READ AND COLLECT THE IDEAS THAT SEEMS GUD AND IGNORE THE REST

VASTU
…………………….ALL THE BEST, SEBY.
 Vastu | Vastu Shastra
Vastu means home or dwelling place. Vastu Shastra is ancient Indian science based
on the Vedas. It explains the basics of architecture, interior designing and
construction on the basis of principles of Vaastu. It is fundamentally a Hindu Art of
planning the central architecture of a building. Vastu somewhat perished in the
industrial and colonial era especially during the British Raj but was largely practiced
in Temple architecture. The layout details and specifically the main door or
entrance hall of all temples in India was planned according to Vasthu. Recently
there has been tremendous increase in the popularity of Vastu remedies. Even the
demand for Vastu advice and consequently experts and consultants has soared
high.

As an initiation towards understanding the very essence of Vastu Shastra, we bring

to you this dedicated section on Indiahousing.com that will answer all your
information-seeking quests on Vaastu. The science of Vastu Shastra explores the
relationship between energy field of a man and his physical surroundings.

The effects of the environment on man are clearly demarcated as physical, mental
and spiritual and managing the cosmic energy in the buildings and structures a
man lives in can bring positive energy in our lives. Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui
and the usual fundamentals of astrology are combined by the consultants to give
you remedies against the Vastu Dosha in the course of your home building
experience.

On our subsequent pages you will find quick Vastu Shastra tips, learn more about
the applications of Vaastu for home, office, plots or particular areas of your house
and even get details on the Vastu basics like Vastu Purush Mandala, mantras,
Yantras, Vastu Dosha and much more. Just browse through our Vastu section and
quench your thirst for any information on this ancient science of architecture.
A guide to VAASTU SHILPI SHASTRA

The method of designing buildings that are in

harmony with Nature is rooted in the ancient
Indian science of Vaastru Shilpi Shastra. The
origins of this highly evolved science can be
traced to one of the four ancient Indian Vedas –
the Atharva Veda and was widely applied in
most historic monuments which stand tall and
strong even today. This mystic science is being
rediscovered by modern architects and is being
increasingly employed today.

There have been claims of immense wealth and

personal health within days after making
structural changes in one’s residence as
advocated by Vaastru Shastra. Though this may
be viewed with suspicion, the basic tenets
appeal to the scientific mind as building designs
recommended do in fact improve air circulation
and natural lighting. This in turn improves the
health and behavior of the occupants. Wealth
you will agree is a natural outcome of good
health and clear thinking.

The impact of celestial bodies like the Sun and

the Moon on human behavior is more widely
accepted by modern science than was the case
a few decades ago. However, ancient Indian
Scriptures carried discussions on astrology that
are said to predict the entire future of new born
babies. There could still be scientific support at
some future date for all the unexplained
esoteric tenets of the Vaastu Shilpi Shastra.
 CONSTRUCTING A NEW BUILDING

It is very important to time the start of the

construction.Start excavation and fixing of the
main door in :

Chaitra (March-April) -will bring financial loss

Vaishaka (April-May) -very auspicious

Jaistha (May-June) -death and unhappiness

Shraavana (July-Aug.) -a healthy family

Bhaadrapada (Aug-Sept.) -disease in the

family

Ashwayuja (Sept. –Octo) - family feuds and

enmity

Kaarthika (Octo- Nov) -will attract wealth

Maargashira(Nov –Dec) -troubles in fears in

daily life

Pushya(Dec-Jan) -destructive fires and

troubles

Maagha (Jan-Feb) -good family life

Phaalguna(Feb –Mar) -will gain wealth and

fame

Further Mondays,Wednesdays, Thursdays and

Fridays are auscpicious
CHOOSING THE SITE

Avoid black clay soils, as the foundations will be

weak.
Avoid sites with anthills (fear of termite destruction) ,
land with big boulders and reclaimed land with loose
soil.
Land must be sloping to the North or East.
The site should be at least 50 m away from Shiva Temple
and must not be to the left of a Durga temple or behind a
Vishnu temple.
Shape of the plot
It must be square or rectangular and the East-West
dimension greater than the North –South. Any other
polygonal shape is generally inauspicious.
Avoid land that has no ground water.Dig a well in the N-
E corner and use the ground water for prosperity.
The North _East corner must never be rounded off in a
corner site (at an intersection) to the South West corner
may be rounded off.
Direction of roads:
Plots with roads on all sides is the best. Roads must be on
the East or the North side.
A water steam that flows from the West to the East is
good as far as it is to the North of the site.
.
THE BUILDING

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY:
The area of the building in square feet if divided by 8
must leave a reminder on either 1,3,5 or 7.
Old buildings that are damaged by a natural calamity like
fire, lightening, rain etc are to be avoided.
Never acquire a house in which a suicide has taken place
or a new born baby died or a pregnant lady expired.
Should be sufficiently away from trees whose roots can
damage the foundation
Door/windows
The main entrance /door must be from the North or the
East.
An entrance from the West or South –West is extremely
bad.
The number of door and windows must each be an even
number.
Columns and beams must also be an even number.
A door must never be in the center of the façade of the
house.
If there are 2 doors never have them on the West (main
door) and South (side door) , South (main) and West
(side) and West main) and North (side).
Pooja Room:
The N-E is the best location. The Deity facing the West
and the person offering prayers facing the East is the
best.
However, the Deity facingthe East or North is also
acceptable. In a multistoried building the prayer room
must be on the ground floor.
Bed room:
Ideal location is South or S-W corner. However, the East,
N-E and S-E may also be used.
Avoid bedrooms in the Northern side as this will lead the
user into financial difficulties.

One must sleep with the head facing the South ideally.
However head facing the East is also permissible.
Head facing either the North or the West can be
disastrous.
Bathrooms:
Should be to the East or North of the bedrooms.
Toilets :
Should never be in the N-E corner of the Building
Kitchen:
The ideal location is the S-E corner of the building with
the cooking platform on the eastern side with the cook
facing the East. The N-E corner of the building is also
acceptable location for the kitchen.
Staircases:
Must be located as far as possible to the South or S-W
portion of the building.

