An Annotated Translation of The Dragon-Shaking Classic

The Canon of Harnessing Dragons is one of the most representative works by Yang Junsong, a renowned feng shui master of the Tang dynasty. It is an authoritative classic on dragon-vein feng shui and has been hailed as the pinnacle of ancient Chinese surveying and mapping. Yang Junsong was a celebrated feng shui master, known as the founding father of the Form School and the founder of Jiangxi-style feng shui. The Canon of Harnessing Dragons focuses on the forms and patterns of mountain dragon veins, explaining in detail how to observe the shapes of mountains and dragon veins to predict changes in the geographical environment, and how to choose and arrange houses, land, and other sites appropriately. The book divides dragon veins into nine stars: Greedy Wolf, Giant Gate, Lu Cun, Literary Melody, Chastity, Military Song, Army Breaker, Left Assistant, and Right Assistant. It describes the auspicious and inauspicious qualities of each, along with their effects. It stresses that dragon veins must be whole and continuous, as broken or fragmented veins bring harmful consequences. The Canon of Harnessing Dragons has not only theoretical value but also lasting practical significance, offering a methodology for observing and analyzing the geographical environment. Since its publication, the book has profoundly influenced the development of feng shui during the Tang dynasty and in later periods, and has also benefited fields such as architecture and urban planning. This translation and analysis are offered for feng shui enthusiasts to read and consult.