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Vastushastra : For Interiors in Harmony with Nature

Law of Harmony, Law of Contrast, and Law of Balance govern the European art and architecture. Further, Principle of Coherence and Principle of Rhythm dictate the relationship between the entities influenced by these laws. On the other hand, ancient Indian and Eastern architecture reflects man’s inborn urge for harmony with nature and for unity of the soul with the cosmos.

Vastushastra encompasses the entire building science, including architecture, with topics ranging from symmetry and asymmetry, solid testing techniques, orientation of plot and dwelling, measurements, proportions, divination, astrology, yogashastra to religious ceremonies.

Concepts like harmony, balance, rhythm, form, shape, proportions, functional utility, efficiency and beauty are valid in European architecture as well as Vastushastra. But, inspirations differ. Vastushastra designs dwellings beneficial to body and mind of the dweller. Modern architecture forgets the inherent psychological needs like peace and tranquility of human beings in pursuit of illusive economy, lifestyle, function, and work efficiency.

In Vastushastra, shapes like square and rectangle indicate safety, competeness, and stability. Triangular and round shapes popular in modern architecture are strictly avoided in Vastushastra. Modern architecture is yet to assimilate the smooth balance between symmetry and asymmetry evident in structures designed as per Vastushastra principles.

Vastu Energetics To achieve smooth flow of positive cosmic energy through a confined space is a prime consideration in Vastushastra. Directions decide the source and sink positions of energy stream. The layout of the Vastu (dwelling/house) must be planned in such a manner that there are no traps or hindrances and the energy streams follow their natural patterns.

“Vastu Purush” (a living soul associated with the Vastu or a dwelling) should indicate the critical points which can serve as hindrances in natural positive energy flow in any households. There are methods available in Vastushastra to remove the effects of obstacles impeding the smooth flow of energy.

Two-stream theory is a powerful tool in Vastushastra analysis to assess the nature of energy blockages and related solutions. Here, the constant North-South electromagnetic flux is termed as ‘Jaivik Urja’ and the variable solar energy flux as ‘Pranik Urja’. For ‘Jaivik Urja’ North direction is the source and South is the sink. For ‘Pranik Urja’ East direction is the source point and West is the sink. It must be remembered that sun transits from East to Southeast to South to Southwest to West during its daytime journey through sky. As such, the collage of energy patterns generated in a Vastu through confluence of ‘Jaivik Urja’ and ‘Pranik Urja’ determines the qualities or virtues of a household from Vastushastra point of view.

On a larger canvas - gravitation, electromagnetic radiation, chemical energy, bio-energy, light, sound, vibrations, waves are all integrated into Vastu energy analysis.

Essential Vastushastra

Existence and all the active systems go through the three stages - Generation, Organisation, Destruction, i.e., G.O.D. All good organised healthy systems have the right amount of life generating force from the very beginning, while all the sick systems imbibe destructive forces at the generation stage itself. The two-stream theory in Vastushastra follows the same logic.

Ida, the Chandra Nadi or the Moon Stream has a direct relationship with the energy source directions - the North and the East. This stream showers on the Vastu the blessings of all the good things, bliss, happiness, contentment, peace, and tranquillity.

Pingala, the Surya Nadi or the Sun Stream has relationship with sink directions, i.e., the South and the West. This stream is harbinger of all the evil things, curses, sorrows, defeat, discontent, grief, and torture.

The steady unidirectional electromagnetic flux from North to South is termed as Jaivik Urja (organic stream) in Vastushastra. Cellular structure in living beings and atoms/molecules in all animate or inanimate things are conditioned by the flux direction. We can terms the North point of each Vastu (dwelling or house) as the source of Jaivik Urja, and South point as the sink of this Urja.

The Pranik Urja or solar energy has East as the source direction and West as the sink direction. This stream does not remain constant, but varies throughout the day in direction, as well as intensity.

The nature of confluence of the Jaivik Urja and Pranik Urja in a Vastu gives it unique properties that influences the body and mind of the person occupying the Vastu.

Modern Physics and Vastushastra

Human beings and their dwellings in directly evident or in mystic ways are affected by the motion of the earth, and the microscopic as well as the macroscopic effects of the forces of gravitation and electromagnetism. Some points to be considered are;

* gravitation and geomagnetism are the two forces which have direct influence on the animate and inanimate objects on this earth.
* though there are attempts to incorporate short range force of repulsion in theory of relativity, gravitation is known to be a long range force of attraction and the magnetic effect involves forces of attraction as well as repulsion.
* gravitational interactions, as per Einstein’s theory of relativity, can be interpreted in terms of space-time geometry.
* space-time is womb of hidden and manifest events.
* man has no control over time factor, but for harmonious relationship with the cosmos, he can alter the space he lives in.