Cellar/basement :
Must be to the North or N-E portion of the building
Under ground water tanks: (incl. swimming pools)
Must be in the N-E corner of the plot but never in the S-E
corner.
Overhead tanks:
Must be in the S-W corner but never in the North, East or
N-E corner.
Rented House
 The principles of Vaastu apply to both rented
houses as well as houses owned by the resident.
If a portion of a building is being rented out , the North or
N-E portion must be rented out, the Southern portion must
be occupied be the owner.
No house must be kept vacant for more than 3-4 months.
The practical angle to this is that rodents and white ants
can create havoc on the foundation of the building if
unoccupied. Further, it is believed that evil forces of
nature take recluse in the long vacant buildings.
The ground floor must never be kept vacant, the higher
floors may be kept vacant.
Color scheme:

This depends on the direction in which the house faces

East facing : white, off white
South facing :Pink, orange, red
S-E facing : dark shades of green
South _west : olive green, parrot green
West facing : shades of blue
North facing : green or yellow
North _west : White, off white

Auspicious periods

The Vaastu Purusha is considered to be awake when he is oriented towards the

cardinal points, and is said to be asleep when oriented towards the non-cardinal
points like the NE, SW, SE, NW.

During the period of Dhanur (December-January), Mina (March-April), Mithuna

(June-July), Kanya (September-October), it is considered inauspicious to begin
building activities.

During the period of Mesha (April-May), Vrishabha (May-June) Kataka (July-August),

Simha (August-September), Tula (October-November), Vrichika (November-
December), Makara (January-February), Kumbha (February-March), It is auspicious
to build.

The spin is clockwise and around its own centre. Like the Vaastu Purusha, all living
beings are also material in their origins. Hence, they too are earth substance. It can
be said that we too are earth or bhoomi and the energy within us is Vaastu Purusha.
When the earth is dormant, the Vaastu Purusha is considered to be asleep. At this
time it is not beneficial to begin house-building activities. The Shastras state that this
`wrong’ time could lead to negative effects on the residents. One must learn about
the cycles of the earth before beginning auspicious acts. The face of the Vaastu
Purusha is oriented towards the position of the sun. On the opposite side will be
placed the feet of the Vaastu Purusha. His left hand will be placed below, the right
hand above.

It is observed that Vastushastra is totally based on sunrays and the invisible effect of
these rays. The different colours of the rays have useful as well as destructive effect
depending upon the direction and varying from sunrise to sunset. The seven colours
forming the sunrays are different goddesses of power and are serially known as
Parjanya, Kashyap, Mahendra, Surya, Satya, Bhrush and Nabhas. Different sages
and seers studied extensively, the properties of these rays and named them
Kanchansam, Sphatic-Nirmal, Indranil, Vaidurya, Padmarag, Vajrak and Brahamatej.
These seven rays are known as Saptadevta (the seven Gods). Therefore, even the
day is divided into seven parts. Brahmyamuhurta, Ushakal, Arun, Pratasanghav,
Madhyanha, Apranha, Sayankal.

Gods Associated With Vaastu

If we consider the curved surface of the earth as the horizontal plane, we get the
four main directions The East, The West, The North and South and the sub directions
The South-east, the South-west, The North-west and North-east. Every direction is
ruled by one God.

Rituals/Poojas to be performed

The Vaastu Shastras are full of ritualistic data that pertain to the relationship of a
person to the earth (bhoomi) or with the energies (vaastu devata) or to the trees
(vana mahotsavam, vana muhurtam).

To understand the right time to plant, to sow, to build, to reap, and to expand
businesses are all part of the Vaastu Shastras.

Many important functions such as the following:Vaastu Muhurtam, Bhoomi Puja,

Garbhanyasa, Kumbhabhishekam, Grihapravesam have been pointed out below:

Vaastu Muhurtam. After referring to the Panchangam or Indian calendar, the right
time is chosen to inaugurate the site and to propitiate the energies. The time chosen
is when the Vaastu Purusha is awake and therefore capable of participating in the
ceremony in a powerful manner. As already stated, the Vaastu Purusha is awake
during eight months of the year and asleep in the other four. (Eight months of
wakefulness-Mesha, Vrishabha, Kataka, Simha, Tula, Vrichika, Makara, Kumbha.
Four months of Sleep-Dhanur, Mina, Mithuna, Kanya.)

Bhoomi Puja. Usually this puja is carried out at the same time as vaastu
muhurtam. A small 64-part diagram denoting the manduka padam and the Vaastu
Purusha within it is marked in the NE part of the property using different seeds and
colouring substance. To each of the devas of this mandala, the chants and the
offerings mentioned earlier are made. It is also common to make a test pit in the NE
in which the first bricks or stones are placed during the bhoomi puja. An effigy of the
Vaastu Purusha is made in straw and burnt. This is to ward off evil spirits. It is
recommended that this ritual be carried out in the morning.
Garbhanyasa. This is a ritual carried out to bring alive the building and its spaces.
It is recommended that this ritual to be carried out in the evening or night after the
building has been completed and it is ready for occupation.

For the ritual a specific location is picked and a small cavity is dug out into which a
box made of copper or silver is placed. It may have nine or twenty-five
compartments, which is a mandala form known as peetha padam (nine). Upapeetha
padam (twenty-five). In the compartment facing east, offerings to Surya and Indra
are made in silver and gold, in the south to Yama and Simha in iron and gold, in the
west to Varuna in silver, in the north to Soma in silver, and similarly to all the other
directions. Nine grains, nine gems, minerals and herbs are placed in the box. The
bottom of the cavity or pit should have earth from different places. First placed. This
is then covered with a wooden lid and placed in the cavity. The cavity is filled up
amidst chanting and prayer.

This box or casket is held to be the source of life and movement. By placing it with
its offerings to the energies, the building comes alive. Garbha means the womb,
hence this is the womb or life-defining ritual. The ritual may be carried out in the
centre or brahmasthana, or in the north, west, east, south, on one side of the central
axis (to the right facing from the outside).

Kumbhabhishekam. This ritual is usually carried out for temples. After the temple
structure has been completed, and the image of the Divine One placed in the
garbhagriha or sanctum, the kalasam or bronze urn is placed on the top of the outer
structure. With hold water that has been purified through puja, the kalasam is finally
cleansed. It is this final ritual which marks the completion of a temple and with which
it promises that the temple is now ready for the dialogue between the community
and the gods.

Griha pravesam. In residences, the final action of purifying and making ready the
space for occupation is called Griha Pravesham. The planets and the devas are
propitiated, Vinayaka invoked, the space sprinkled with holy water, and sanctified
with the sacred Vedic ritual. After this ceremony, the inhabitants may move into the
built space and start their new lives.

With all these rituals, the tradition has helped people understand the intrinsic and
extraordinary relationship they share with their physical and spiritual environment.
There is no connection with organized religion in any of the rituals, they take on an
almost tribal character in the offering of energy back to the earthly systems

Vaastu and Geopathy

The ancient science of Vaastu is based on realistic energy effects, be it magnetic,

radiation or sound waves. The concept of "negative" and "positive" energy being
properly harnessed forms the basis of several ancient sciences on the well being of
man.
Environment, mental and physical health of the human being are closely related.
Once this factor gained recognition, efforts were made to create proper environment
for the people.

