Vaastu Architecture and Sustainability: Enduring through the ages
Sustainability is the capacity to endure; it is how biological systems remain diverse and
productive indefinitely. Long-lived and healthy wetlands and forests are examples of
sustainable biological systems. In more general terms, sustainability is the endurance of
systems and processes. The organizing principle for sustainability is sustainable
development, which includes the four interconnected domains: ecology, economics,
politics, and culture. Sustainability science is the study of sustainable development and
environmental science.
Sustainable architecture generally refers to architecture that endures through time and
meets the needs of the present population without compromising future generations. It
refers to site planning, ecological building and durability, while maintaining the three
goals of architecture:
1. To be functional;
2. To be beautiful;
3. To add to the well-being of the inhabitants.
Vaastu architecture has been a forerunner in sustainability for thousands of years. Vaastu
Shastras specifically mention each of these elements of sustainability. For example, in
creating the measurements for obtaining the Vaastu effect in a building, there is a
calculation for the “age” of a building – Ayul. This refers to how long the building will
emit life - supporting energy. In other worlds how long the energy of the building will
endure and hence promote well- being. We choose a sustainable Ayul so that the
building will maintain its’ vibrancy through time.
Vaastu Shastras define specific procedures for site selection, placement of water bodies,
electricity, wells, septic, and numerous other attributes contributing to sustainability. The
Shastras even proscribe how a tree should be cut, what trees are to be used or not used,
and that for every tree cut, a new tree must be planted. Vaastu architects and builders
have long been ecologists striving for perfection while preserving the environment.
Finally, the energy of a Vaastu building contributes profoundly to the well-being of the
inmates and the community at large in the present and in the future. There is no other
force more sustainable than Vastu and Vaastu.
Modern Sustainable building, architecture, and site planning involves basically three areas
of interest: Green building and Natural Building; Bau-Biology; and, Permaculture. These
three areas of interest are important for Vaastu Specialists to understand and apply. A
study of them will reveal that these sciences inherently exist in our ancient Vaastu
Shastras.
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The Deep Ecology of Vaastu Architecture and Building Architecture of Sthapatya Veda:
Beyond Green Building and Bau-Biology
In this article I will explore the concept that it is only by following the points of Vaastu
Shastra (ancient indigenous building codes) that green builders, natural builders and Bau
Biologists, can truly fulfill their own goals for healthy, sustainable and life supportive
architectural forms. In addition, by examining ancient Vaastu Shastras (texts), we find that
green building and bau biology are not new concepts. The great scientist and architect
Brahmarishi Mayan brought out similar ideas more than ten thousand years ago when he
developed the Vaastu Shastras and Agamas, which are based upon the ideas found in
Mayan’s Aintiram and Pranava Veda. I will begin by describing and defining green
building, bau biology, and natural building. I will then show that the Vaastu Shastras,
while prescribing similar tenants of green building and beau-biology, activate a deep
ecology, sustainable cosmic energy, not obtainable by either green building or Baubiology.
Green Building/Natural Building
Natural Building is any building system, which places the highest value on social and
environmental sustainability. It assumes the need to minimize the environmental impact of
our housing and other supporting systems while providing healthy, beautiful, comfortable,
and spiritually uplifting homes for everyone. (Natural Building Network)
Green building is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which buildings use
resources (energy, water, and materials), while reducing building impacts on human
health and the environment through better site selection, design, construction, operation,
maintenance, and removal. Green building considers the complete building life cycle of a
structure from construction to demolition.
A similar concept is natural building, which is usually on a smaller scale and tends to
focus on the use of natural materials that are available locally. Other commonly used
terms include sustainable design and green architecture.
The related concepts of sustainable development and sustainability are integral to green
building. Effective green building can lead to 1) reduced operating costs by increasing
productivity and using less energy and water, 2) improved public and occupant health due
to improved indoor air quality, and 3) reduced environmental impacts by, for example,
lessening storm water runoff and the heat island effect.
