What it does
Gives the base principles from which the cause of a problem and its remedy can be worked out.
Cautions
Explanation and notes
The definitions taught: (1) from vas, the land of residence; (2) the sthapatya (architectural) art of establishing the right relationship between nature and human; (3) orientation according to the sun, arranging the day's routine to the sun's path from East to West; (4) the free, unobstructed movement of air; (5) a structure in which the building itself controls the mind and emotions; (6) the total management of the universe's energy, where using even 10 to 20 percent of it makes a life successful; (7) the balanced presence of the five elements, space, air, fire, water and earth, in a building; (8) the art, found by the rishis, of using the energy of sunlight that awakens all life. A total of 108 definitions is covered over the course. Once the basic principle is understood, the cause of a problem becomes clear and remedies can be designed independently.
The word Vastu comes from the Sanskrit vas, the land of residence, so the condition of the land is judged before any direction. Land energy decides about 70 percent of the result.
Energy rising from the land (geopathic) meets energy from the planets and stars (cosmic) and forms a third energy that can turn intense or toxic when mixed with household activity, so it must be able to leave the house. Every room therefore needs ventilation.
Early morning sun brings positive ultraviolet rays rich in vitamins and metals, while after about 2 pm the rays turn infrared. Openings and wall thickness are planned accordingly so the building admits good energy and blocks harmful energy.
Sun rays are described as miracle rays that carry silver, gold, iron, mercury, lead and other minerals as well as vitamin D and vitamin B12, each at a particular time around sunrise. No electric light can supply these.
Griha arambh (start of construction), griha pravesh, factory opening and other auspicious (mangalik) events are held in daytime, because work begun with the sun's energy goes well. After sunset creation is considered asleep.
The sun's movement from East to West creates a magnetic effect with North and South poles. A plot, building, room or hall whose North-South axis is longer (chandra-bhedi) holds the strongest magnetic field, giving attraction and concentration; one whose East-West axis is longer is called surya-bhedi.
When a plot's North-South axis is short, the magnetic field is increased by planning every room long in the North-South direction or, failing that, by placing heavy magnets and hematite mineral on the North-South axis.
Facing North uses the earth's magnetic field for attraction and focus: in business the owner faces North to draw customers, cash drawers and the tijori face North, and tratak or hypnotism is practised facing North.