This recognition gave birth to the science of vaastu in India, the same concept led to
the birth of Fengshui in China. In the western world, the recognition led to the
understanding and development of the science of geopathy. Geo means 'earth' and
pathy means 'disease'. The science of geopathy is therefore the study of the diseases
of the earth. One interesting aspect of geopathy was that equal importance was
given to both the structure and the radiation underneath the earth which are
invisible.

Geopathy recognises electromagnetic radiation

Geopathy recognises that electromagnetic radiation which are cosmic in origin

surrounds the globe. The geopathic scientists were of the view that radiation
distortions were a natural phenomenon which could make a site unsafe for building
anything over it. These distortions would result in a distorted energy field in a
structure if the structure was near or over the distorted point. Geopathists put forth
the theory that this could result in unhappy homes, sickness and lack of prosperity.

There are several factors that can contribute to geopathic stress. One is the
underground streams which suddenly change course or meet with falls even if they
are at great depths from the surface. Dr. Curry of Germany discovered electrically
charged lines of natural origin flowing on northeast-southwest and southeast-
northwest lines at approximately three metres apart forming a grid which is now
known as 'Curry grid'.

Sleeping over crossed junctions can cause organic diseases

Dr.Ernst Hartmann, another German scientist discovered charged lines crisscrossing

on east-west and north-south directions and where two lines met they formed over
each other, double positive or double negative junctions. Extensive studies in this
field have established that sleeping over these crossed junctions can cause organic
diseases, including cancer.

Geopathy has made tremendous strides in the past few decades and today geopathic
experts are routinely called to analyse 'sick building syndromes' when the effect is
not due to adequate ventilation. Modern geopathy recognises several factors which
could make a building 'sick'. I want to mention a few of them just to show that
vaastu although evolved in a different part of the globe has much in common with
geopathy.

Dampness can cause negative energy

An area which is consistently damp or smells of dampness without any apparent
cause is an area of 'negative energy', according to geopathy. Vaastu also holds that
one should not build a structure where there is dampness all the time.

Anthills carry negative energy

Vaastu advocates rejection of plots with anthills. Geopathy also concedes with this
observation. Any place where ants build a home has negative grid points and are not
advisable. As per geopathy, certain measures are to be taken to overcome the
negative energy before considering a structure on the plot.

Beehives are not auspicious

Vaastu rejects plots having trees where beehives exist. Similarly according to vaastu
in a existing structure if bees try to form a hive it is considered as ill omen. Geopathy
also states that bees favor negative energy field for building a hive and corrective
measures to eliminate the negative fields are to be adopted if bees are spotted
frequently or if they start working on a hive.

The above examples show that the ancient Indians were well aware of the negative
energy fields which exist on plot and gave guide lines to recognise and avoid the
effects of such fields.

Feel ill? Check the radiation below your house

Studies have shown that good health and vaastu are closely related. It is an
established fact that earth has a magnetic field. Some of the radiation from the earth
is beneficial while some are hazardous. The harmful radiation is due to the presence
of ores underneath, due to underground streams and due to rocks lying in parallel
alignment.

An expert on vaastu conducted a survey on a house where a strong negative current

was giving out harmful radiation to the inmates. The inmates of the house were
having breathing problems. The expert identified the problem to be due to the
harmful radiation emanating from below the house.

It acts in your office too

As a form of experimentation, the person who was experiencing breathing problem

was asked to change the place he slept. Immediately, he felt some relief. The same
holds good for office premises. The chair that you sit on has energy fields below it,
affecting your performance.

When there were many instances of cancer in Germany, the German Central
Committee of cancer research conducted a study and found that every person who
had died of cancer had his or her bedroom exactly above a radiation point.

The studies, conducted in other countries also, were published in Earth Radiation,
published in Britain.
It is interesting to note that gypsies never get cancer! Why? Because they are
nomads, who can instinctively locate an earth radiation. Exposing oneself to earth's
radiation for a long period of time leads to cancer.

Just check out if you are staying in a radiation zone and are prone to problems due
to that. If your answer to most of the following questions is YES then watch out you
could be prone to cancer.

Are you feeling tired most of the day?

Do you finding attending to the daily chores a problem?

Are you depressed?

Do you feel irritable most of the times?

Do you feel (if you are ill) that you are not responding well to medical treatment?

Do you find your child highly aggressive and hyperactive?

Do you get up in the morning with a tired feeling?

Do you frightening dreams, feeling of constricted breathing and night sweats?

Do you suffer from undiagnosed headaches?

Do you suffer from insomnia?

Do you have a back problem, which grows worse at night?

Do you get up in the morning feeling bruised all over?

Pregnant women beware!

Care should be taken that pregnant women do not sleep over such radiation zones,
to ensure that the baby born does not have complications. It has also been proved
that miscarriages are common in weeks after conception if the woman sleeps over a
radiation zone.

If you are having problems moving into your new house, check when you moved in
and find out when the problem started. If you have a cat, which loves to sleep on
your bed, the indications are there is a R-zone underneath. On the same token your
pet dog will not sleep under some area of the cot, which is hit by earth radiation.
Also, if you find too many ants in your apartment or house, if bees come to start a
hive you should suspect a radiation distortion.

It has also been observed that the problem of the person afflicted will worsen on a
full moon day, or when there is heavy rain.
Researchers have come out with electronic equipment which ensure a uniform
spread of Schumann waves in the structure. One equipment can take care of about
1,500 sft area, adequate to meet the requirement of most houses. So if you cannot
change your bed location then you can try installing a wave generator.

Dressed stone structures and Vaastu impact

With advancement in technology and more resilient building materials being

available, stone structures have gone out of demand, at least in the West.

But in India, the rocky terrain, cheap labour and fine craftsman abound, made stone
a preferred choice. Temples like the Khajuraho are fine examples of stone structures
standing the test of time. The beauty of dressed stone is breathtaking, and since it is
maintenance-free, it has even more appeal. Then what is the trouble? Simply that it
emits negative energy.

We understand how living beings undergo stress. Now it should be interesting to

take note of how inanimate beings undergo stress. In a simple operation like
hammering, violent mechanical forces are introduced to an object. In an operation
like forging, where a piece of steel is heated and repeatedly hammered to give it a
particular shape, at the end of the operation, the object cannot be used as it is filled
with stress. Stress relieving is basically more like massaging a human being. It takes
the object through a tortuous cycle of heating and cooling and the object regains its
normal strength.

