(119) Why saju? It was turning point in my life

``What made you become a saju master?’’

During my saju and face reading lectures at foreign embassies and workshops in Itaewon, I am often asked this question, not only by foreigners but also by locals. While those who seek saju readings may not be curious to know about their reader’s life, those who attend lectures are often more inquisitive.

I may be one of the first Koreans to write about saju and oriental teachings, such as face reading and feng shui in English.

Saju is regarded as a realm of occult practice or superstition, as opposed to rational systematic knowledge, by most Koreans. Although there are shamans who practice in charms and exorcisms, it is separate from the practice of saju. In that regard, saju is considered a local traditional custom, and is difficult to explain in foreign languages.

In fact, some say that English translations of saju are not always appropriate, given the vast differences in history, ways of living and expressions between Eastern and Western cultures.

However, to practice saju is to read one’s life and destiny by inferring the consequences of time and climatic environment from one’s birth ― which are universal themes. In order to systemize these factors, saju scholars have derived an ancient philosophy of yin, yang and five elements to symbolize those energies. Thus, saju shouldn’t be considered just an occult theory, rather, it should be translated and written in English or other global languages because it is ultimately a study of human lives.

To practice saju is to sincerely explain the causes of anguish or pleasure, and thus the future courses of our life paths.

So, why me? The moment came during a turning point in my life.

On days as bright as though seen through a rose-colored lens, people believe the most positive of things: If they just do their best, everything will be all right. Conversely, as soon as it starts to rain, people will begin to question their God’s will and their destiny.

Doubtless to say, all people do their best and try to practice virtue in their own ways. But once they start to feel that their lives are heading in a wrong direction against their will, they think about destiny or karma, which cannot be altered. It’s at this point that they begin to question: Why me, why now, what if, how come?

In my own life, this time came when my career path suddenly changed. I was separated from my family, when all hope was lost. I realized that I was not ready for all these changes, and I constantly asked myself if I had done something wrong.

These questions eventually gave way toward a brighter outlook, such as what I should do from now on and where my future was heading. In the process of reaching that stage, I came to regret my past and cursed the karma that, I thought, had ruined my life. But none of these emotions could answer my questions; everything was still in the dark, and I did not know where or how to go on.

Then, I came across saju. I started to reconsider everything in my life from a neutral stance, point zero. I decoded the signs from my birth to read my past, present and future, each new truth unburdening my shoulders. My eyes were set wide-open and I was able to see the stones that might have made me fall down, the sudden cliff that would have led to further desperation and even hidden corners. I was scared and nervous to face the dark side of my life, and the idea that it could be even worse. Slowly and painfully, I came out from the long tunnel and I became stronger.

Most importantly I became aware of the full picture of my life and could see tiny beautiful wild flowers on the road and hear the silent voice of nature.

From time to time, despair can grow harsher than even death.

I felt then that it is my calling to write and teach saju, not in the traditional way that it has already been written, but in a global language so more people can learn and understand. So that, perhaps, it might help them stop crying and clear the clouds shadowing their lives.

Info: Are you interested in learning more about the ancient Chinese teachings of the “Four Pillars of Destiny?” Saju, or the Four Pillars of Destiny, and face reading workshops will be held this month in Itaewon, central Seoul. For more information, contact Janet at 010-5414-7461 or email janetshin@hotmail.com.

The writer is the president of the Heavenly Garden, a saju research center in Korea, and the author of “Learning Four Pillars.” Visit www.fourpillarskorea.com.