Monday, July 16, 2018

Rev Hong Choon - The Feng Shui Monk

Our famous icon, the Merlion, was believed that a Geomancer advised the authority to put a Fountain or Auspicious Symbol at a particular spot facing the open sea to channel in Good Luck & Wealth. As a multi-racial society, it's inappropriate to put a Deity. Common Feng Shui Figurine such as Pixiu, Kirin etc would be too obvious. Thus the job was given to a Sculptor. Merlion was born. It's trusted that the Advisor was Rev Hong Choon. 
Many decades later the sea was reclaimed. The Great Monk already passed away. Another Geomancer was consulted of moving the Fortune Merlion to the current spot.



Rev Hong Choon (宏船) means Grand Ship came from Fujian China long ago. At that time Bright Hill Monastery at Sin Ming area was merely a small temple. Under his leadership or Feng Shui Power, now it's the Biggest Buddhist Temple in Singapore. Feng Shui Monk is his the other name given by the public. 
After his death, his Personal Assistant clarified certain rumours: 1. minimum fee $10k, He never gives quotation, People gave what they liked. 2. never have any Geomancy student. Many including Monks claimed they're taught Feng Shui by Him. Notice that those who made such claim Suffered including early death! 
The PA shared an interesting note i.e. usually before sunrise the Rev were moved around the estate to see & feel Feng Shui.

Tilt Door or Entrance was His signature style. If you visit Bright Hill Temple appreciate it. Sometimes Tilting the Door to a certain angle is to receive the Energy from that direction, & not for artistic reason. Once a client requested me to tilt his door just to show that Geomancy was involved. It's turned down.
Hotel Grand Hyatt after the main entrance was tilted by the Reverend, it enjoys success till now. The Feng Shui Monk also did some changes to the old kitchen of the hotel.
Rumour that He advised the authority to create the 8-sided $1 coin, liked Bagua, to slot into the MRT machine to save the injuried Earth Dragon when MRT was built! Bad economy era.
News that He advised the Sultan of Brunei to build 4 or 8 pillars/towers at the palace to symbolise Heaven Guardians (金刚).
A relative who worked for an almost bankrupt construction co witnessed his boss invited Rev Hong Choon to Feng Shui. Due to His old age, he came with assistance. After correction, miracle just happened. Business picked up.
Someone just out of curiosity to test His power. He advised that guy to practise Buddhism instead.

I advised Ms Sara Noble who came from NZ to research on Feng Shui & S'pore to visit Rev Hong Choon. Although Sara speaks Mandarin, she's told no such person in the temple! At her 2nd visit, they told her He's resting. 3rd visit He went China. They didn't get to meet. Fate!

A Ship liked building was built near the Merlion Park. Once overheard a tour guide telling the tourists that it's built by the authority in memory of Rev Hong Choon, 宏船法师, the Grand Ship, for his Feng Shui contribution to the Lion City.

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