Dressed stones has little chance to release the stress

But in the case of dressed stone structure, every stone is prepared by hammering
and on an average every dressed stone takes not less than 500 hammer blows. And
there is no scope for relieving the stress, which the stone has suffered and the stress
remains locked up.

A building of dressed stones has tens of thousands of stressed stones, each laden
with quite a substantial amount of stress locked up inside. Thus, in effect, such
buildings are nothing but huge blocks of negative energy, just as a person who is in
great stress.

When a person is under stress and strain he is a source of unhappiness and misery
for those who are around them. Similarly, the stone building brings unhappiness and
misery to the occupants. How do stone buildings influence the activity that goes on
inside it? Some findings on this are interesting.

Stone buildings as hospitals

Take the case of stone buildings used as hospitals. A few examples are the hundred-
year-old Lord Minto Eye Hospital, Victoria Hospital in Chamarajpet, Bangalore, and
NIMHANS on Lalbagh Road in Bangalore. A hospital by nature stands for disease,
death, sorrow and despair. No laughs, smiles or jokes, but the whole atmosphere is
depressing and gloomy. All one can come across are patients in agony, their
relatives in fear and suspense, grave-faced doctors, stone-faced nurses and scowling
ayahs! And the result is, there will be an unbridled expansion of activities when a
stone building is used as a hospital. It is interesting to see that although these
hospitals started in small buildings, several new blocks catering to different
specialties have come up over the years and more and more expansion takes place.
Also, the number of patients visiting these hospital complexes, from far and near, is
increasing day by day. But, an increase in the number of sick people is nothing to
cheer about.

Stone buildings as maternity hospitals

Surprisingly, in the case of maternity hospitals the atmosphere is more relaxing and
the end result is a happy one most of the time as everyone is looking forward to the
arrival of a new-born who will bring comfort and cheer to the entire family. This is an
activity going against the stressful field already present.

When a stone building is used as a maternity home, it is found that there is no

expansion but only stagnation. Some of the standing examples of this are the Vani
Vilas Hospital in Bangalore where reportedly with over 50 per cent of the wards
closed, Corporation maternity hospital on JC Road, Bangalore, Maternity hospital in
NR Colony and Maternity Hospital in Sajjan Rao Circle, all in Banglaore.

Although these hospitals are several decades old none of them had any phenomenal
growth or development.

Stone buildings housing educational institutions

If the building has an excellent north and east openings at low level, then the
institution survives and makes a mark in the academic field. But the expansion will
be difficult. It will not branch out and grow with increased faculties or branches.

In the cantonment area of Bangalore for example, there are several premier
educational institutions, all stone structures. The St.Joseph School and college which
is over hundred years old, is much sought after and enjoys a very high reputation in
academic circles, which remains undiminished till today. But considering the
expansion of the city population this institution has not grown much. This applies to
other convent schools of old Bangalore, the one near Fraser Town, one near Briand
Square, one on Residency Road and so on.

A bad Vaastu can make the institution suffer from gaining in popularity and carve a
niche for itself. Consider the Renukacharya College of Commerce in Bangalore.
Unfortunately, it has a very bad Vaastu. Although it is several decades old and is
situated in a prime area, it failed to attract students.

The same applies for Girijamma Mukunda High school in Basavanagudi, Corporation

Girl's High School near Thimmiah Road, Industrial training center on Lalbagh Road.
However, it should be noted that, this is not a reflection on the quality of education
given. To be fair they are as good as the best. But all the efforts are made futile by a
stone building with bad vaastu.
Another noteworthy aspect is if there is a stone building institution then invariably a
hospital comes up around it! Consider the following examples in Bangalore: Mallya
Hospital close to St. Joseph School, Bateja Nursing Home close to St.Joseph College
of Commerce Yellamma Hospital close to Post-Graduate College of St. Joseph, Kidwai
Cancer Hospital close to Industrial Training Institute, Ramiah Medical Hospital close
to Indian Institute of Science, General Hospital close to High School in Briand Square
and Pandu Nursing Home close to Girijamma Mukunda High School.

Stone building in business/ factories

Stone buildings are unsuitable for business purposes as well. Although they do well
in the beginning, eventually the negative field gathers strength and the business is
likely to run into trouble. Consider these: the Binny Mill building, Minerva Mills and
Raja Mills are all stone buildings which did extremely well one time but that is no
longer true. The same is the case with the BRV theatre, which enthralled millions
with Bond movies in the sixties and earned handsomely in that period is now used as
army canteen! The KR Market, which did roaring business, was pulled down to make
way for a concrete complex.

Stone buildings as offices

A government office remains unaffected, as there are no expectations or business

approach involved with them. In Bangalore, we have the LIC Buildings on Residency
Road and Corporation Circle, AG's office in Race Course.

However, if the institution is expected to deliver results then the stone building has a
different story to say. Consider the Corporation Offices for example. Although they
do their best, people have more complaints than compliments. Same is the case with
Vidhana Soudha from where the government is run! The people remember the lapses
than the contributions of governments, and results in no party consistently occupying
the seat of power.

Stone building palaces/forts

Dressed stones were the choice material in most of the palaces and forts. Uniformly
they failed their rulers. Most of the forts are in ruins today. It makes one wonder
whether the fall of India to the British was due to the fact that all palaces and forts
were made of stones.

Stone building as temples

If the temple has good north and east openings as with the case of educational
institutions, then the temple will be popular. One should note that the atmosphere in
a temple is somewhat similar to that of a hospital. Here mostly people come to
unload their grief and seek the help of the almighty. Only if the total vaastu is bad
the temple fails to become popular.

Stone building as residences

As residences are small buildings comparatively the effect can be balanced if the
landscape is as per vaastu. If landscapes are badly placed, residences have little
hope. Electronic instruments which super imposes a positive energy field inside are
now available. This is one consoling factor for residences built in dressed stones.

Conclusion

Experiences with the stone buildings lends credence to the fact that there is quite an
amount of truth in the belief that stone structures are unsuitable, from the point of
view of prosperity and happiness. This however does not apply to facade stones,
stones used for foundations (not dressed but natural rough-cut with no stress factor)
and pavement stones.

Financial

Temple on right side of plot or straight ahead of gate.

Temple behind the plot.

Small plot between two big plots.

Dust bin within plot or on road adjacent to the northeast.

North east of plot is closed, heavy or neighbor's building ahead on north east.

Damaged building opposite gate or door.

Drain opposite gate or door.

If there are two roads serving the plot on opposite sides 'and there are two main
entrances, one each on either road.

If the road is higher than floor of building.

If road serving plot, slopes from north to south or from north east to south west.

If there are three adjacent roads and entrance is not kept on the center road.