Practitioners of green building often seek to achieve not only ecological but aesthetic
harmony between a structure and its surrounding natural and built environment, although
the appearance and style of sustainable buildings is not necessarily distinguishable from
their less sustainable counterparts. (Ibid)
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Green Home Checklist
Here is a checklist of points considered when building a green home:
1. Location: New green homes and neighborhoods must not be built on environmentally
sensitive sites like prime farmland, wetlands, and endangered species habitats. The
greenest development sites are "in-fill" properties like former parking lots, rail yards,
shopping malls and factories. They take advantage of the sun to make the most use of
solar gain to keep the house warmer in the winter. Only the necessary trees and bushes
are cleared from the lot. The trees left behind will act as a shade barrier in the summer
months and wind barrier in the colder months.
2. Size: No matter how many green building elements go into the home, a 5,000-squarefoot green home still consumes many more natural resources than a 2,000-square-foot
green home. The larger home will also require more heating, air conditioning, and
lighting. If you really want a sustainable home, choose a smaller size.
3. Building Design: The home should be oriented on its site to bring abundant natural
daylight into the interior to reduce lighting requirements and to take advantage of any
prevailing breezes. Windows, clerestories, skylights, light monitors, light shelves, and
other strategies should be used to bring daylight to the interior of the house. The exterior
should have shading devices (sunshades, canopies, green screens and — best of all —
trees), particularly on the southern and western facades and over windows and doors, to
block hot summer sun. Dual-glaze windows reduce heat gain in summer and heat loss
during cold winter months. The roof should be a light-colored, heat-reflecting Energy Star
roof, or a green (landscaped) roof, to reduce heat absorption.
4. Green Building Materials: A green home is constructed with healthy, non-toxic building
materials and furnishings, like low- and zero-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and
sealants, and non-toxic materials like strawboard for the sub-flooring. Wood-based
features should come from rapidly renewable sources like bamboo. A green home uses
salvaged materials like kitchen tiles and materials with significant recycled content.
5. Insulation: A non-toxic insulation, derived from materials like soybean or cotton, with a
high R (heat resistance) factor in the home's walls and roof will help prevent cool air
leakage in the summer and warm air leakage in the winter.
6. Windows and Doors: Seal tightly the openings of windows and exterior doors to avoid
heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter.
7. Energy Efficiency: A green home has energy-efficient lighting, heating, cooling and
water-heating systems.
8. Renewable Energy: The home should generate some of its own energy with
technologies like photovoltaic systems.
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9. Water Efficiency: A green home has a water-conserving irrigation system and waterefficient kitchen and bathroom fixtures. Install a rainwater collection and storage system
and gray-water system, particularly in drier regions where water is increasingly scarce and
expensive.
10. Indoor Environmental Quality: Natural daylight should reach at least 75% of the
home's interior. Natural ventilation (via home orientation, operable windows, fans, wind
chimneys and other strategies) should bring plenty of fresh air inside the house. The HVAC
(heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system should filter all incoming air and vent
stale air outside. The garage should not have any air handling equipment or return ducts,
and it should have an exhaust fan.
11. Landscaping: Vine-covered green screens, large canopy trees and other landscaping
should shade exterior walls, the driveway, patios and other "hardscape" to minimize heat
islands. Yards should be landscaped with drought-tolerant plants rather than waterguzzling plants and grass in most regions.
This discussion on green building is resourced from several sources, to include
www.KeralaArchitect.com.
Bau Biology – Building Beyond Green
Bau-biologie®, a term coined in Germany, is a word used to describe a movement
promoting the use of healthy building principles as a means to improve living and work
spaces and the health of people who occupy them. Bau-biology literally means, "building
biology." Both terms are now used interchangeably. This science of building ecologically
and biologically friendly homes is yet a deeper building concept beyond green/
sustainable building. Bau-biology strives to eliminate the subtle effect of biological and
electrical/ electromagnetic influences that disturb the human ecology and bring biological,
and ecological harmony to the built space. (http://www.buildingbiology.net)
The 25 Principles of Bau-biology:
1. A building site should be geologically undisturbed.
2. Residential homes are best located away from industrial centers and main traffic routes.
3. Housing should be developed in a decentralized and loose manner interlaced with
sufficient green space.
4. Housing and developments should be personalized, in harmony with nature, fit for
human habitation, and family oriented.
