When it comes to traditional practices that harmonizes our being with the environment, Feng Shui and Vastu stand out prominently.
Originating from ancient China, Feng Shui, meaning “wind and water,” is an art form and even a science that focuses on balancing the energies in a given space to ensure health and good fortune for its inhabitants.
Vastu hails from the Indian subcontinent and is an ancient Indian science of building, designed to integrate architecture with nature, using geometric patterns (yantra), symmetry, and directional alignments. Vastu basically aims to establish a harmonious balance between human dwellings and the cosmic order.
Despite originating in different parts of the world, both Feng Shui and Vastu share a common goal: to align living spaces with the forces of nature in a way that brings balance, prosperity, and well-being.
Historical Background
Origin of Feng shui
Feng Shui originated in China over 3000 years ago. Its roots can be traced back to the Zhou Dynasty, around 1046–256 BCE, where it began as a form of geomancy used to orient buildings—often spiritually significant structures like tombs, but later extended to homes and other buildings—in an auspicious manner.
Feng Shui was derived from the Taoist understanding of nature, particularly the concept that the land is alive and filled with Qi. This belief was intertwined with the observation of the celestial patterns, topography, and the flow of the Earth’s meridians (energy lines). It was thought that by understanding these patterns, one could align with the fundamental forces of the universe.
The practice was initially a closely guarded secret, reserved for the imperial court and the ruling elite.
As time progressed, Feng Shui evolved and became more accessible to the general public. The introduction of the Luopan, or Feng Shui compass, was a significant advancement. This instrument, detailed with formulas crucial to Feng Shui practices, allowed practitioners to determine the precise directional influences on a site.
Throughout its history, Feng Shui has been influenced by various philosophical ideas, including Confucianism and Buddhism, which have contributed to its diverse development. Its adaptation over centuries reflects the dynamic nature of Chinese culture.
Origin of Vastu
Vastu Shastra’s origins are as old as the Indian civilization itself, with some references dating back to more than 5000 years. The word “Vastu” is Sanskrit, which means a dwelling with a corresponding plot of land.
The earliest references to Vastu principles can be found in the Indian scriptures known as the Vedas, particularly the Rig Veda and Atharva Veda, where there are mentions of construction of homes and temples based on cosmic principles. The foundation of Vastu is largely attributed to the sage Mamuni Mayan, a celebrated architect in ancient India, who is believed to have laid down the basic tenets of Vastu Shastra.
Vastu, in its essence, is a holistic science that combines astrology, astronomy, and art, and it emphasizes the importance of directional alignments, natural elements, and the laws of nature. According to Vastu, everything in the universe, including human beings, has a level of energy (prana) and every physical space we inhabit can be designed to attract positive energy.
Over centuries, Vastu Shastra evolved, assimilating various influences from other Indian philosophical traditions, such as Yoga and Ayurveda.
Fundamental Principles
Principles of Feng shui
Feng Shui is underpinned by several fundamental principles that guide its practice. These principles are rooted in ancient Chinese philosophy and focus on the flow and balance of energy within a space.
Yin and Yang
- Yin and Yang are the two fundamental principles or energies that exist in harmony within the universe, according to Taoist philosophy. Yin represents the feminine, passive, and reflective energy, while Yang represents the masculine, active, and bright energy.
- In Feng Shui, achieving a balance between Yin and Yang energies in a space is essential for creating a harmonious environment. This balance is often achieved through the use of colors, materials, lighting, and the arrangement of furniture and objects.
Qi
- Central to Feng Shui is the concept of Qi (also spelled “Chi”), which is the life force that permeates everything in the universe. Qi is believed to flow through our environment and can be harnessed to create harmony and balance in our living or working spaces.
- In Feng Shui, the quality, flow, and balance of Qi within a space are considered important. The aim is to enhance the flow of positive Qi and mitigate or redirect negative Qi, which can be achieved through the arrangement and orientation of physical spaces and objects.
Five Elements (Wu Xing)
- The Five Elements (Wu Xing) are another critical aspect of Feng Shui, representing different types of energy and aspects of nature. These elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
- Each element has specific qualities and associations, and their balance is believed to affect the flow of Qi. For example, Wood is associated with growth and vitality, Fire with leadership and boldness, Earth with stability and balance, Metal with logic and intelligence, and Water with wisdom and serenity.