If the Northeast is cut, curved or damaged.

If plot is a southeast plot.

North facing entrance for northwest plot.

If the land is Vayavya land.

There are anthills, termite hills or snake pits in the plot.

Land has pebbles.

Many depressions occur naturally within the plot.

Plot is too raised from surrounding.

Land has big rocks or boulders within.

Land is barren with no greenery or water.

There is a slope towards southwest or west.

The northeast, north and east are raised within and outside the plot.

If southeast is the highest point in the plot, floor or building. If southeast, south,
southwest or west is lowest.

If east is the highest and west is the lowest within the plot building or floor.

Poverty, loss in case of Diatya prastha land.

If rain water exits in southeast, northwest, south or southwest.

Plot is Bar shaped; wheel shaped, semicircular, odd shaped with 4 sides none of
which are equal, cart shaped, trapezium shaped, hand fan shaped, winnow shaped,
oval shaped, triangle shaped and parallelogram cause loss and poverty.

South east of plot has expanded towards east.

Southwest of plot has south expansion: Northwest plot expansion on either side.
Angular plot retraction towards north in northeast.

Southeast plot angular retraction towards south.

South West angular plot retraction towards west.

Northeast angular plot retraction towards east.

Southwest angular plot retraction towards south.

Northeast plot retraction as square.

More open space in south east on either side.

More space in south leads to loss.

Excess space in west lowers wealth.

Less open space in northeast.

Building on east wall or Building on north wall.

Poverty or poverty in spite of riches when northeast is closed.

Bankruptcy or poverty if northwest is closed.

Poverty when north or east sides are closed completely or partly.

If north compound wall is curved or dilapidated.

If plants with milky sap are present within the plot.

Tall trees in north or east block wealth.

If the gate of the plot and the door of the building face opposite directions.

If gate faces south in the southwest corner.

If there is a well in the south of southeast.

If there is a well in a raised south.

If well is in excessive space at southeast.

Well in the south of southwest.

Well in west and effect more if west is raised.

Well within the perimeter of the building, Stagnation or closing of business if well is
in west of northwest.

Separate building in north, northeast or east of the plot.

Very large door in proportion to size of building lowers wealth.

Entering the building through a door in the backyard.

If door makes the sound of the turning of a chekku or ghani.

If there is a south facing southwest door.

Even numbered rooms within the building.

God signifying wealth (Balagi, Kubera or Lakshmi) facing the exit.

Southeast land, floors of the building or terrace low.

If south or southwest is lowest point in land, building or floor.

If overhead tank is in northeast.

If northeast, south or east is used as kitchen or hot process.

If north or northeast is the highest point in land, building or floor.

Treasury in east leads to no inflows in wealth.

Treasury in Southeast destroys wealth.

Treasury in North leads to scarcity.

Treasury in Northeast leads to poverty.

Staircase in north or east leads to poverty.

Store room inn north or east leads to poverty.

Any heavy thing in north or east leads to poverty.

First floor in northern half or eastern half lowers wealth

If land area in South is bought and added to existing plot.

Wealth lowers if building is expanded on west alone.

Ups and downs in financials, if east floor depresses.

Loss occurs if buildings for residence are built with 2 or 3 wings.

Building has 2 opposite wings of north and south or east with west.

If the building has 3 wings East, West and North.

DEBT

Liabilities arise if natural depression or holes are in the plot.

Business affected and liability exists when excess space is in west or southwest.

Debt if in plot north, east and west are raised and there is a depressed south or a
south street. It indicates loss of wealth also.

Well in south of southwest or west of northwest.

Water tank above the ground on the plot in northeast.

If there are no windows on either side of the main door.

Northeast closed or raised.

WASTEFUL EXPENDITURE

Wasteful expenditure is caused when southeast in plot expands towards south.

North facing gate in northwest.

If there is a well in a southeast which is elevated.

Water tank above the ground in northeast or north.

North facing northwest main door or gate.

Northwest floor lower than rest of the building.

West Vayu growth in building.

Northeast is highest point in building.

Northwest treasury leads to excess outflow.

If northeast of plot is sold it leads to financial disaster.

More space in southwest towards west increases excessisve pending.

Excess expenditure caused by constant flowing water before the gate.

Unexpected expenditure caused by spearing street from east at Agni.

SORROW

If there is a hill straight to entrance of plot or entrance.

If there is ditch opposite gate or door.

Tall buildings in north and east.

Plot not parallel to the cardinal directions.

If cotton is found on first excavation.

If north and east are raised within and out side the plot.

If there is slope towards south.

If south east or west is lowest in plot or building.

More open space in southeast towards east.

Southwest expanded in west.

Peepul tree in the east.

Northeast angular retraction towards north.

Southeast angular retraction towards south.

Northwest angular retraction towards west.

Northeast or southwest retraction as square.

Northwest closed.

Gloomy atmosphere persists if there are 3 doors in 3 directions excepting south.

Ceiling shaped like mountain peak.

Stair railings opposite the door or gate.

Tall building in north east in north east

WORRY

If the shadow of one particular external tree falls within the plot from 9 am to 3 PM,
it causes constant worry.

If eagles or kites reside within the plot it causes worry.

Temple in left side of plot

Anthills in plot.

Plot is higher than surroundings.

If west is lowest within the plot.

If rain water exits in south, southwest, west, northwest or southeast.

If the opening of door sounds like braying of donkey or turning of oil mill.

If door doesn't open freely.

 LACK OF PEACE

Cemetery in vicinity.

Plot not parallel to cardinal directions.

Natural holes in plot.

Rain water exit in northwest.

If plot is odd shaped and 4 sides not equal.

If plot is winnow shaped.

Northeast angular retraction towards east.

Excess space in northwest.

Excess space in west.

2nd hand things used in construction.

Northwest plot acquisition leads to lack of peace and continuos agony.

BUSINESS IS A BURDEN

Overhead tank in northeast.

MENTAL UNREST

Tall buildings in north and east.

Cemetery in vicinity.

Open well opposite door or gate.

Corner of another building opposite gate or door.

If road tapers from east to west.

South Nairudhi spear.

If northwest has expanded in west.

If southwest has expanded in west.

Well in northwest.

Thorny plants in the plot.

Unrest for northeast retraction as a square.

TENSIONS AND STRAIN

Nagprastha land.

Tension, if northeast raised.

Tension, for heat in south.

Tension, for Northwest kitchen.

Tension, for Weights in east, north and northeast.

Strain, for northwest angular retraction towards west.

Mental strain, for northwest angular retraction towards west.

Mental disturbances, if door opens by itself. Tension, if rooms are even numbered.
Tension, if northeast or south kitchen is used.

