The words厭勝 is actually壓勝; meaning to oppress and hence
to win.
There are basically two
types of knowledge an ancient master artisans must master: the first is the art
of building construction, and the second is the magical art. The combination of
the two is known as the knowledge of Lupan (魯班術).
The knowledge of Lupan is a
two edge sword: On one hand, it can be used to help people; on the other, this
art can also used to harm. We probably don’t see much of the Lupan magic
now-a-days in China. As far as I know, certain sects of Lupan magic are very
popular in Vietnam still.
In olden days, if a house
owner mistreated his artisans, they can do hanky-panky stuffs such as putting
small gadgets on the main house pole; or an empty basket facing outside and
then the house owner will lose a lot of money in a very short time or even
facing bankruptcy.
However, if the house owner
has treated his artisans kindly and generously, the artisans will still put a
basket on the house main beam. The difference is that this time the mouth of
the basket facing inwards. It is believed that by doing so, the house owner
will prosper and earn big money.
In view of such knowledge
can cause the innocence to be in great trouble, masters of the old are very
careful in selecting their disciples. But things have changed now-a-days as
almost anyone with money can almost certainly get hold of the knowledge once
was strictly guarded.
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