Wannabe MPs seek out feng shui for electoral luck

By Shweta Srinivasan, New Delhi, March 31 : 'Do you have something for political luck? Something to help me get a ticket to contest?' That's the oft-heard question these days as politicians and wannabe MPs, agonising over electoral prospects, throng feng shui shops hoping to woo lady luck.

"With feng shui, one can improve chances of getting more from life. You can arrange the environment in such a way that the balance falls in your favour. Many politicians are showing a deep interest in this and have come to me seeking advice," feng shui master Mohandeep told IANS over telephone from Mumbai.

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese system of aesthetics. It believes in using laws of astronomy (heaven's luck) and the earth luck to improve life by charging positive qi, or physical energy.

It is conceptually similar to the Indian system of vaastu shastra. In India, there are many individuals who have studied feng shui and vaastu shastra. Now, politicians are turning to them for guidance.

Mohandeep's client�le includes a host of big and small politicians.

"Many people from the Shiv Sena and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) come to me. There are two or three people from the Congress also," he said, adding that Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam, known for his stint on reality TV, is also among his regular clients.

"I look at their date of birth, floor plans of residence and office. Then give them advice so that their environment can be made positive - like how to position their table and chair or ensure they sit against a wall," Mohandeep said.

Sitting with the back to an entrance or exit point could spell trouble for the person in his office or internal party conflicts, Mohandeep said.

At feng shui shops across the country, like the Kriti Collections at Khan Market in New Delhi, totems and artefacts for enhancing luck are flying off the racks.

"Since the elections were announced, we have had a lot of customers coming in and asking for 'something' to enhance their political luck or help them get a ticket to contest elections," Sharad Goyal, the owner of the shop, told IANS.

Totems like the Ruyi stick for power and authority or the chesty-looking Quang-kong king statuettes, painted in bright red, gold and green colours and even the dragon-headed tortoise for fortune, power and support are a big hit, Goyal said.

Measures like placing a set of three, eight or nine miniature horses in the south corner or a crystal lotus to overcome obstacles or even an auspicious six-rod wind chime could do the trick, the experts said.

At many shops, a few customers skitter in inconspicuously, whisper to the patron in hushed voices. A few nods later, the customer is on his way with a brown bag tucked away under his arm.

"Often we have concerned family members or a politician's aides who come to us seeking advice. This is because the person doesn't want to be seen in public...We tell them which article to get and tell them where they should keep it in their homes," Goyal said.

"Keeping the objects in offices is also out of the question for those who want to be discreet. So, many use very small mobile charms that can be attached on to your phone or kept in your pocket or wear bands," Goyal added.

These items are charged with Reki energy by a trained master and when placed in the right positions they work "with you" to facilitate your aspirations, he added.

Goyal, who is also a qualified feng shui master who trained under world-renowned master Lillian Too's institute in Malaysia, claims to have given advice to many political aspirants.

"Many have achieved success and they come back to try again. It's all about harnessing the 33 percent of what we call earth luck. The remaining is heaven's luck and mankind luck, which are beyond the control of your immediate environment," Goyal averred.

For those seeking further guidance, the experts can even advise them on what colour to wear or adopt in your campaign to make it successful with the masses or even which is the auspicious time to launch a campaign or rally.

While feng shui does not guarantee 100 percent success, "it can improve the chances of getting more from life," said Mohandeep.