5. Natural and unadulterated building materials should be used.
6. Walls, floors and ceilings should be diffusible and hygroscopic.
7. Indoor air humidity should be regulated naturally.
8. Air pollutants need to be filtered and neutralized.
9. An appropriate balance of thermal insulation and heat retention is needed.
10. The air and surface temperatures of a given room need to be optimized.
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11. A heating system should feature radiant heat using as much (passive) solar heat as
possible.
12. The total moisture content of a new building should be low and dry out quickly.
13. A building should have a pleasant or neutral smell. No toxins should outgas.
14. Light, lighting, and color should be in accord with natural conditions.
15. Protective measures against noise pollution should be installed.
16. Infrasonic and ultrasonic vibrations need to be human oriented.
17. Only building materials with little or preferably no radioactivity should be used.
18. The natural balance of atmospheric electricity and ion concentration should be
maintained.
19. The Earth’s natural magnetic field should not be altered or distorted.
20. Man-made electromagnetic radiation should be eliminated (or reduced as much as
possible).
21. Cosmic and terrestrial radiation are essential and should be interfered with as little as
possible.
22. Interior and furniture design should be based on physiological findings.
23. Harmonic measures, proportions and shapes need to be taken into consideration.
24. The production, installation, and disposal of building materials should not contribute
to environmental pollution and high energy costs.
25. Building activities should not contribute to the exploitation of non-renewable and rare
resources.
26. Building activities should not cause a rise in social and medical costs.
(From an article by Anton Schneider Ph.D.)
These principles translate into the promotion, by building biologists, of the use of natural
building materials as much as possible. They promote avoiding products that have strong
fragrances (cleaning and personal care products). They urge builders and occupants to be
careful with the use of potentially toxic materials such as carpets, plastic building
materials, paints, and glues. They suggest the use of plenty of natural ventilation by
having windows that can be opened. (http://www.buildingbiology.net)
The Birth of Ecology Movement in Modern Times
The German biologist Ernst Haeckel coined the term ecology or oekologie in 1866, when
he defined it as "the comprehensive science of the relationship of the organism to the
environment.” Ecology is derived from Greek: οίκος, oikos, "household"; and λόγος,
logos, "knowledge".
A central principle of ecology is that each living organism has an ongoing and continual
relationship with every other element that makes up its environment. The sum total of
interacting living organisms (the biocoenosis) and their non-living environment (the
biotope) in an area is termed an ecosystem. Studies of ecosystems usually focus on the
movement of energy and matter through the system.
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Deep ecology is a recent branch of ecological philosophy (ecosophy) that considers
humankind an integral part of its environment.
In their 1985 book Deep Ecology, Bill Devall and George Sessions describe a series of
sources of deep ecology. They include the science of ecology itself, and cite its major
contribution the rediscovery in a modern context that "everything is connected to
everything else". This “everything” is what we call Brahmam in Vaastu Science. This
word Brahmam is a term that describes both scientific (Quantum Field) and spiritual (the
Creator or Source of all of the manifest world) constructs.
They go on to say that the central spiritual tenet of deep ecology is that the human species
is a part of the Earth and not separate from it. A process of self-realization or "re-earthing"
is used for an individual to intuitively gain an ecocentric perspective. The notion is based
on the idea that, the more we expand the self to identify with "others" (people, animals,
ecosystems), the more we realize ourselves.
We may have intellectual understanding of our interconnectedness, but our culture
(experiential deep ecologists like John Seed argues), robs us of the emotional and visceral
experience of that interconnectedness. We had this interconnectedness as small children,
but it has been socialized out of us by a highly alienating and anthropocentric culture (the
belief that human beings are the central or most significant species on the planet, in the
sense that they are considered to have a moral status or value higher than that of all other
organisms).
Vaastu Shastras provide a way to directly experience the connectedness of all creation by
being in direct resonance with its Source by living in a Vaastu home. This phenomenon
has been experienced by a number of enlightened individuals such as Ramana Maharishi
who awakened fully after staying in a Vaastu temple for many months. This direct
resonance with Source automatically creates a direct experience of oneness with all
things. An interesting fact is that Vaastu Shastras promote living in the natural world, in
the out-of-doors.
