Hello nita,
how can the styles be so different? How can I explain how one type of Fung Shui is better than other without insulting the gift I was just given? How can I justify the Diamond theory when talking with other Feng Shui experts?
or stated another way...
"Who's Kungfu is best?"
"Which Religion is best/right"
"Which 1st grade teacher is best for my son/daughter?"
etc.
Now before you start sparing with the local feng shui experts and neighborhood interior designers, realize that like the above mentioned questions, each feng shui system will have it's philosophy and focus. Rather than having a board breaking brag off, most times, it is best to look for similarities, and acknowledge rather than defending differences.
Each schools can have it's own way of "balancing" the environment. Some may set up your bagua (nine sectors), based on actual compass directions, others may base them on as your standing in the door way looking into the house.
Finding a good martial arts class is about finding out what they are teaching, who's teaching it, and if it addresses what you want.
Looking for a self defense class for yourself, a focus, balance,and respect class for your son, or a full contact, sports fighting class for your high school son who's been in martial arts for a number of years - each may or may not be best served by different schools.
Finding an instructor who doesn't put down other schools, and is respectful of other teachers and systems is ideal.
The Diamond System is based on Marie Diamond's work with Grand Master Yap, Lilian Too, Dowsing Masters, and her own insights, work with spiritual masters, and results in the field with clients.
You'll find Landscape, compass space and time feng shui in Marie's system.
The Spring Forest Qigong International Guild had a panel discussion on feng shui, with students of various forms talking about the systems they are studying. Pretty brave, but it turned out alright. I rolled my eyes when the director first brought up the panel idea -great, get a bunch of students out there doing their best, but not having the depth, mastery, and wisdom to talk about various aspects to improve your environmental support.
Thank your friend for the gift. That was very kind. Notice the similarities and insights, use the differences in the book to have better questions in your learning of the Diamond System.
Much Love, Shawn