Jonas Salk couldn’t explain it. There was something about the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi that gave him clarity of mind. Right up until he died, he would often claim, “The environment there inspired me. It helped me sort out my thoughts”. Jonas Salk discovered the polio vaccine while writing his research paper at the Basilica in 1955.
If we look at the Basilica from a Feng Shui point of view, it indicates an auspicious site. It denotes that the very space where Jonas worked has a strong Qi combination that influences academic achievement in writing (in the southwest with Qi types 1’s and 4’s). NOTE: the 9 square Qi Map shown below represents a Qi flow within the Basilica with the South area of the building at the top, and the North end at the bottom; East is to the left and West is to the right.
The whole building itself is blessed with good fortune. The expansive entrance allows the Qi to be protected and well received. This blessing is kind of ironic though as the site that the church is built on was known as the “Hill of Hell”. It was land used for state executions.
In the East and SE, we have energy combinations 2’s and 3’s known as “bull sha” (and means arguing). Fortunately for the basilica, this area has been designated as a “quiet area”.
I wonder if some wise priest in the past figured this out. He must have noticed that this area was the location of too much arguing. He solved the problem by making the area a No-Talking Zone.
The SW palace consists of the “Sacred Convent” that included the apartments for visitors. This is where Jonas worked. The Qi combinations (4’s and 1’s) is known to inspire gaining fame through writing.
In the NW and West of the Basilica is the main chapel area. The Qi in these areas (9’s and 5’s) are also perfect for this area from a Feng Shui perspective. It allows the mind to relax and be more open for mediation and prayer.
Another interesting thing about this area is the design. In Feng Shui, we say that the circle and the color gold both represent the image of heaven. The image of heaven is the perfect accompaniment to the Qi of the 9 and 5 found in these palaces. This design makes the chapel even more heavenly.
Now we can see why Jonas was so inspired with this place. He had no idea just how right on he was with his assessment when he said, “there is something about this environment that just inspires me.”
Science now agrees. The Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture has found that our brains are capable of something called neurogenesis, or the growth of new neurons which is spurred on by our environments.
In a 2003 conference, Fred Gage, the neurobiologist behind the study stated, “Changes in the environment change the brain, and therefore they change our behavior.”