In the fields of ecology and thus in natural and green building, ecosystems are not isolated
from each other, but are interrelated. For example, water may circulate between
ecosystems by means of a river or ocean current. Water itself as a liquid medium defines
ecosystems. Some species, such as salmon or freshwater eels, move between marine
systems and fresh-water systems. These relationships between the ecosystems lead to the
concept of a biome.
A biome is a homogeneous ecological formation that exists over a large region, such as
tundra or steppes. The biosphere comprises all of the Earth's biomes -- the entirety of
places where life is possible -- from the highest mountains to the depths of the oceans.
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Vaastu Shastras and Building Architecture of Sthapatya Veda: Living Buildings That
Support Deep Ecology, Gross Ecology, Human Life, Well-being and Spiritual Ecology
…if a part of free space is isolated and confined into a four-walled structure called
building, it becomes a living organism, and the space enclosed will start vibrating in a
particular order. If such a building is designed to vibrate in the same numerical order as
that of the indweller, the resultant phenomenon is that he will experience harmony or
perfect union with the Universal Self…
Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati
In his text, Who Created God, Dr. V Ganapati Sthapati, the world’s most eminent
exponent and interpreter of Vaastu Shastra, says, “Earth is the Primal Vaastu; by violating
rules of Vaastu we are wounding Mother Earth”.
MAYAN, states that:
“There exists an order in the Universe: subtle universe, and material
universe.
This power is attributed to the consciousness of the Cosmic Space as well as
of the inner Space of the animate beings. This consciousness, by its personal
effort to express its own inner feelings, causes a kind of vibration or pulsation
in the inner Space, resulting in energy-grids. The vibration or pulsation,
being the causal element of all these events, is called KAALA. This is actually
the force of energy aroused by the inner consciousness, causing (energy)
waves and contributing to the growth of living forms. This KAALA resides in
all living beings. So, Space is the offshoot of the vibration of the primordial
energy. This is how the Space was born. All forms of nature are manifest
forms of subtle energy. For all to get manifested, the force is KAALAM. This
waveform frequency realm is the creative element of the universe.”
(Aintiram)
Mayan took these fundamental principles and applied them to all manifestations of
consciousness (trees, rocks, animals, humans) and also to cultural artifacts such as dance,
music, sculpture, poetry, gold smithing, jewelry making, and architecture. Thus, the force
of Kaalam (Absolute Time, pulse, frequency and in physics, waveforms) is seen to
influence the entire cosmos. Mayan articulated these and other principles in a number of
texts including thousands of verses in the Pranava Veda.
The crux of Mayan’s “Absolute Theory of Manifestation” (my title) is that there is a source
of everything. That source is called Cosmic Space or in modern language, the Quantum
Field. This cosmic Space pulsates within itself and that pulsation creates waveforms.
These waveforms are infinite in number and become individuated differentiations of the
multitude of qualities contained in the Field. Due to this pulsation, Absolute time occurs.
It is this Absolute Time or frequency that results in the individuated differentiations that
eventually become the fundamental elements of earth, air, fire, water, and space. In
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addition, qualities (called gunas) are differentiated, each having its own influence (satva,
rajas, tamas).
You can develop a green building compliant with bau biology and yet it could bring ill
health, misfortune, and other detrimental effects to the inhabitant by 1. Being off the
earth’s energy grid, 2. By using a measure (perimeter of the main wall of the house) that is
detrimental.
• From Vaastu Shastras
o Decrease of ordained measure causes disease, death, increase of enemies,
deterioration of life, poverty, death of spouse, and seriously affects country and
rulers.
o In Temples of Space Science, Dr. Sthapati says, “Well-being is not due only to the
amount of air inside the home, but the amount of purity of vital energy in the air
(prana shakti) that encompasses inside and outside the house. This is regulated
and unobstructed by mathematical order”.
o To go directly into the very heart of Nature, to know its features and functional
processes, to frame them into mathematical laws so as to constitute an infallible
grammar to create objects in accordance with that grammar, to infuse the very
Nature into those objects so as to be in total harmony with it . . . that is spiritcentric science. (p. 37)
o [Vaastu houses] depict internally and externally the self or spirit and its functional
modes and which enable us to live in harmony with the Nature.” (p. 80)
o Living beings have a vibrational energy that modern scientists speak of as biological
rhythm. In this way a space enclosed by four walls (building) vibrates rhythmically.
