Vastu Tips

Introduction
The ancient science of Vastu Shastra contains knowledge that creates buildings that are totally life-supporting energygenerators. Its founder, Mayan, assumed that everyone would naturally build in accordance with its guidelines. Todaywe frequently need ways to rectify spaces that we cannot rebuild. One of the best options is the use of the Vedic sacredgeometry known as yantras. Yantras are beautiful pieces of art that generate a highly beneficial and corrective energyfield. Corrections applied on the physical plane such as changes in the building structure are especially importantbecause those changes most directly affect the overall energy situation. On the second plane – the energetic plane – wecan use mirrors, the different elements, precious stones, herbs, and other means in order to subtly influence the qualityof the energies. This also yields a sustaining effect and a noticeable improvement upon the well-being of the peopleliving in the building.However, another deep level of Vastu is the karmic plane, focusing on the combination and interaction of planetaryinfluences inside the house. Since the planets are lords of the different directions, when we build or move into anarchitectural space, we are thus influenced by what is comparable to gaining a second astrological chart that affects ourlives in profound ways. There are fortunately effective yantras for these planetary lords and the directions. Such subtlemeans of correction are effective because Vastu qualities mainly affect the subtle plane, and therefore one can also findcounteractive means on this plane. Yantras have been used in Vastu for thousands of years in order to balance defectson the energetic and karmic plane. This effect is due to the following elements which when taken together form a yantra

Colors
Yantras may be multi-colored or all one color. Although yantras also have an effect when they are all onecolor or are black line drawings, the energetic influence and clarity are amplified by the use of colors. The colorspectrum represents the range of the subtle energies. The colors are assigned to the different planets and each direction,and these are used if the energy of a certain planet or direction is to manifest in the yantra. In other words, if you drawthe same yantra in different colors, you will get yantras with slightly different effects.

Symbols
Symbols are another important part of yantras because they symbolize the subtle power of a certainplanet, entity, or object. Traditionally such symbols are used all over the world in geomantics in order to influence theenergies of the earth and space.

According to Vastu all of the forces and influences of the universe that have an effect on people can also be foundinside the house. Utilizing the effective and simple system of the nine planets or grahas of our sun system, Jupiter,Venus, Mars, Saturn, Mercury, Rahu, Ketu, the Sun, and the Moon -- as described in Jyotish -- we can understand theseinfluences. By referring to these nine planets the astrological systems of all cultures describe very precisely the forceson people which influence their fate like invisible threads. All areas of a person’s life are represented by the nine planetsand their interaction, so that their position can be seen as a reflection of the life situation of a person, home, or otherbuilding.

It is said that even though we may not have control over the astrological effects of the stars but Vastu certainly plays a role in positively modifying these effects provided we make wise use of the teachings of Vastu Shastra. Astrology emphasizes the importance of the positions and motions of planets and stars whereas Vastu Shastra is founded on the significance of directions. It is said that the state or condition (of a system) can’t affect a direction but the directions (because of the geomagnetic, electromagnetic and subtler effects) do influence the state or condition. This is how vastu is believed to have relation with one’s horoscope and influences one’s stars to some extent. Thus, apart from the scientific basis –– in terms of optimizing the favorable geographical impact and energy fields of natural powers and minimizing the negative or harmful effects –– the significant role of vastu also emanates from the deeper mathematics of astrology.

Experts of Vastu Shastra affirm that if the house one lives in is constructed in concordance with the principles and guidelines of this vedic science of architecture, one would be able to live without falling a victim to adversities and tensions even in this age of materialistic rat-race, loan based possessions, stressful competitions and struggles. With a little care in the relative positioning and arrangement of the living room, dining room, study room, bed room, office, clinic, shop, etc, one could expect to live, by and large, a peaceful, happy and prosperous life of goodness and nobility.
Let us look at some excerpts to get an idea of what exactly the scriptures say in the above context. Vishwarkarma, the founder of architectural knowledge, instructs that a plot selected for the construction of a house should be first divided into sixteen parts (to get the segments and angles on both sides of the eight principal directions). The map of the house should take into account the directions, which are auspicious or inauspicious for specific purposes. The different rooms, location of doors and windows in each should be planned accordingly. For example, the second chapter of "Vishwkarma Prakash" – a masterpiece of Indian architectural heritage.