Mental disturbance, if northwest floor depresses.

Mentally tired for northeast weight. FEAR

If running water is in south or west.

if the building has east, west and north wings.

Land which served as yaga sala causes fear.

North facing gate or door in NorthWest.

WAVERING MIND

Dharmasala in vicinity.

North facing northwest gate or door.

Unsteady mind if northwest floor is low.

If east floor lowers.

If land in northwest is lowest, doubts, insecurity and mental weakness arise.

UNTOWARD DEATH

Untoward deaths occur for turtle shaped plot.

Untoward deaths occur if plot is adjacent to cemetery.

Untoward deaths occur for land with cracks.

Untoward deaths occur if coal or iron is first found on excavation.

Untoward deaths occur if southeast is raised with well.

Untoward deaths occur if there is slope towards south.

Untoward deaths occur if southwest is lowest.

Untoward deaths occur for excess space in southeast towards east and well also
there.

Untoward deaths occur if southwest if southwest floor is lower.

Untoward deaths occur if southwest is the lowest point in the building.

Untoward deaths occur for Northeast over head tank.

Untoward deaths occur if there are 7 doors in the building.

Untoward deaths occur if door makes high sound on opening.

Untoward deaths occur for southwest door facing west.

Death occurs if building has north and east wings.

ENMITY

Enmity increases for depression in south.

Enmity increases if neighbour's effluent flows within plot.

Enmity increases if 4 roads serve the plot.

Enmity increases if plot has ups and downs.

If southeast is lowest there exists danger from enemies.

Enemies increase if northwest is lowest.

Enmity increases if west and southwest are high and east and southeast are lower.

If plot shape is oval with cut it leads to loss of friendship.

Enmity increases if northwest expands towards north.

Enmity increases if rain water exits in west.

Enmity increases if there is excess space in the southwest and there is a well.

Enmity increases if there is a well in the north of northwest.

Thorny plants within perimeter will cause enmity and defeats because of that.

Enmity increases for northeast angular retraction towards north.

Enmity increases if excess space in southwest, enmity more if well is also there.

Enmity increases if southeast is lowest point on terrace.

Enmity increases if it is a three winged building with south, east and north wings.

Enmity increases if there are 3 doors in the building.

Enmity increases if expansion of building in done in east alone.

ENEMY ATTACK

Enemies attack if plot is bow shaped.

Enemies attack if there are thorny plants within the plot.

Enemies attack if southeast floor lowers

CONTROVERSY

Controversy arises if depression is in southwest.

Controversy arises if neighbour's effluent flows within.

Controversy arises if northwest or west kitchen is used.

Controversy rises if south floor lowers after moving in.

ACCIDENTS

Generally, accidents occur for Nairudhi spears. Automobile accidents occur for South
Nairudhi spear or west Nairudhi spear. Accidents occur for Slope towards southeast.

Accidents occur for Southwest expansion towards west.

Southwest extension towards south causes general accidents.

Southwest extension towards west causes serious accidental danger.

Accidents occur for northwest retraction angularly in west.

Accidents occur for East facing southeast gate or door.

Accidents occur for South facing southwest gate or west facing southwest gate or
doors.

Accidents occur for acquisition of land in southeast or west.

Limb damage occurs if southeast floor lowers after commencement of living.

FROM VENOM AND POLLUTANTS

If neighbour's effluent or rainwater flows within out plot pollutants harm the
members.

Wasps, snakes, scorpions attack if southeast is highest and the northwest lowest.

Southwest kitchen causes food poisoning.

WATER ACCIDENTS

Open well opposite the door or gate.

Well in southwest or south.

FIRE OR ELECTRICITY
Fire accidents occur if there is pond outside plot in southeast.

Fire accidents occur if Shiva temple is in vicinity.

Fire accidents occur if there is slope towards southeast.

If southeast is lower point it indicates loss by fire.

Triangular plot leads to fire accidents.

If northwest is the highest point and southeast the lowest it leads to fire accident
and arson.

Fire accidents if Southeast expansion or extension towards east.

Fire accidents if Northeast angular retracts towards south.

Fire accidents if Well is in excessive space in southeast towards south.

Fire accidents for Southeast well.

Fire accidents for East facing gate or door in southeast.

Fire accidents if southeast is lowest point in building.

Fire accidents if door or woodwork has burn marks.

Fire accidents if land is acquired in southeast.

Fire accidents if northwest kitchen is nor proper.

IMMORAL, UNETHICAL, NEFARIOUS ACTIVITIES

East Agni spear causes immoral or unethical activity.

If southwest is lowest point in the building.

Gate in west of southwest.

Well in south of southeast.

If southwest is lowest in plot.

Factory on Asura land.

Greed, if there is east Agni spear.

If southeast has excessive space and there is a well.

Profession or earning unethical for South Nairudhi spear.

If southwest expands towards west both unethical earning and spending.

Criminal activity if southeast is lowest in floor, building or plot.

If north and northeast are raised and south and southwest are lowest in plot it
causes criminal activity.

Well in southwest with excess space causes nefarious activity.

Illegal or immoral activity if there is garbage dump in northeast.

Commerce become unethical or fraudulent if snake pits are within the plot.

If height of building is not proportional to width and length then nefarious activities,
friendship with the evil.

Contact with evil people occurs if excess space in southwest towards west.

HARM

Harm or misfortune, if there are 3 or 4 main doors.

Danger for northeast weight (stairs, stores etc.)

Unhappiness for overhead tank in northeast.

Overall harm, if west compound wall is improper.

ROBBERY

If plot has 4 roads

If Vishnu temple is in the vicinity.

If the mutts are in the vicinity.

If the plot is bow shaped it leads to robbery and dacoity.

If southwest is lowest.

If northeast is highest and southwest the lowest in plot.

Southeast well.
Well in west of northwest.

Totally ten doors within building.

Main door not facing a cardinal direction.

East facing southeast door or gate.

Southwest kitchen.

Land acquisition in southeast.

LITIGATIONS

Litigations occur if corner of one building is opposite to gate.

Litigations occur for North west plot.

Litigations occur for South and west Nairu spear.

Litigations occur if skull is present within plot.

Litigations occur if Sun triangle higher than moon triangle

Litigations occur for Southeast expansion of plot towards either side.

Litigations occur for Northwest expansion towards north.

Litigations occur for Southwest angular retraction towards south.

Litigations occur for excess space in south east towards south plus well.

Litigations occur for excess space in southwest.

Excess space in south west plus well causes litigation and auction for the building.

Litigations occur for well in west of northwest.

Litigations occur for septic tank in northwest.

Litigations occur for southeast or northwest closure

. Litigations occur for Northwest sewage exit.

