Vastu is a part of major discussions in a country like India, especially when it comes to constructing a house or even buying land. Vastu is also considered before choosing a place to work from.
However, factually speaking, how much should one rely on Vastu? Or rather, how far does it apply to the common man?
Yogatma Sri Hari is not only a Vastu expert, but as the title prefixed to his name says, he is a true yogi. He has obtained a master’s degree in astrology and vastu from the Indian Council Of Astrological Sciences (ICAS) and studied the subjects in Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bengaluru. Through his studies and experiences, Mr. Hari is today a vast expert. As for his real job, he is the Chairman of GSS Projects, the most trusted real estate brand in Mysuru.
How Seriously Should You Consider Vastu For Your Home?
Mr. Hari shares his thoughts and facts about vastu as opposed to what is widely and blindly believed by most today.
Astrology and Vastu are both basic sciences. As for Vastu, it can be categorized into common sense and science. this reading will consider the common sense part of Vastu that applies to the common man. Architects however must consider vastu purely as science.
Simply put, Vastu means management of energies. There are four major directions in the universe namely north, south, west, and east. The north is responsible for magnetic energy and has a natural push and pull mechanism that need not be thought about much for vastu. In fact, this magnetic energy is vital for life itself.
In real estate, east-facing sites are often promoted without understanding why they are truly preferred. As a result, such sites are more expensive than their counterparts that are facing west, north, or south. In reality, even though a site is west-facing, the entrance or door can still be built facing east. Scientifically speaking, east-facing sites offer more space for letting the sunlight into the house. As much as this is kept in mind, a neighboring house that comes up years later may still block sunlight in the future. In another case, those who naturally have high body heat may not benefit the most from being exposed to sunlight for a longer duration as much as many others may. On the contrary, the former may have negative effects on their health.
The reason why vents such as doors and windows are not built facing west is because the sunlight from this direction is usually harsh, deeming it unhealthy and the air from west brings about dust from all the movements of a city. Where possible, avoid southwest exits. As a matter of common sense, good ventilation is required for the free flow of oxygen across a house and while this holds good, residents have access to fresh air and thus better health for higher productivity. An organized house free from clutter also directly and positively impacts the mental health of its residents. The same also holds good for offices that need to have optional ventilation despite an air conditioning system in place, giving the employees a working atmosphere.
A room should exude the environment it is supposed to provide. For example, a dining room is meant to eat in, and if it is filled with distractions such as digital gadgets or television,
Natural sunlight must enter homes and without sunlight, any building is prone to fungal growth or mold that may cause health complications to those living in the house by entering their bodies through air. Sunlight also kills harmful bacteria that commonly grow in darker places.
There should be good ventilation and apt usage of spaces for vents. Plants must grow at a natural pace without any hindrance. Any good layout considers all of these points to lay the right foundation for houses.
The Pancha Bhuta energies are fire, air, ether, earth, and water. In a good Vastu, all these energies synchronize. The road surrounding a property is also a vastu – civic amenities such as STP, drainage, clean water supply (that never mixes with seepage water) and electricity are other factors that determine the authenticity of a property.
It is usually believed that houses must not be around places such as temples, function halls, or basically any other places that involve large gatherings of people. The sensible reason for this is that such places may exude noise and trash might be thrown around such buildings given that gatherings are hosted there. There might also be too many vehicles parked around, blocking even private gates, in turn making it a nuisance for the movement of residents of relevant houses surrounding the buildings. Such inconveniences that are categorized under known inconveniences are not welcome around any place of residence as they may be an annoyance to residents. Although, there may be more scientific reasons to add to these common reasons.
Considering unknown inconveniences, it could include disturbances in sleep patterns, frustration, or even insomnia.
The common question would be whether residents surrounding such buildings must sell their property and evacuate or continue residing while putting up with these disturbances. In case they do have another alternative place to move to, they may as well move. In case they own the house it would be a bigger problem. However, tenants may vacate such a house conveniently at any given point in time.
A good Vastu ensures good physical and mental health for its residents, scientifically or otherwise. However, given the facts above, houses facing any direction other than east still do not need to worry about getting the vastu ‘corrected’ by any expert in any way.
Logically, houses or flats that are on a higher level from the ground get more light and ventilation. Today, most modern-day builders and property sellers are more aware of Vastu in a real way and increase the flat prices of an apartment as the level increases.
A strong mind is hardly influenced by surroundings and we have numerous examples of world-famous achievers who have found success amidst bad surroundings. Vastu is basically convenience vs inconvenience.
Humanity plays a bigger role than vastu and it can be seen through philanthropy and social works.
In conclusion, Vastu does play a role but not in a superstitious way as many believe but rather in a sensible as well as scientific way.
