Vastu Shastra is a scientific discipline that focuses on the art of creating harmonious living spaces by balancing the five elements of nature with human beings and resources. It explores the relationship between various forms to maximize positive effects on individuals. The ultimate goal of Vastu Shastra is to establish an environment that fosters improved health, wealth, prosperity, and happiness. Unlike a religious belief, Vastu Shastra is a universal and practical science based on reason and usefulness.
Vastu Shastra aims to enhance the quality of life without interfering with one's destiny. For instance, consider a perfectly designed balcony in an apartment or house according to Vastu principles. If someone living in that dwelling jumps off the balcony, their fate may determine whether they survive or meet with an unfortunate outcome.
The foundation of Vastu Shastra lies in the interplay of five fundamental elements:
1. Earth (Prithvi): Earth's magnetic field:
Earth serves as the basis of life, and both the earth and our bodies possess magnetic properties. Scientists have established that the earth is a massive magnet with two poles, North and South. Sleeping with one's head towards the South supports healthy and peaceful sleep, while positioning the head towards the North may have adverse effects.
2. Water (Jal): Gravitational attraction of the Earth:
Water is an essential element associated with our senses of taste, touch, sight, and hearing. More than 75% of our bodies and two-thirds of the Earth's surface consist of water. The proper positioning of water sources such as wells, bore wells, underground water tanks, and overhead water tanks influences the quality of life and success in endeavors.
3. Fire (Agni): Solar radiation:
Fire symbolizes light and heat energy, and its origin lies in the Sun. The Sun's rays contain a combination of seven visible colors and two invisible ones. Correctly positioning heating outlets and the kitchen in Vastu principles can enhance wealth and prosperity. Planting tall or large trees in the South direction helps mitigate the harmful effects of the Sun's rays.
4. Air (Vayu): Wind energy:
Air is perceived through the sense of touch and influences architectural factors like climatic conditions, appropriate placements of doors, windows, ventilators, balconies, the height of structures, and the positioning of trees and plants. Balancing the air element within a structure contributes to a harmonious living environment.
5. Space (Aakash): Cosmic radiation:
Space is an infinite and ever-present element in Vastu Shastra. It possesses a complex inner structure that impacts everything within it. In Vastu, the space element is of utmost importance as it influences the eight directions within your home. The consideration and placement of "open space" both in the house and on the plot play a crucial role.
These five elements are also present within our bodies and relate to our five senses: Smell (Gandh), Taste (Chav), Hearing (Dhvani), Touch (Sparsh), and Sight (Drashti). Any imbalances in our internal Vastu can lead to unhappy situations.
According to traditional knowledge, the entire universe is composed of these five fundamental elements. It is essential to align these elements with the five elements within the human body to establish a harmonious relationship. Vastu Shastra helps us achieve this alignment and synchronization with nature's five basic elements in our living spaces.