Vastushastra defines and shapes spaces for designing dwellings that are in harmony with nature, and are beneficial to the mind and body of the persons occupying these houses. ‘Dik-kal’ (dik=direction, kal=time) is the theme of Vastushastra. Space-time is its reflection in modern physics. Science has been part and parcel of Vastushastra analysis and studies.

Interior Decoration and Vastushastra

Vastushastra remedial measures include the finest points from Yogashastra (mind-body trainning), Jyotishshastra (astrology), Ganitshastra (mathematics), Ayurveda (medicine), and Sangeet (music). Subtle properties of Panch-Maha-Bhuta (five great elements) - earth, water, fire, wind, and ether - are used in an innovative way to add or subtract the directional qualities associated with any Vastu or a dwelling.

Colour schemes, materials with specific textures, metals, non-metals, stones for flooring, gems, trees, pictures, murals, bells, aromatic substances, multi-dimensional geometric shapes are part of Vastushastra based decoration concepts. Each of these items is endowed with some quality of the five great elements as correlated with planets at cosmic level. Skillful utilisation of the materials available can result in an exquisitely decorated household having most of the virtues advocated by Vastushastra.

Vastushastra emphasises use of naturally available materials for interiors to provide households with a natural ambience and a sense of cosmic presence. “Man and his dwelling must be a reflection of cosmic properties”, is the theme of interior decoration schemes based on Vastushastra.

Vastushashtra Tips:

1 Place Vaastu in the Southwest zone of a plot with excess site margins/open spaces towards North and East directions.

2 Ground slopes should incline from South to North and West to East, thereby making South & West zones relatively heavy.

3 As far as possible, doors and all window openings should be placed towards North and East. Openings towards West & South zones should be minimum possible.

4 Roofs should slope towards East and North, placing West and South points at a higher level.

5 Kitchen should be located in Southeast zone with the cook facing East.

6 All heavy loads and huge cabinets should be placed in relative South and West zone of a room.

7 Additional floor should be constructed in Southwest or South or West zone with terraces towards North & East.

8 South and West side walls should be constructed in heavy stone masonry.

9 Plot, Vaastu, and individual rooms should have North-South length greater than the East-West width.

10 In commercial establishments - top executive should have offices in Southwest zone, legal & accounts personnel in Southeast zone, finished products in Northwest zone, library and relaxation rooms towards Northeast zone.

11 Vaastu-dosha (deficiencies/defects/flaws) can be remedied by applying basic concepts from Yogashastra, Astrology, Ayurveda, and Science.

Vastushastra

Vaastushastra is a matter of faith. Guidelines indicated here are for general knowledge of interested readers. These should be understood in a proper context and perspective. Expert advise can be of help in defining problems and seeking solutions.

The above material is based on information available in ancient Vastushastra texts. Basic knowledge of rules is always welcome, but application requires due dilligence. Adherence to Municipal or Local Authority rules is a must for any building construction or dwelling.

Helix and Energy Flow in Vastushastra

Yogashastra refers the ‘Nabhi’ (navel) as a ‘kanda’ (bulbous root) and considers it to be the source point of all the ‘nadis’ (channels of energy). The manifestation of energy through the ‘nadis’ is akin to growth of spiralling helix with multiple openings. The yogis visualise the Kundalini as a spiralling helix with the vertebrae of the spinal column along which the Kundalini is said to move while passing through the six ‘chakras’, imitate a helical form. The Hindu religious symbol ¬ (Omkar, pronounced as “Aum”) is an amalgamation of three helices, while the Chinese ‘Yin-Yang’ symbol represents a helix with twin openings.

The flow of energy in the terrestrial atmosphere is influenced by the sun’s daily sojourn in the sky, west to east rotation of the earth relative to the sun and the earth’s magnetic field. Gravitational waves (yet to be detected in terrestrial laboratories) may also affect the dynamics of energy flow. Helix , a naturally evolved shape, embodies the path of least resistance and balanced interaction encompassing the energy currents of terrestrial, solar and cosmic origin. It is not surprising that the helical form is evident throughout the universe, right from microscopic virus to the giant milkyway. As a protective shield, every living organism shows marked preference for the helical shape.

It really is interesting to observe how a Vastu (dwelling) attains a stable helical form just by applying principles of Vastushastra at the planning stage. Planning of proportionate dimensions of a house based on the Golden Ratio (1:1.618) and using the same fraction for marking the boundaries of the selected plot leads to the formation of a helix with the final microscopic centre of the helix located in the Northeast zone, as also positioning of the macro starting point in the same zone. Since the final helix form attained by the Vastu acts in all the three dimensions, it can be considered as an ascending helix for growth and energy sustenance. This type of helical projections result in reinforcing the life-preserving characteristics of the ‘Ida’ currents in the Northeast direction. In a way, Vastushastra provides a naturally energising shield for the human body and mind, that is in tune with the life-propagating properties of double helix of the DNA molecule.