Our beloved Master, Dr. Shan-tung Hsu left this world on April 6, 2025, Taiwan time.
Shan-tung Hsu was born on a farm in Miaoli, Taiwan. He was the youngest of eight children. His family were considered the village leaders as his grandfather and father had deep knowledge of Chinese traditions.
When the villagers had any problems, they would come to the house to ask for guidance. Young Shan-tung would tag along with his father to these consultations, where he naturally absorbed many of the ancient Chinese traditions.
After communism took over China, many of the philosophers, taoists and other traditional practitioners escaped to Taiwan. Shan-tung’s father welcomed them to his farm where they stayed, often for several months, until they were ready to move on.
These practitioners would gather around a fire in the evening, sharing their stories and knowledge. It was young Shan-tung’s job to go around and serve tea to them. And he would get the chance to eavesdrop on their experiences. During the day, these “uncles” would teach him many traditional ideas and philosophies, which he really enjoyed.
As a young student, he excelled in school, but he couldn’t forget what all those “uncles” had shown and taught him. At that time in Taiwan, such traditional Chinese practices were less popular and were thought to have little value. His father encouraged him to pursue an academic career and hoped he would lose interest in the traditional Chinese practices.
Being the good son, Shan-tung graduated from the top university, National Taiwan University and received a scholarship to further his education in the U.S.. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Washington from the School of Natural Resources.
While a student in Taiwan, Shan-tung, began practicing Tai Chi Chuan under Ping-Siang Tao. He was his first student. During his student years at the University of Washington, Shan-tung started the first Tai Chi class in the Pacific Northwest. His group, Five Willow Tai Chi continues to practice and teach in Seattle today, with several being his original students.
Not many know that Dr. Hsu was also heavily involved with the original group of Chinese residents in Seattle. He introduced acupuncture and connected the community to many Chinese traditions that still exist in Seattle today. Being a humble and modest man, he rarely talked about such things. But once in a while over a couple of beers and some wine, he would share some of his amazing stories and adventures.
Dr. Hsu established Blue Mountain Feng Shui in 1991. When the feng shui boom began in the West, he was rather surprised at what was being taught. He didn’t agree with what he called, “New Age mambo jumbo!” He wanted people to know the real traditional Taoist philosophy and the true feng shui based on Yin-Yang energies. He wanted to spread the knowledge and methods of how to live a harmonious life with our natural environment.
His students, mentees, friends, and all of the people whose life he touched around the world, are forever grateful to him. He gave so much and asked for so little. He changed many of our lives. We are so fortunate that he expanded our perceptions that have allowed us to live fuller and more meaningful lives. Shan-tung lived a free life on his terms.
Thank you Dr. Hsu for everything. We love you and miss you dearly. You are forever in our hearts.
“In harmony with nature, In tune with the heart.”
Master Shan-Tung Hsu and Jenny Nakao Hones, Ukraine, 2013. Photo by Taras Lytvyn
