Vastu Shastra Is About Harmonizing Human Life
Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian architectural science that is relevant even today. It is a traditional system of design based on directional alignments and natural elements, intended to integrate architecture with nature, balancing the energies around us to bring harmony and prosperity.
The term “Vastu Shastra” combines “Vastu,” meaning dwelling, and “Shastra,” meaning scientific treatise—thus, it is the science of dwellings. Originating in the Indian subcontinent, this knowledge has been handed down over centuries, with the principles mentioned in ancient texts such as the Rigveda and the Puranas.
At its core, Vastu Shastra is about harmonizing human life with the physical and metaphysical world. It incorporates the five elements of nature—Earth, Water, air, Fire, and Space—into architectural design, emphasizing the importance of direction in ensuring positive energy flow. This science works on the fundamental premise that the Earth is a living organism from which other organisms emerge. Thus everything on Earth, the animate and inanimate, is connected.
Vastu Considerations
Vastu Shastra, an ancient Indian architectural tradition, is a science of space, direction, and alignment to harmonize our living and working environments with the natural world.
One of the fundamental principles of Vastu Shastra is the significance of the cardinal directions—North, south, East, and west. Each direction is associated with specific characteristics. For instance, the East is related to prosperity and growth, while the North is believed to bring good fortune.
Vastu Shastra is deeply rooted in the understanding and balance of the five basic elements of nature – Earth (Prithvi), Water (Jal), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), and Space (Akash). It is believed that our well-being depends on the balance of these elements in our environment. The plot of land where the construction will take place is very important in Vastu Shastra. The plot’s size, shape, slope, and soil quality can significantly impact the energy flow.
The layout and orientation of rooms, doors, windows, and furniture all come into play. For instance, the kitchen ideally should be in the southeast corner (the direction of Fire), the master bedroom in the southwest (the direction of Earth), the prayer room in the northeast (the direction of Water), etc.
Vastu Shastra also considers natural energies and geopathic stress. Buildings should be designed so that residents are not exposed to harmful radiation. Harmony and balance are not just about positioning; they extend to the home or building’s proportions, aesthetics, and decorations. Using the right colors, forms, and shapes can enhance positivity and well-being. The flow of energy, known as ‘Prana,’ is central to Vastu principles. Structures are designed to enhance the flow of life-giving energy, emphasizing light, air circulation, and open spaces.
The surrounding environment, including the proximity to natural elements like rivers, trees, mountains, etc., and man-made structures like roads, buildings, etc., also play a role in Vastu analysis.
Vastu Shastra is not a rigid set of rules but guidelines that aim to bring harmony and balance. While it’s beneficial to apply as many principles as possible, the practicality of modern architecture and personal preferences should also be considered.
The Relevance Today
In modern times, Vastu Shastra’s principles are still widely applied, particularly in residential and commercial architectural designs. Many believe living or working in a Vastu-compliant building brings prosperity, happiness, and good health. Even for those who may not be spiritually inclined, the fundamentals of Vastu Shastra promote practical aspects such as proper ventilation, optimum use of space, and abundant natural light, all essential for healthy living.
Considerations of direction, as per Vastu, for instance, suggest having the entrance of a house in the North or East, which ensures maximum exposure to sunlight, improving the home’s light and warmth. Similarly, it recommends positioning living rooms in the East, bedrooms in the south or west, and kitchens in the southeast for optimal comfort and utility.
Vastu considerations can also create an environment that enhances productivity and employee well-being in commercial spaces. Proper placement of office rooms, workstations, and conference rooms following Vastu principles can create a flow that optimizes efficiency.
Creating harmonious living and working spaces is more critical than ever in today’s stressful world. While we continue to advance in technology and design, ancient sciences like Vastu Shastra provide us with the tools to balance modern living with nature’s rhythm, creating spaces that are not just physically but also energetically balanced.
Vastu Shastra’s relevance in modern architecture underscores the timeless wisdom of ancient traditions. Its principles, rooted in understanding natural laws, can solve contemporary design challenges and create healthy, tranquil spaces conducive to happiness and prosperity. Thus, Vastu Shastra is not just an architectural concept from the past but a science with significant relevance in the modern context.