This vibration is a spiritual rhythm.
o Plant a tree for every tree you cut.
o Air and light circulation: Vaastu Shastras insure that air and light are properly
circulated within a structure.
o Circulation of subtle energy flows in a clockwise direction. We regulate the flow of
water and electricity throughout the house to mirror and flow with subtle energy.
This is not considered in Natural building or any other building science. (Radiant
heat is popular in natural building, however it could be detrimental because of
water flowing under the house through the energy source (Brahmasthan).
o Electrical and water entering incorrectly into the house and flowing incorrectly
through the house can be detrimental. Both enter the house in prescribed locations
and flow clockwise in a Vaastu house.
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o House built on land that is not conducive to human habitation (over fill, swamp,
animal bones, hairs, ants, etc present). Other building forms permit building in
such site conditions. However these conditions indicate energy of Vaastu Purusha
that is not conducive to human and divine habitation.
o Importance of proper landscaping: Vaastu Shastras outline what kinds of plants
and trees should be near a house based upon normal factors such as root systems,
etc., and the energetic effect that these plants have on humans living near and with
them.
o Slope of land is considered in Vaastu Shastras. Vaastu builders and designers know
the harmful or good effects of various slopes.
o The face of house is based upon the mathematical measure of the house and its
relationship to the individual’s own qualities determined through mathematical
formulas. This is known in no other building art.
o Vaastu Shastras consider subtle energy and its effects on human life.
building and bau biology do not.
•
Green
The Earth Grid
o The earth has a flow of energy that is called “the grid.”
o This flow of energy is related to the earth’s rotation at the equator.
o It flows North and South in alignment with true north rather than magnetic
north.
o When a house or structure is aligned precisely with “The Grid”, the effects
of Vastu are realized.
o Another value of using the grid is that solar energy flows east to west as the
sun moves across the sky. When a home is properly aligned with the north/
south grid it is automatically aligned with the east west grid.
Grid lines in a built space are carriers of energy values and qualities. Modern sustainable
architecture promotes the idea of passive solar gain. Hence houses are deflected eighteen
degrees to the southeast for solar gain in the winter. This is harmful to the inhabitants as it
causes agnya prachee, or an over abundance of fire element that causes harm to the
occupants.
•
The Mother Wall
o The “mother wall “ is the primary wall or container that serves to create a
space for Consciousness to become conscious - for Vastu (unmanifest
energy) to become Vaastu (manifest).
o In a home, for example, it is often the main four walls of the house.
o We call it “mother wall” because it forms the structure that gives birth to
Vastu becoming Vaastu.
o The mother wall is constructed on a 9x9 grid and is formed with very
specific measurements that cause the central pada (module) to exude
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specific life giving qualities that then vibrate through the whole structure. It
is through this form that consciousness, Purusha, takes the form of its
container.
o The dweller then begins to vibrate with those same qualities just as a
vibrating tuning fork of one pitch causes another tuning fork of the same
pitch in close proximity to vibrate.
o The calculations used to form the mother wall are called Ayadi calculations.
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Building Measure:
o The yardstick used to give form to consciousness
o Mayan applied his understanding of the effect of mathematical values
creating varying frequencies and qualities in any given built space. He
formulated specific calculations – Ayadi calculations - that are applied to
the perimeter of a built space called a mother wall.
Spiritual calmness, spiritual bliss, and material well-being are the most sought after goals
of human kind. These are the qualities offered by buildings created by the use of
principles of Vaastu Science and Technology. Manifesting these qualities requires
knowledge of unique mathematical formulas articulated in the tradition of Vaastu Science
and Technology.
These formulas consider the perimeter of the temple or house, the ratio between the
length and the width of the perimeter, the height of the ceilings/walls, the height and pitch
of the roof, the size of windows and doors, the size of open space in the center of the
temple or house, and more.
The Ayadi calculation is the calculation used to determine the size of the main wall or
motherwall of the Vaastu structure/home, office, or temple. In the past, the Sthapati used
a stick thirty-three inches long divided into twenty-four segments 1 3/8 inches each, or
twenty-four angulas. This was the standard of measure for temples and homes. One of
the names given to this stick is “hasta.” It is interesting to note that Hasta refers to the
hand. Elephants with facile trunks are called Hastin or “having hand.”
