutely beautiful.  If you are going to be near either monastery, sometimes if you call in advance they will let you in for a few minutes.  It would certainly be worth a try.

http://www.FengShuiLI.com

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Laura Cerrano is a second-generation Certified New York City Feng Shui Consultant Expert. As a full-time Feng Shui consultant, Laura provides bicoastal consultations and workshops for residential, commercial, real estate developments, Fortune 500 companies and healing faculties. In addition, Laura is a resident teacher at the Metropolitan Institute of Design in Syosset, NY. She has been featured in highly respected publications and TV networks such as Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen," PBS, CBC Television, BBC Radio and The New York Times. 

 

Comments(7)

Steven L. Smith
King of the House Home Inspection, Inc. - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham WA Home Inspector
I have visited some monesteries in Italy. Very interesting.
Jun 12, 2007 04:57 PM
Provadus Home Loans
Provadus Home Loans - Marietta, GA
Technology bringing you home.
Great insight!  I like the pics you took.  I have always been curious about what the inside is really like. 
Jun 12, 2007 05:33 PM
Lizette Fitzpatrick
Lizette Realty - Richmond KY - Lexington, KY
Lizette Realty, Lexington KY MLS - Kentucky Homes
Hi Carole! Those are some great pictures! I have never visited a monastery. I find it all very interesting how they live and connect with the universe.
Jun 13, 2007 12:53 AM
Jo-Anne Smith
Oakville, ON

As usual, I loved reading your post, Carole. Wind and Water. I didn't realize that Feng Shui stood for that. How interesting. Wind and Water are two of my favourite things...I love to sail.

I am interested in taking a Feng Shui course since I am very intuitive and pick up on energy in houses . Strangely enough, right after I read your post today, I checked my main email account and there was a  5 day on-site course being offered there by a Feng Shui school out of Toronto Ontario for realtors. It is in September and they are running it in Ottawa. I am thinking of signing up for it.

Thank you for your wisdom, insight and the incredible story on the monastery.

 Hope you are having your perfect kind of day,

 Jo

Jun 13, 2007 08:11 AM
Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher
Thank you for the comments.  Jo, you would love the course I'm sure.....I could tell you pick up the energy from reading one of your posts that talked about the empty home with the shoe left behind (I don't remember the name but it obviously left an impact on me!).  I think you are sensitive to what we call an imprint---the energy of former occupants.  Let me know if you take it, I'd love to hear about it!
Jun 14, 2007 10:44 AM
Sharon Simms
Coastal Properties Group International - Christie's International - Saint Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg FL - CRS CIPS CLHMS RSPS
Like Steven, I've visited monasteries in Europe. Many of them have a strong sense of place and peace. Actually when I was out of school and young, I worked in a monastery for a few years - VERY interesting.
Jun 15, 2007 12:07 PM
Dena Stevens
Rocky Mountain Realty - Canon City, CO
Putting The Real Into Realtor Since 2004
In the age of computers, high tech and super science it is so nice to see simplicity and tradition. I miss seeing nuns in habits. I use to live down the street from Regis University, there were several monks who lived there. These people and their traditions add so much texture to the world. We are becomming a texture - less world I think.
Jun 20, 2007 01:52 PM