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What Is Vaastu
Vaastu shastra is the science of architecture that has been followed in India since the ancient times. The basic aim of this ancient discipline is to harmonize one's habitation with the primal forces of nature, such as air, fire and water. Vaastu Shastra is about finding the perfect alignment of any physical space with the laws of nature. This is a way of connecting the individual with the surrounding cosmic forces.
Vaastu Shastra has seven major components-
� Soil testing
� Selection of suitable land based on it's directions.
� Dividing the land into squares.
� Detailing of the method of construction.
� Entrance gate placement.
� Temple construction
� Palace construction
Vaastu Shastra is oriented toward keeping the individual in perfect physical and mental health. This requires balancing of all the forces of nature that affect humankind, such as gravitational force, magnetic force, electric current, wind and water as well as solar energy.
The Origin and Interpretations
Vaastu has it's origins in the Vedas. In Vasstu, the earth or soil is seen as a living organism and all other living beings emerge from it.
Vaastu has many meanings. It implies the life force contained within the earth, the living space or a building enclosure. Vaastu is also interpreted as the individual site or land identified for construction of a village or neighborhood.
The Belief
Vaastu has a grander vision of human existence. Human beings are not just an evolved species at the top of the evolution pyramid. He is not the master of the world.
According to Vaastu, man inhabits the earth and the space. He is a unit of and is linked to other energy forms or Shakti. His life is not a disparate event but part of a cycle of life and death. This is known as Kaala (time). In fact, the time cycle and the life of a person are thought to be related. Space, Time and Energy are the primal forces which exist in their free and unlimited state. Vaastu experts devise an order relating to the creation of manifested space.
The Five Elements
Vaastu is a science not magic. It is based on the effect of the 5 elements (Panchbhuutas), on the human body. The five elements are-
Akaash : Sky - It is the never ending (Anantha) region which goes beyond our Solar System and the entire Galaxy (Brahmaand). The most important forces in Akaash are light, gravitational force and waves, heat and magnetic field. Its main characteristic is Shabda (Sound).
Vaayu : Air – Vaayu denotes the atmosphere of the Earth. It is about 400 kms in depth and consists of 78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen (Praan Vaayu), Carbon Dioxide, other gases, dust particles and vapor in certain proportion. All life forms, even fire depends on this. The main characteristics of Vaayu are Shabda and Sparsha (Touch).
Agni : Fire – Agni includes light and heat of many kinds. Be it from burning, lightning or volcanic eruption and even the heat of fever or inflammation. It also includes energy, enthusiasm, ardor, passion, spirited vigor. Many aspects of the solar system, such as days and nights, seasons are also part of Agni. The main characteristics of Agni are Shabda, Sparsha and Roopa (Form).
Jala : Water – Jala includes water in all forms. Such as rain, river, sea, ice, gas steam and cloud. Jala permeates all the living beings on earth. The main characteristics of Jala are Shabda, Sparsha, Roopa and Rasa (taste)
Bhuumi : Earth – Bhuumi is the third planet in order form the Sun. It acts as a big magnet with north and south poles as the centers of attractions. The magnetic field and gravitational force of earth have significant effects on everything, be it living or non-living. Earth is tilted by about 23° at the meridian of its either side for six months each. These phases are known as Uttaraayana and Dakshinaayana. The West to East rotation of the earth around its own axis causes day and night. It also revolves around the sun, completing a rotation in 365 days (1 year). Three fourths of Earth's surface is covered with water and one fourth is land. The main characteristics of earth are Shabda, Sparsha, Roopa, Rasa, and Guna (quality). |
