VASTU (or "VAASTU") SHASTRA

Vastu is generally translated as "house" or "dwelling place." Shastra carries the meaning of a "science, doctrine or teaching," and so Vastu Shastra refers to a science that addresses construction and design in the context of natural and spiritual energies.

Ultimately derived from sacred Vedic writings, Vastu Shastra melds religious elements with science and mathematics. The underlying precept of Vastu Shastra is the belief that the subtle energies present in all things may be made manifest through the application of design, architecture, construction and the materials used. Vastu principles have been used for thousands of years in the construction of sacred, residential and commercial buildings.

The Five Elements: Vastu Shastra is based on the application of design and construction principles in correspondence with the five natural forces or elements that make up all of life. Also known as the Paanchbhootas, the five elements are Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Space.

Historically, Vastu Shastra was primarily concerned with the construction of sacred buildings, but in recent years the discipline has expanded to include all buildings, residential, commercial, and religious, as well as landscape design. While Vastu Shastra is most easily applied in the design and construction phases of a building, it is also possible to utilize it to analyze the energy of pre-existing structures.

Key Concepts: Similar in concept to Feng Shui's Bagua Diagram, the Vastu Purusha Mandala is a grid-based chart showing the ideal layout of any structure from a Vastu Shastra standpoint. Areas and directions correspond to astrological elements, religious entities, and natural energies, as well as to aspects of the lives of those who dwell within. Aligning building elements to the grid allows energy to manifest in the most positive way possible, which in turn can influence the health, wealth, and success of those who dwell in or use the structure.

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