- The interplay of these elements in a space is carefully considered in Feng Shui practice. The aim is to ensure that the elements support and control each other in a balanced manner, as each element can nurture or weaken the others according to the cycle of creation and destruction.
Principles of Vastu
Vastu Shastra, like Feng Shui, is built upon a set of fundamental principles that guide its practice. These principles, deeply rooted in the Vedic tradition, focus on ensuring harmony between the built environment and the natural world.
Vastu Purusha Mandala
- The Vastu Purusha Mandala is a metaphysical plan that forms the basis of Vastu Shastra. It is a symbolic square grid that represents the cosmos, with each part of the grid corresponding to a specific aspect of the physical and metaphysical world.
- As per Hindu mythology, the mandala is derived from the story of Vastu Purusha (the Cosmic Man) created by Brahma. This being’s immense growth and insatiable hunger led to a crisis, where his shadow caused a permanent eclipse over the Earth. To control the situation, Brahma and other gods, including the guardians of the eight cardinal directions (Ashta Dikpalakas), pinned Vastu Purusha to the ground. This act is symbolically represented in the Vastu Purusha Mandala, where different parts of Vastu Purusha’s body are held down by various deities, aligning with specific cardinal directions.
- The Mandala, therefore, is a representation of this cosmic event. It serves as a symbolic map detailing how various cosmic forces – represented by deities – govern different aspects of space and environment.
Five Elements (Pancha Bhutas)
- Interestingly, similar to Feng Shui, Vastu also emphasizes the balance of the five basic elements – Earth (Prithvi), Water (Jala), Fire (Agni), Air (Vayu), and Space (Akasha). These elements are believed to be the building blocks of the universe. (See also: the 5 Platonic Solids)
- In Vastu, the design and orientation of buildings are meant to ensure harmony with these elements. For example, the placement of water bodies, fire spaces (like kitchens), and open spaces are meticulously planned according to the principles associated with each element.
Directions
- In Vastu, each direction is governed by specific elements and deities and is believed to have unique energies that influence various aspects of life.
- The orientation of a building, the placement of doors, windows, and rooms are all determined based on the significance of directions. For instance, the north is associated with wealth and prosperity, governed by the god of wealth, Kubera, making it an auspicious direction for financial areas of a building.
- The proper alignment with cardinal directions is believed to bring harmony, health, and prosperity, while misalignment can lead to negative effects.
Methodologies
Practices of Feng Shui
A central tool in Feng Shui is the Bagua map, an octagonal grid with symbols from the I Ching. This map is fundamental to the practice, helping to determine how different areas of a home or office relate to specific life aspects. The Bagua map is typically overlaid on a space’s floor plan, and adjustments are made within these sections to enhance areas of life like wealth, health, and love. For instance, introducing a water element in the wealth area or using certain colors in the love area can positively influence these aspects.
Colors in Feng Shui are more than aesthetic choices; they carry specific energies and meanings. For example, red can stimulate energy and passion, while blue can foster calmness and tranquility.
Similarly, shapes and objects are chosen and positioned to modify the energy of a space. Mirrors can expand a space and reflect energy, while plants can introduce growth and vitality. The arrangement of furniture is also qqually important, particularly in key rooms like bedrooms, where the bed’s position can significantly impact the room’s energy flow.
Practices of Vastu
In Vastu, the architectural design of a building is guided by specific principles that align with natural forces. These principles cover various aspects of construction, including the dimensions of the building, the slope of the land, and the choice of materials. The design is expected to be symmetrical and in alignment with the cosmic order, as outlined in the Vastu Purusha Mandala.
The entrance of a building holds particular significance in Vastu. It’s considered the gateway for energies, and its placement is chosen to invite positivity. North and east are often preferred directions for the entrance. Structural elements like beams, pillars, and staircases are also positioned carefully to ensure they do not obstruct the flow of energy.
Vastu pays special attention to the placement and orientation of rooms within a building. This alignment is believed to enhance the positive energies and bring prosperity and well-being to the inhabitants.
Tips to Improve Your Home
10 Feng Shui Tips
Avoid the “Coffin Position” for Beds: In Feng Shui, positioning a bed in a direct line with the door is known as the “coffin position” and is considered bad for energy flow. It’s believed to drain personal energy and should be avoided. Instead, place the bed in a commanding position where you can see the door but are not in direct line with it.