This reference to the hand is an indication of the importance of the human body in
relation to Vaastu Science and Technology. The body inch, angula, or viral is the length of
the thumb’s first joint - approximately 1 3/8 inches. Another measure used is from the top
of the thumb to the base of the thumb (a approximate measure for home deities), which is
about three angulas or 3 times 1 3/8 inches (4 1/8 inches). Another measure equivalent
to three angulas is a hand width from the base of the thumb to the base of the outside
palm. These are all measures based on the hand – hence the Hasta. Thus, the standard of
measure for the Vaastu house or temple is that of the human body.
Not everyone has an exact body inch of 1/3/8 inches. This is determined by Mayan to be
the body inch of the ideal person who vibrates with the divine. Rather than using the
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individual human body inch to build a temple or house, Mayan used the Divine measure
– the perfect body inch of the divine – 1 3/8 inches. In that way, the imperfect human
would come into resonance with the divine. These measures are pure measures that arise
during the orderly transformation called Vastureva Vaastu as Absolute Space takes its form
as the material world and its manifold objects.
The fundamental measure from which many of the above measures are derived is called
Ayadi Calculation or Ayadi Gananam. This calculation formed the core of Vaastu
Technology and was known as Vaastu Rahasya – Secret of Vaastu.
o The Ayadi calculation is chosen to be an exact mathematical calculation
that scientifically equates to the personal resonance/vibration of the dweller.
o With the ayadi calculation, a number of factors are considered in
determining exactly what size the mother wall must be in order to resonate
with the indweller. Resonance is the effect of consciousness becoming
conscious within the dweller when he or she enters and resides in a specific
house. This is a vital piece of information that supports the fullness of the
Vastu effect.
o Once the ayadi calculation is determined, the structure is divided into 9 x 9
modules. The modules can be square or rectangular. These modules help
locate important features such as windows and doors on the appropriate
grid lines. This maximizes the positive effect of the grid, solar energies, and
cosmic energies. Extensions (rooms) of various shapes and forms can be
added beyond the mother wall, but only in accordance with the
mathematical formulas of the ayadi and padas (modules).
o Sustainable design must consider the “life” of a building. That is, how long
the building will maintain optimal energy for human occupation. Vaastu
Rahasya is the only building science that has the formula for acomplishing
this optimal energy.
“The harmonious resonation of the wavelength of the building with that of
the inmates is the main aim of Ayadi Gananam”. (Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati;
Ayadi Calculations, 2003)
If four walls, such as in a building, enclose energetic space, the building becomes alive
with that special energy and becomes a living organism with rhythmic vibrancy
determined by the Ayadi measurement. Just as we humans feel and vibrate with cosmic
essence, the temple or house also feels and vibrates. A specific Ayadi calculation is
chosen that has a known rhythmic vibration that promotes spiritual bliss and material
well-being. Our own inner vibrations will resonate with the calculations chosen.
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“By this resonance, the dweller of the house is able to be in harmony and
communion with the universal space and to experience spiritual bliss”.
(Mayamatam)
Modern alternative building practices use arbitrary measure for their designs. Some use
the Golden Mean, or attempt to mimic shapes in nature. However, the measure remains
arbitrary in the sense that the effects are unknown.
“The use of arbitrary length and width measurements are to be
avoided. Or else, it would cause disorder in the energy flow
within the built space”. (Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati; Ayadi
Calculations, Mathematics of Vibrational Matching, 11/2003)
• The Brahmasthan is unique to Vaastu Shastra
The central point of the structure is the Brahmasthan. It is the central module, and the
adjacent row of modules surrounding the central module of the 9 by 9 grid formed by the
mother wall.
o It is the nucleus of space from which, and in which, consciousness becomes
conscious.
o Locating the Brahmasthan is of vital importance in breathing life into a structure.
o This central point can be likened to the nucleus of an atom, around which
energetic forces revolve.
o Maximum benefit arises when this central area is designed in harmony with the rest
of the structure.
o The key feature of the Brahmasthan is that it is an autocatalytic energy generator.
