A friend, Mr. Wang, who runs a company, asked me to paint a landscape painting with feng shui significance and write an accompanying couplet.
Feng shui paintings follow certain principles; They should include back mountains and front mountains。 The mountains in the distance representation rely on mountains, while those in the forest symbolization case mountains。 Additionally, water elements are essential to signify wealth。 I created numerous landscape paintings with a meditative theme, featuring lone figures of red-robed monks—some seated in meditation, others standing and gazing intently。 Such works resonate with individuals on a spiritual path, offering them a sense of calmness and transcendence。 However, for businesspeople, these paintings may not be suitable for hanging in offices unless the company’s core mission is related to spreading teachings or promoting traditional culture。
In the realm of commerce, success thrives on human connections and vibrant energy。 Unless the business is centered around propagating teachings, spreading Chinese classical studies, or operates in industries like tea houses or cultural salons, it’s advisable to avoid such tranquil and ascetic art in offices。 The choice of art should align with both the entrepreneur’s mindset and the nature of their industry。
I also incorporate rivers or lakes into these paintings, often paid with mountains and cases mountains, along with bustling scenes of sailing vessels to symbolize prosperous trade。 A red-robed monk is a recurring element in my work, representing the aspirations of businesspeople—namely, having faith, embracing an otherworldly perspective, cultivating compassion, and seeking freedom。 This approach transforms commerce into a form of spiritual practice, which I find particularly meaningful。
As for the couplet, I crafted one myself:
Opportunities arise in actions, and timing determines success。
The I Ching states: “When you apply your ideas to the welfare of people, it is called establishing a career。” Regardless of the size, any company should aim to contribute to societal progress and the well-being of its people。 The business world can be likened to a battlefield, where opportunities often fade in an instant。 Mastery lies in knowing when to advance and when to retreat。
Understanding when to seize opportunities and when to hold back is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge。 This principle applies not only to business but also to personal growth, being essential for long-term success。
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