Be Mindful of Plants in the Bedroom: While plants bring vitality and growth, they are considered too “Yang” (active energy) for a restful bedroom. It’s preferable to keep the bedroom calm, so limit the use of plants in this space.
Use Mirrors Wisely: Mirrors are powerful but should be used thoughtfully. Avoid placing mirrors directly opposite the bed as they can bounce energy around the room and disrupt sleep. Also, ensure mirrors reflect something pleasant.
Incorporate a Water Element for Prosperity: Adding a water element, like an aquarium, in the wealth area of your home (usually the southeast) can help attract prosperity.
Ensure Your Entryway is Inviting: The entrance is where energy enters your home. Keep it clear, well-lit, and welcoming. Adding a plant or a piece of art can enhance the positive energy entering your space.
Position Your Desk for Success: In a home office, position your desk so you have a clear view of the door. This is known as the “command position” and can help you feel more in control and reduce stress.
Optimize Kitchen Layout for Balance: The stove represents wealth and should be positioned so the cook doesn’t have their back to the door. If this isn’t possible, use a reflective surface like a mirror to view the doorway while cooking. This maintains a sense of security and control.
Incorporate Round Shapes to Soften Energy: Round shapes represent metal and help to create a sense of clarity and precision. Incorporate round decor elements like mirrors, tables, or metal accents to balance the energy in a room, especially if the room has lots of straight lines and sharp angles.
Use Rugs to Define and Harmonize Spaces: Rugs can be used effectively to define spaces and bring together different elements in a room. Choose a rug that complements the room’s colors and shapes, and place it thoughtfully to create a sense of cohesion and harmony.
Pay Attention to the Bathroom: Bathrooms can drain energy since water flows out of the home here. Keep the bathroom door closed, and the toilet lid down to prevent wealth and good fortune from escaping. Adding plants or wood elements can also counterbalance the water energy.
10 Vastu Tips
Entrance Direction Matters: North and East are considered auspicious directions for the entrance as they are believed to bring prosperity and positive energy. Ensure the entrance is well-lit and free of clutter.
Kitchen Placement and Orientation: The kitchen should ideally be located in the Southeast corner of the house, as this direction is governed by the element of Fire. The cook should face East while cooking, as it’s considered auspicious and brings good health.
Avoid Mirrors Facing the Bed: In Vastu, it’s also advised to avoid placing mirrors directly opposite the bed. Mirrors reflecting the bed can lead to health issues and disturbed sleep.
Study Room in the East or North: To enhance concentration and academic success, the study room should be located in the East or North part of the house. These directions are associated with learning.
Avoid Clutter Under the Bed: In Vastu, the space under your bed should be kept clear. Storing things under the bed is believed to block energy flow and can lead to subconscious disturbances.
Positioning of the Puja Room: According to Vastu, the ideal location for a puja (prayer) room is the northeast corner of the house. This is the direction of Ishan (God), conducive to meditation. Ensure that the puja room is not under a staircase or adjacent to a bathroom.
Beam Placement and Effects: Avoid having beams running through the center of the house as they can cause a division of energy. Also, sitting or sleeping directly under a beam can lead to health issues.
Staircase Directions and Counts: Stairs should ideally be in the south, west, or southwest corners and they should always turn clockwise. Odd numbers of steps are considered more auspicious.
Bedroom Door Alignment: Bedroom doors should open at least ninety degrees to fully allow positive opportunities and energy to flow in. Partially opening doors can restrict the flow of prosperity.
Avoiding Corners Facing Your House: In Vastu, “Veedhi Shoola” or roads pointing directly at your house, especially sharp corners, are considered inauspicious. They are believed to bring negative energy.
Feng Shui vs Vastu
Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra, while sharing a common goal of harmonizing human environments with natural forces, differ significantly in their approach. Both systems incorporate the concept of energy flow and the balance of elements, but the way they interpret and apply these ideas varies.
Feng Shui is more focused on the arrangement of objects and the flow of Qi within a space. This approach makes Feng Shui more adaptable to different settings, especially in interior design, where adjustments can be made using various objects like mirrors, plants, and water features.
