Having a lucky coin is something that many people use in lieu of a rabbit’s foot or other symbol of good fortune. Granted, most of these symbols of luck are fairly trite and lacking a clear, motivating philosophy. Their origins date back to earth-based religions and the origins behind the symbols are lost unto all except the most ardent scholars of world religions.

West Absorbs East

In the western world, there is at least some minor, cursory understanding of eastern mysticism and philosophy. Granted, what people ‘know’ about eastern mysticism is usually an extremely abbreviated knowledge base. This is probably due in part to the western world’s reliance on having everything ‘yesterday.’

This attitude is an offshoot of the highly commercialized culture that defines the mindset of the populace. There is interest in the mysticism of the East, but that interest is more of an interest in symbols than a deep desire to understand or cultivate the philosophy. Regardless of the motivations and execution of the philosophies, the western world embraces much eastern philosophy and mythos.

The Intro of Feng Shui

This is probably a determining factor in Feng Shui achieving some popularity in the United States, as Feng Shui became another form of eastern mysticism that is embraced in the west. However, the western concept of enlightenment through symbolism leads to the prominence of items such as a Feng Shui coin.

Now, the Feng Shui coin does not originate in the West. It is, of course, eastern in design and origin. What a Feng Shui coin represents is a symbol of financial prosperity and, to true believers, it can go beyond being a mere symbol and providing a meridian channel that will enhance one’s personal prosperity.

Difference Between the Coin of the East vs. the Coin of the West

The main difference between the symbolism of the Feng Shui coin of the East and that of the coin of the West centers on the definition of prosperity. In ancient eastern societies, famine was a very real danger. Financial prosperity was a way of maintaining existence.

In the West, the Feng Shui coin becomes a perversion as financial prosperity is defined as materialism and comfort level. That is, the West is primarily a technocratic society and financial prosperity means the wheels of empire roll so as to create a comfortable life. That may be well and good, but it is not the path to enlightenment. In fact, a materialistic life is probably the single greatest obstacle to enlightenment possible. So, in that sense, the western embrace of the Feng Shui coin is an embrace that misses its meaning.

Owning a Feng Shui coin does not lead one to the path of enlightenment unless one embraces the core that it represents. Can a technocratic society do that? Doubtful, but the coins make nice decorations.

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