Litigations occur for Southeast acquisition of additional land.

Litigations occur for constructions on east or north compound wall

IMPRISONMENT, SUPERIOR ACTION, DEFAMEMENT

Southwest and south are lower and north and northeast are higher.

Triangular plot leads to jail or penalty problem from higher authority.

Trapezium shaped plot causes court action.

Turtle shaped plot sends members to jail.

Defamation and superior action like suspension if southwest has expanded towards
south or northwest has expanded towards north.

Banyan in west causes government action

INSULTS, LOWERING OF STATUS

South Nairu spear lowers status of the building in eyes of society.

Depression or pond in southwest insults for man and first child.

Abattoir in vicinity lowers status.

Temple behind plot lowers status.

If northeast is raised bad reputation arises.

If southwest expands at south or northwest expands at west they lower status.

If rainwater exits in southwest it lowers status.

Bad name if rain water exits in west.

Southeast well lowers name and fame of men.

Well in south of southwest lowers status of men.

Bad name arises if well is in a raised west.

Status lowers if water tank above the ground is in the east.

Banyan in south gives defamation and insults.

Status lowered by first progeny excess space in southwest

Loss of reputation southeast, angular retraction towards east.

Reputation and position lost for angular retraction at southwest towards west.

Excess space in northwest towards west status lowered for men.

Degradation of men for west facing for door at southwest.

Fame and name goes down for weight in east.

NO PROGRESS

Little progress if Vishnu temple is in vicinity.

Little progress if Temple is in front of plot.

Very little progress if Tall building is in northeast.

Failures if road tapers from north to south.

Very little progress if plot is at dead end of road.

Very little progress if dead soil.

Very little progress if tree opposite gate or door.

Obstacles, if bones are found on excavation.

Very little progress if plot is pot shaped.

Very little progress if southeast expands towards south.

Very little progress if Northwest expands towards west.

General instability for north facing northwest gate.

No progress for men south is lowest.

Very little progress for Southwest angular retraction towards south.

More space in southwest leads to many obstacles.

Excess space in west affects men career.

If northwest is closed then there is no progress and people suffer suffocation.

West Nairu spear weakens the very destiny of men.

Large open space in west lowers men's profession.

Northeast retraction as square mars progress and career.

Instability if north west door facing north

No results if building is very tall when compared to width and length.

No progress if building has south and east wings.

If rooms of different zones are not as suggested by Vastu.

Buildings with 2 or 3 wings used for living.

Adversity, hardship, stumbling blocks for progress for east facing southeast door.

GENERAL PROBLEMS

Running water in south and west causes general problems.

Nuisance, misunderstanding if Shiva temple is in vicinity

Excess space in southwest causes nuisance.

Problems arise if main door is too small.

Problems arise constantly if passage within building is anti clockwise.

Problems arise constantly if door makes the sound of an oil mill.

Needless problems if south floor lowers.

Adversity, hardship for east facing southeast door.

Instability for north facing northwest door.

Trouble arises if land has the parts of dead and buried animals.

Costs increase due to much guests if rain water exits in northwest.

No comfort if rain water exits in northwest.

No help from others for spear at east Agni.

GENERAL SUFFERING

Water seeping from the ground.

Plot with holes.

North east of plot is raised.

If rain water exits in west.

Southeast expansion towards south.

Southeast expansion towards east.

If there is a tree opposite the door or gate.

If eagles or kites reside within the plot.

Well in excessive space in southwest:

Well in northwest.

Water tank above the ground in west or northwest.

Toilet in northeast makes business take more time to settle or they are unsettled.

If there are 3 roads and gate is not in middle road.

Excess space in southwest.

Deterioration, if floor levels on either sides of the main door are unequal.

If there are not windows each on either sides of door.

Building on east wall.

Antisocial activities if plot is eroded.

PROBLEMS FOR PROMOTERS

Promoters become useless for heat in northeast or kitchen.

Profession lowers for West sewage exit.

Less open space in northeast towards east makes promoters unhappy.

Promoters suffer harm if east is closed.

Promoters suffer harm if south and east compound walls are improper.
DIFFERENCE OF OPINION AMONG PROMOTERS

Spear at southwest from south.

Between partners if excess space is in southeast towards east with well also there.

If northwest floor is lower.

INFIGHTING

Pillar opposite gate or door. Southeast well.

Doorway leans inside. Northwest floor low.

Fighting for south Agni growth in building. Partners fight if any wall within the building
is improper, incomplete or is curved.

Heat in the west zone is being used.

If north alone is added in construction of additional area.

PARTNERSHIPS BREAKING

Separation occurs for North facing northwest gate.

North facing Vayu door.

Separation occurs if the building has two wings in south and east.

Excess space in southeast towards east with well leads to separation.

Quarrels if sun triangle is higher than moon triangle.

Infighting if northwest is lowest. Quarrels if shape of plot is parallelogram.

Internal turmoil if southeast expands towards east.

Infighting occurs in Asura land.

DISCORD WITH WORKERS

East facing southeast gate or door. Well in north of northwest.

Southeast is lowest point in plot or roof Southeast extension towards east.

Door made of 2 different woods. South east floor low

For any fault in east agni

DOMINANT WORKERS

East is raised in plot or building.

West is lowest in plot or building.

Plot has north road only.

North sewage exit.

Excessive space in the north

WORKERS SUFFER

Well in north of northwest.

Large open space in south.

North is raised.

Door made of 2 woods.

South floor low.

Walls incomplete or curved or low within the building.

COMFORT LOWERED FOR WORKERS

Southwest extension in south.

If southeast plot is owned by men.

Building right on the north border.

Heat is used in the east.

WORKERS DISSATISFIED
Southwest expansion on either side.

Less open space at northeast towards north.

UNITY AFFECTED

Water tank above ground in northeast.

Excess space in the southeast towards east with well.

Structure itself destroyed if gate faces temple.

Structure in shambles if southwest is the lowest point.

Industry shattered if toilet closes the northeast.

PROMOTER 's DEATH

If north is high and south lowest, the man dies.

Men may die for west facing southwest gate.

Death of owner if there are north and west wings.

Well in southwest indicates death for owner.

Death may occur if sump is in southeast.

Death may occur if building is added on south.

Death may occur if southwest floor lowers.

LONGEVITY OF PROMOTER AFFECTED

Longevity lower if road is opposite to door.

Longevity lower if it is southwest plot.

Longevity lower if plot is too high than surrounding or if land is too low.

Longevity is affected if southeast is lowest or east is highest.

Longevity is affected if West is lowest.

Longevity lower for abattoir in vicinity.