The qualities and characteristics of the energy generated (happiness, wealth, health,
relational and spiritual bliss, success, respect, etc.) are determined by the ayadi
calculation of the mother wall. As described above, these numerical calculations
determine the pulse and ultimate frequency of all the modules/padas and the
Brahmasthan. The properly placed walls act as energy conduits. The sum total of
these frequencies determines the vibrational frequency of the structure. The
vibrational frequency generated by the Brahmasthan creates the same frequency
within the body and consciousness of the dweller.
• The Five Elements in Vaastu Shastra are uniquely understood.
The formation of the Five Elements (Space, Air, Fire, Water, and Earth) is the outcome of
the self-effulgent nature of the 9 X 9 Vaastu Purusha Mandala. Each element is created
through the commingling of the previous elements. As the unmanifest microabode
progresses through its self spin, unmanifest qualities of the five elements are distributed
throughout the 8 X 8 cube. When the 8 X 8 cube springs forth into material existence, the
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five elements take on material form and are distributed throughout the 9 X 9 manifest form
in the same pattern as in the 8 X 8 cube. In the center of the cube (Brahmasthan),
Absolute Space mixes with relative/material space. In other words, the unmanifest and
manifest coexist at once.
Each of the five elements has specific qualities. The individual qualities of the five
elements support specific activities and purposes in human life. In built space where this
8 = 9 process (Vastureva Vaastu) intentionally occurs, activities of daily life are assigned to
and conducted within the quadrants with the qualities most likely to support those
activities. For example, if a structure is aligned with “The Grid” described above, the
southeast corner of that grid is dominated by the element of fire. Assigning activities
related to that element (cooking over a fire) creates a life supporting effect on the results of
those activities (preparation of food).
Thus, in a built space reflecting the qualities of Vaastu Science and Technology, the laws
of nature and the dynamic energies and vibrations of the elements of manifestation
directly support activities of daily living.
• The Thread of Light or Brahma Sutra
The Thread of Light is a pathway of light energy that moves through the house in a straight
line parallel to the properly placed front door. It flows from the Bindu point or center
point of the Brahmasthan. This vibrating energy string is the central cosmic fire from
which OM Light, OM Sound, and the Elements arise. This is unknown in sustainable
architecture.
• The Yoni Line
The Yoni Line is a pathway of energy that flows from the front door straight through the
house to the back door or window, placed directly opposite the front door. It allows for
the free flow of energy through the structure. That free flow of energy interacts with the
aliveness of the house making the entire structure even more vibrant. When properly
placed, the structure lives and breathes harmoniously.
• A point of interest is that in some forms of home design (Feng Sui for example), the
house is closed as much as possible to contain the energy. In Vaastu Science and
Technology, because the structure is in of itself an energy generator, it is
appropriate to allow the energy to flow outward through the Yoni Line. The selfeffulgent nature of a Vaastu home far surpasses another home in which the
energetic patterns are contained, stagnant, or otherwise unknown.
• The Front Door
o The correct front entrance placement is vital to the general effect that Vastureva
Vaastu has on a home or structure.
o The placement of the front door determines which cosmic forces flow through the
entrance, and what the effects are. For example, a main entrance in the northeast
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quadrant (placed in a very specific, mathematically determined position) is very
supportive to health, family relationships, and relationships in general.
The front entrance placed in the very center of the south-facing wall creates a harmful
effect on the occupants. Moving that door to the module east or west of south center
using specific mathematical equations will do the opposite, and actually enhance the lives
of the occupants. The front door located in the central east promotes egotistical behavior
and the demise of children. Whereas, if the front door is located one pada to the north of
central east, it promotes fame and well-being.
The front door can be located in any of the four directions, but only in the correct module
as directed by the Shastras. This effect is caused, in part, due to the cosmic energy (Vastu)
that pours down onto the house (as manna sutras) from Unbounded Space when attracted
into the building by the earth’s Vaastu and Ayadi of the house. That energy showers the
building up to about ten feet around the building (hence the need to ensure that the plot is
flat at least ten feet around the building). When the front door is opened, this energy
pours in through the door. This is not energy from the stars, planets, sun etc. (all material
energy) but rather direct Vastu energy (spiritual energy). Front door placement in
sustainable architecture is relatively random and the effects may be horribly harmful.
