Chinese couple sues cemetery for Feng Shui faux pas

[Chris H]

*FACEPALM*

http://bit.ly/bRysJ1

 

[lionking]

*FACEPALM*

http://bit.ly/bRysJ1

I was about to start a thread on this. The problem the cemetery faces is that if they run the "feng shui is BS" argument they are sure to lose a heap of business, so they will, sadly, settle and the bloodsucking lawyer gets her moment in the sun.

Embarassing crap.

 

[Bill Thompson]

Ah HA !!! This can be related to the 9-11 Familes VS Masque issue.

This is why the masque should not be built near Ground. It will disturb the Fung Shi of the Freedom Tower.

 

[SpuriusMaximus]

They're making a what at ground zero? Masque? My word, that is disrespectful indeed.

 

[cwalner]

While I agree that Feng Shui is BS, the cemetery may have issues due to this from the link.

Three years ago the cemetery, formerly known as the Springvale Necropolis, allowed a 4.5m mausoleum to be built next to the Chan’s graves in contravention of a 1.8m height limit prescribed in the cemetery’s own guidelines.

Clearely, Feng Shui or no, the Chen's had a reasonable expectation for continued Line of Sight between thier parent's graves and the hilltop temple

 

[Chris H]

My money is on a win for the couple too, but for the 1.8m limit reason, not for the feng shui. What's the bet the media makes a fuss about it afterwards? Start posting your puntastic headlines now!!

 

[lionking]

While I agree that Feng Shui is BS, the cemetery may have issues due to this from the link.

Clearely, Feng Shui or no, the Chen's had a reasonable expectation for continued Line of Sight between thier parent's graves and the hilltop temple

Yeah I know, but the line of sight is supposed to be between the spirit of the dead and the statue of Buddah.

Still, the cemetery will no doubt settle.

 

[Sledge]

Start posting your puntastic headlines now!!

Hmm, how about one referring to their winnings as a Chinese takeaway?

 

[Chris H]

Hmm, how about one referring to their winnings as a Chinese takeaway?

"Chinese Takeaway Lump (Dim) Sum"?

 

[Mojo]

Still, the cemetery will no doubt settle.

According to the story, the cemetary seems to be arguing that the construction of the mausoleum has not adversely affected the cemetary's Feng Shui:

But Cemetery chief executive Russ Allison said its own expert advice suggests the mausoleum has had no negative impact on the area’s feng shui.

If it comes down to what a court considers to be a matter of religious doctrine or interpretation, the court may decide that it is "non-justiciable" (at least, in the UK - may not be the same in Australia, although the situation is likely to be similar) and therefore not within the court's jurisdiction.

 

[Percent]

Well, it puts leaving the toilet seat up in perspective.

(...another feng shui no no.)

 

[Chris H]

If it comes down to what a court considers to be a matter of religious doctrine or interpretation, the court may decide that it is "non-justiciable" (at least, in the UK - may not be the same in Australia, although the situation is likely to be similar) and therefore not within the court's jurisdiction.

Agreed, but if there really is a guideline that says structures can't be over 1.8m, then the cemetery are likely to lose.

 

[Sledge]

Shame they're not Indian, or I could comment that their winnings would be a lot of vinda-loot to takeaway.

 

[cwalner]

Yeah I know, but the line of sight is supposed to be between the spirit of the dead and the statue of Buddah.

Still, the cemetery will no doubt settle.

As much as I hate to say it, but the reason that it is important to the clients is not entirely relevant. What is relevant is whether they had a reasonable expecation from the cemetary.

Also, as this cemetery does have a Buddhist Temple on site, it likely caters to people of Chinese descent. I am curious if Feng Shui is part of their marketing.

 

[plumjam]

mmm!... Feng Shui faux pas schadenfreude!

 

[steve s]

According to the story, the cemetary seems to be arguing that the construction of the mausoleum has not adversely affected the cemetary's Feng Shui:

That was my favorite part. Dueling feng shui experts at twenty paces.

Steve S

 

[amused]

They just need to add some mirrors and maybe a couple of miniature pyramids to bend the chi around the obstruction.

 

[Sledge]

That was my favorite part. Dueling feng shui experts at twenty paces.

Steve S

Maybe they can stand at opposite ends of the cemetary and see which one the positive energy flows to to determine who is the real expert.

 

[Puppycow]

It should all come down to the contractual obligations.

Reporters may be hyping the Feng Shui angle, but it really doesn't matter, unless there was a provision for Feng Shui in the contract.

 

[cwalner]

It should all come down to the contractual obligations.

Reporters may be hyping the Feng Shui angle, but it really doesn't matter, unless there was a provision for Feng Shui in the contract.

generally agree, but would add that may also matter if such was referenced in the promotional material as well, which I suspect it may have been.

ETA: from their website:

Premium graves are located within the 'Sweet Spot' of the Song He Huan [The Buddhist Temple], which contains 'additional good energy'. These graves have excellent Feng Shui and are located towards the top of the site, providing good views to the west of the Guan Yin and the lakes.