Vaastu Shastra

Vaastu is a Sanskrit word meaning "dwelling". Vastu Shastra is the Vedic science that teaches us how to locate and orientate ourselves and our buildings. Doing so correctly enables us to harmonise perfectly with the environment and absorb the maximum amount of benefit from the five elements and the magnetic fields which surround the earth.

The elements of construction such as bricks, mortar, glass, wood, steel etc. are known as vastu — or “substances”. When assembled into a compound structure they combine their individual vibrations  or magnetism and create a bio-cosmic energy field or ‘composite entity’ known as Vaastu. Depending upon all the factors involved in the construction, plus the time of commencement as well as the people that live in the building this energy can be positive, negative or neutral.

The correct positioning of a building creates a perfectly balanced environment which ensures health, wealth and prosperity. According to the Science of Vaastu each and every structure that involves enclosure of space and existence in time is capable of either attracting or disseminating cosmic and physical energies which are either harmful or beneficial to us. Vaastu Shastra is the method whereby we can manipulate these energy fields to the desired intensity and type to obtain the maximum benefit.

The first important consideration is the selection of the site. Since the plot of land represents a fixed form, it will radiate positive as well as negative energies depending on it's shape, proportion, direction and location.

Next one must consider the direction and dimensions of the building in relation to the path of the Sun with its life-giving energy — prana. 

When taking over an already existing structure which is incapable of modification in terms of location and direction it is important to consider the internal arrangement of furniture and allocation of rooms. In used buildings one should definitely take into account the previous usage of the building as well as the type of activities and nature of the occupants, as these carry with them certain ethereal energies which are transferred to the composite structure of the building. For example, abattoirs, prisons, hospitals, mental institutes etc. are places which are pervaded with suffering, stress, anxiety, sadness and forces of disintegration. If these buildings are revamped for use as institutes of learning or centres of positive growth then the retained negative atmosphere may either not contribute to these goals or in fact may act to retard them. In these cases it is important to perform the ritual for “harmonizing the space” vaastu shanti ceremony. This ritual, through its metaphysical methods and the positive intentions of the participants serves to remove the negative forces and open the space for the influx of positive and creative energies. These positive energies will then serve to create a more congenial ambience and will enhance the productivity of those who use the space.

Before a building is commenced one should perform the ceremonies of Bhumi Puja and Vaastu Homam. In this foundation rite the directions and orientation of the building are confirmed and the first five bricks are consecrated and laid down in the foundation. Mother Earth is worshipped and is requested to forgive the act of violence against her which we are about to do by digging and building, and polluting the environment. The permission of the deities and elementals that are inhabiting the space is also requested for the appropriation of the site and construction of the buildings. Offerings are made to them and they are requested not to hinder the progress of the work.

The purpose of these rites is to affirm that the entire universe is pervaded by consciousness. We acknowledge that God is the real creator and proprietor of the universe which we share with other beings both physical and spiritual. We are merely custodians of the property of God and are God's eternal servants. Through these complex rituals we express a wish and resolve to live in harmony and peace with all other beings both sentient and insentient. We commit ourselves to undertake the building of a temple/dwelling which will be a source of auspiciousness and benediction to all beings and to the entire country. We acknowledge the importance of the Earth which is our mother, our support and our source of sustenance. Bearing these concepts in mind we become more aware and mindful of our symbiotic relationship with the environment and other beings.