All Encompassing Science
Vaastu Science when applied to built space takes numerous aspects into consideration
including: slope of land, flow of underground water, roads, bodies of water, quality of soil,
vegetation, flowing water on the surface (streams and rivers), the flow of water through
pipes in the building, ecological building materials, secondary door placements, window
placements, elevational factors, and much more. The unique aspect of Mayonic Science,
the original form of Vaastu Science, is that these considerations are based on mathematics,
astro-dynamics, and physics rather than superstition.
The impact of applying these Vaastu principles to a structure (home, office, church,
temple, apartment, village, statue, painting, piece of jewelry, etc.) is that that structure,
regardless of size, becomes a “ living structure.” Living structure means that the structure
is vibrating with life-giving qualities of consciousness specifically selected for a particular
inmate or group of inmates.
The success of Vastureva Vaastu Science in contributing to the welfare of a home dweller
is based upon the fundamental structure and subsequent frequency emitted by that vibrant
structure. It is the mathematical formula used in creating the mother wall, the placement
of the walls, windows, and the structure in alignment with the earth’s grid that is of great
importance to the vibrational frequency of the structure.
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Selected Elements of Vaastu Technology
1.
Tala system of Spatial Measures
2.
Selection of Building Site
a. Shape of site and rectification
b. Underground water flow test
c. Soil test for compactness
d. Soil toxicity (gasses)
e. Sound test
f. Soil taste test
g. Color of soil
h. Ambiance and feeling of happiness
i. Vegetation analysis
j. Water bodies, rivers, streams, lakes, ponds
k. Ants, bones, hair, grave sites (visual inspection)
l. Slope and declivity of land
3.
General orientation of buildings, cities, villages
4.
Vaastu Purusha Mandala
5.
Effects of subtle and gross space on human system and psychology
6.
Designing of built space for human dwelling
a) Placement of building on plot
b) Orientation of building to cardinal directions and declination
c) Finding true north, gnomon, pole star
d) Patterns for house building
e) Mother wall purpose and function
f) Proportions of building (length/width)
g) Ayadi calculations, nakshatra, nama nakshatra
h) Converting space to energy grid (9 x 9)
i) Identify Brahmasthan
j) Placement of doors
k) Extensions
l) Placement of walls
m) Calculating wall and ceiling height
n) Windows and ventilators
o) Pillars
p) Roof pitch and proportion
q) Special considerations: staircase, bathrooms, toilet, utility room,
fireplace, stove and sink, hot water heater, and furnace
r) Outside considerations: incoming water (well), electricity, oil tank,
gas/propane, grey water/, sewage, ponds, rain catchments, animalscattle, etc.
s) Garage
t) Driveway
u) Energy wall purpose and placement
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7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
v) Gates
w) Trees and plants surrounding building
x) Outbuildings and guest or employee quarters
Building materials
Paint colors
Auspicious and cosmic periods for beginning Vaastu construction
Vaastu ceremony
Follow through on construction
Town planning: traditional and modern
Public structures: health centers, library, museums, live entertainment
Assessment of existing buildings:
a) Checking location on grid
b) Check dimensions of main wall. Is motherwall possible?
c) 9 X 9 grid on existing structure
d) Locating Brahmasthan
e) Rectifying soil and slope of land
f) Room placements (can you move room functions)?
g) Move electricity, water, fireplaces etc.
h) Changing driveway
Layout of kitchen (stove and sink)
Drawing floor plans
Drawing elevations
Vaastu science is a means for gaining well-being and self-realization.
As shown in this section, from its’ inception, Vaastu Shastras contain inherently contain
the requirements for alternative building. building. These and other differences affect the
human indweller in profound ways, and if they are missing, the life of the individual is
randomly affected and potentially damaged, even by modern natural and biological
building methods.
The success of a Vaastu consultation relies solely on the ability of the consultant to
experience, understand, and apply the principles of Absolute Space, Absolute Time, Om
Light, OM Sound, and the ensuing unfolding of Vastureva Vaastu.
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