Vastu is a system of architecture, design and sacred space. It is both architecture and the art of knowing how to honor and fill the enclosed space in this form. Vastu’s goal is to align our architectural spaces with the beneficial effects of the subtle laws of nature and the earth and cosmic energies. Vastu works with prana, or universal life energy, to enhance the freshness, vitality and vital qualities of our environment. Vastu is the yoga of design, which allows us to live lives in harmony, balance and integrity. Like meditation and yoga, Vastu is part of our planetary heritage: it is universal and belongs to all of us.
Vastu’s design requires beauty, comfort and practicality; the use of natural materials; and harmony with nature by the recognition of the five elements and the nine directions. It contains guidelines for an extraordinarily wide range of arts and practical design, including the creation of vehicles, gardens and dance. The Sanskrit word “Vastu” is translated as “energy”, “the space that fills this form or remains” and “substance that exists forever”. “Vaastu” refers to constructed human forms that are full of this spatial energy. Vastu sees a building as a living entity that harmoniously supports our lives. It has the potential to revolutionize lives by creating buildings that, like living organisms, fully support our health, growth and happiness instead of being the cause of many of our problems, as we see with “sick buildings” today.
Vastu creates houses in which prana (subtle, brilliant and universal vital energy, what is called in the Chinese chi system) circulates freely and there are no structural elements that predispose us to diseases or problems of life. life. Even existing health problems are mitigated and can disappear in buildings built according to the true Vastu. Some aspects of Vastu can be applied to correct energy imbalances in existing homes, although building a new house in accordance with Vastu’s principles produces a much more vigorously nutritious environment.
The main blue print for Vastu houses is the Vastu Purusha Mandala, a square or rectangular model with a minimum of nine sections representing the nine directions north, south, east, west, north-east, north-west, south-east, south- west and center. Each address has its particular properties which, when properly honored, facilitate the transformation of any space into a space that feels and looks better, which is more conducive to satisfying our desires for peace, prosperity, health and happiness. The Vastu Purusha Mandala represents the harmonious union of the cosmic energies and energies of the earth, male and female divine elements. This creates a living and balanced fullness.
The land is the base of a building and, therefore, has a profound effect on the energy that will materialize in the house or business that is on the property. There are specific guidelines for what comes next (roads and other buildings), what is their shape, where are the trees or the water of the property. A traditional test is to dig a hole in the ground and then fill it with the same soil. If the soil fills the hole or overflows, it is a sign of plenty. If the floor does not fill the hole, consider finding another place for the house.
Vastu guidelines can also be used to rectify and upgrade existing buildings. Vastu takes eight directions into account and the most central point from which energy and prana spring: the four cardinal directions of north, south, east, and west; the intermediate directions of north-east, north-west, south-east and southwest; and the center Something similar can be seen in other traditions, such as Navajo sand painting and Tibetan Buddhist sand mandalas. Each of these nine directions is important and has associated specific elements. Correct orientation with the cardinal directions aligns the constructed space with the energy grid of the earth and brings a great harmonious advantage.
Vastu recognizes five elements of creation that, when honest and balanced, improve the flow of prana within a house or other building. Honoring nature is always a sacred recognition. It is clear that the respect and care of our natural environment is a sacred contract: we have all seen the result of ignoring it. The five elements of the Vedic system are space, air, fire, water and earth. Space is the most subtle of the five elements; the earth is the densest Traditionally, Taitiriya Upanishad understands that each element comes in turn from the previous, less dense element, which is the way in which material form develops from unmanifested space.
Each of these five basic elements is strongly associated with a particular direction.
These more concentrated and specialized energies predominate in different specific areas of the Vastu Purusha Mandala. By honoring the various elements and their primary energies, greater harmony and ease in life is achieved.
EARTH: Bhumi or Prithivi
The earth element is associated with the southwest direction, the best option for the location of the master bedroom. The Earth is a solid and dense element and based on its effect. We all need a physical base or base to survive in this world. Plants, trees, soil, rocks and mountains represent the element of the earth.
WATER: Jala
The northeast is the direction where the energy waves of the water element meet. This makes it the best place for indoor and outdoor water installations: pools, fountains, ponds, waterfalls and aquariums. Water is often used as a metaphor for pure consciousness in the Vedic tradition.
FIRE: Agni
The fire element is predominant in the southeast, making it the best location for kitchens, fireplaces, computers and other electrical equipment. Digestion in the body and transformation are also the domain of Agni. To add and honor the element of fire, light the fire! Enjoy candles or a fireplace, indoors or outdoors, in the southeast.
AIR: Vayu
The air element is more lively in the northwest, so place your fans, wind coils, mobiles, wind chimes and air purifiers here. The concept of movement in general is associated with this element and its direction. To enjoy the benefits of prana in the air, practice pranayama breathing techniques, preferably with windows large enough to bring fresh air into the room.
SPACE: Akasha
This element is directly linked to sound and silence. Akasha is the expansiveness in the center of the architectural form and in the center of each room. The center of the building and each room is called the Brahmastan; honor it in each area by keeping it clean and open. Don’t put heavy objects here.
Go by all the rules but neglect to create a beautiful building, and it is not fully Vastu; aesthetics must be satisfied as well. Without the element of beauty, the structure is not complete. This is evident in the Vastu texts that describe the creation of the world. Here is an apt excerpt from the Shilpa Vidya Rahasyopanisad: “The space became decorated and beautified with stars and other luminous bodies. The Earth also became studded and decorated with mountains, forests, trees and so forth.” Vastu encourages you to imitate Nature and divine Creation by beautifying your own spaces.