In contrast, Vastu Shastra leans heavily on architecture and prescriptive guidelines. Its practices are more rigid, often requiring specific structural alignments and directions right from the construction phase. The emphasis is more on the design and orientation of buildings based on the Vastu Purusha Mandala.
Here is a table to better illustrate the aspects of both systems:
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Feng Shui
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Vastu
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|---|---|---|
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Origin
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Chinese
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Indian
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Philosophy
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Taoist principles, Yin and Yang
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Vedic traditions, cosmic principles
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Focus
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Flow of Qi, interior arrangement
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Architectural design, structural alignment
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5 Elements
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Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water
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Earth, Water, Fire, Air, Space
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Energy Concept
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Qi
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Prana
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Directional Emphasis
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Important for layout and object placement
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Crucial for architectural design and room orientation
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Tools
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Bagua Map
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Vastu Purusha Mandala
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Flexibility
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High, adaptable to various settings
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Low, requires adherence to specific guidelines
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Remedial Measures
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Often non-structural, such as rearranging objects or adding symbolic items
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Often structural, like changing the direction of doors or rooms
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How to Synergize Feng Shui & Vastu
While there are some contrasting points between the two, there are still plenty of similarities. Synergizing Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra in your living space involves blending the principles of these two ancient practices in a harmonious manner. This synergy can create an environment that is balanced, peaceful, and prosperous, drawing from the strengths of both systems. Here are some strategies to effectively synergize Feng Shui and Vastu:
Harmonizing Entryways: Both systems emphasize the significance of the entrance. Aim for an entrance that is welcoming and clutter-free, as advised in Feng Shui, and ideally located in a positive direction such as north or east, following Vastu guidelines.
Balancing the Five Elements: Feng Shui and Vastu both use five elements, although they are named differently. Incorporate these elements (Wu Xing and Pancha Bhuta) into your space in a balanced way, using colors, materials, and shapes that align with both systems.
Room Placement and Interior Arrangement: Align the broader layout of your space with Vastu’s principles (e.g., placing the kitchen in the southeast and bedrooms in the south or west). Within these rooms, apply Feng Shui techniques for furniture arrangement, object placement, and color usage to enhance the flow of Qi.
Prioritizing Natural Elements: Emphasize natural light, fresh air, and greenery, as both Feng Shui and Vastu value the presence of natural elements in living spaces. This approach not only aligns with both systems but also contributes to overall well-being.
Combining Decorative Elements: Use decorative elements, art, and symbols that are favorable in both systems. For instance, water features like fountains can attract positive energy in Feng Shui and are also auspicious in Vastu when placed in the north or northeast.
Managing Contradictory Practices: In cases where Feng Shui and Vastu offer conflicting advice, prioritize based on the context and your personal goals. For example, if a Vastu-aligned room placement contradicts Feng Shui, consider Feng Shui cures and adjustments to harmonize the energy.
Which One is Right for Your Home?
Deciding whether Feng Shui or Vastu Shastra is more suitable for your home involves considering several factors, including your cultural preferences, the flexibility of your living space, and your specific goals for energy harmonization.
If you have a strong interest in Chinese culture and Taoist philosophy, Feng Shui might resonate more with you. Its principles are deeply rooted in these traditions and offer a more flexible approach, particularly suitable for interior spaces and existing structures. Feng Shui can be easily integrated into your home without the need for significant architectural changes, making it ideal for enhancing the energy flow within rooms, arranging furniture, and placing decorative items.
On the other hand, if you lean towards Indian culture and Vedic principles, Vastu Shastra could be a better fit. It is particularly relevant if you’re building a new home or are open to making substantial renovations. Vastu focuses more on the structural design of the house, including the direction of entrances, the placement of rooms, and the choice of building materials. It requires a more holistic approach, which might involve considerable changes to the existing layout of a home.
Consider your specific needs in harmonizing the energy of your space. Assess how practical it would be to implement each system in your current living situation. Urban settings or homes where structural changes are not feasible might be more conducive to Feng Shui. Conversely, if you have the opportunity to influence the architectural aspects of your home, Vastu might offer more comprehensive guidance.
Reflect on your personal beliefs and trust your intuition. Sometimes, one system might inherently feel more appropriate for you than the other.