Longevity is affected if there is pillar opposite gate or door.

Life span of promoter goes down if main door disproportional to building.

Life spans down if main door is attacked by weapons.

Life span of promoter down if 2nd hand things are used in construction.

Selection of the Plot

For any building the site (Kshetra) is the basic requirement and utmost care must be
taken in it's selection. Normally an Architect or Vaastu Shilpi is brought into the
scene only at the designing stage but it is advisable to involve him at the stage of
buying the site itself.

In selection of the site the following aspects should be taken care of:

(1) Types of Earth : Earth is classified according to it's colour brick red, dark brown;
white, red, yellow, mixed colour, black and also according to their smell, taste,
texture, etc., Black and clayey soil is not good for construction and while designing
the foundation/footings, the load bearing capacity of the soil should be ascertained.
Sites with big boulders, anthills or where murder or burial has taken place and those
with loose or filled-up earth should be avoided.

(2) Location and Environment : As far as possible the site should be Ievel or sloping
towards North and East or North-East. If it is a small one, which normally is the case
in the towns or cities, there should not be any big trees like Aswatha (Peepul),
Mango, Banyan, Tamarind etc., whose roots and branches may cause damage to the
building. If the site is big then the building area should be sufficiently away from
them. Site which has fertile earth, flowering plants, fruit trees, grass etc., is good
and sites without the source of ground water should be avoided. Those abutting
temples, ashramas, schools, colleges, kalyana mantapas are not advisable for
obvious reasons and sites behind Vishnu temple or to the left of Durga temple are
also not good and it should be at least 50 meters away from a Shiva temple. [Any
site to the South or West of hills shall be rejected, but site to the East or North of
hills should be accepted.] This is not possible in aIl the cases.

Attributes of Earth

Surrounded by oceans, the landmasses have heights and depths of mountains, plains
and plateaus and are enlivened by veins of rivers and network of streams and lakes.
On and beneath the surface of earth lie the soils and minerals in varying degrees
that make life infertile or prosperous. The revolution of earth gives us the day and
night that regulates the activities of plants and living beings. The tilted rotation of
the earth around the sun sets the rhythm of the seasons, which are important for
vegetation and harvests. Whether each location is cool or warm is largely determined
by it's relative distance from the equator and it's height above the sea level. Climate
not only plays a great part in composition of soils but also affects the character of
plants, animals and most importantly the man's energy.

Hidden aspects of natural laws give birth to life and for better or for worse, the rules
of nature command that life and therefore a close adjustment to the natural
background becomes a bare necessity.

The characteristics and composition of soil are very important for two reasons. One
is the load-bearing capacity of the soil that defines the type of foundation to be
employed, the other is the ability of the land to sustain vegetation. The designer
would (traditionally) observe the site for one season at least to ascertain whether the
soil is fertile holds water and sustains life forms such as plants, birds and animals.
Any soil that is incapable of regeneration would be set-aside as bad for human
habitation. From an ecological point of view this analysis is extremely wise and can
be added to the responsibilities of the designer.

Testing of selected sites

Testing The Soil

METHOD 1

This involves digging a hole in the plot to be tested of 0.5 metres in width, breadth
and depth. The soil taken out is filled again into the hole without any noticeable
wastage. There are three results possible in this test. If after filling the pit some
balance in soil remains, then the owner of the plot on construction of the factory will
enjoy wealth and prosperity.

If the pit is entirely filled with no balance in the excavated soil, then the owner of the
plot who constructs a factory on it will have a smooth life and will meet all his
commitments in life. However his chances of becoming wealthier or richer is lower.

If the pit cannot be completely filled with the excavated soil, then it is a problematic
plot. The owner will suffer physically and mentally and suffer from want of the better
things in life. Care should be taken to make sure that the entire soil excavated is
carefully retained without wastage till the end of the experiment.

METHOD 2

A pit is excavated in the same dimensions as above (0.5 metre cubed) and it is fiIled
with water. Then a person is to walk hundred steps away and return (this was an
appropriate technology to measure a small space of time in an era without watches
and clocks).

If the level has dropped below one fourth, that is if less than 12.5 em of water is
standing, then it is undesirable and the plot will give bad results.

If it is between 12.5 em to 25 em it will give medium results.

If the water level is more than 50 percent, than the plot is one that will provide
excellent results. The lesser water that is absorbed the better.

METHOD 3

Dig a pit of fore arm length, breadth and width (approximately the same dimensions
as the above experiments) and fill it with water up to the brim just as the sunsets.
Just before sunrise the next day check the level. If the water level has dropped only
marginally, then the plot will bring excellent results in future.

If the water is 50 percent only, then problems will be faced in completing the factory
but things will be okay by the end.

If water is completely dry, problems will abound.

If the pit is fully dry and we find cracks at the bottom, it indicates death and
destruction. Such a plot should not be chosen.

Facing of plots is important

Facing of plots is not considered important. There is a wrong notion that north- and east-facing plots are better
than south and west-facing plots. This is not true. However, in the case of north- or east-facing plots, half of the
plot that lies towards north or east is the sensitive portion. The rear half is dense. Thus the building can come up
in the rear half allowing for a front garden. This increases aesthetics as well.

This advantage will not be available if the plot faces an approach road on South or West. Here, the sensitive half
is in the rear and the dense portion capable of taking the load of the building is in the front. The building has to
come up in the first half facing the road. A owner of such a plot has to reconcile himself for a backyard and
garden as he will have less space in the front. If this is acceptable, by all means purchase a west- or south-facing
plot.

The problem arises when an owner of a south- or west-facing plot uses the rear half for building and goes for a
garden in the front. This will make the subtle energy areas in north and east come under great strain, thus
affecting their strength adversely. The dense areas which are in the front are negatively strong and thus the
whole structure is placed in a distorted field. Most of the ill-effects ensue because of this problem. So before you
purchase a plot decide the first question; would you like a garden and wide open space in the front or the rear?

Correction of existing plots

As we have seen before, some plots have inauspicious Vithishulas. A needy plot
purchaser purchases any inauspicious plot and constructs his proposed building on it.
If he finds after some years that the building he has built, is harmful, he cannot
easily sell out the building and shift else where. In the situation like this, to
overcome inauspicious Vithishulas, he should use the following remedies.

Do not construct the compound gate at the place, where the inauspicious Vithishula
meets the plot.
Let the compound wall be thick built in stone and as far as possible,taller. While
constructing the compound wall, to protect from inauspicious vithishula mix old nails
and used shaving blades in the construction material.

Use the black or grey colour for the outer side of the compound wall.

In the place, where inauspicious Vithishula meets the plot, construct a slantwise, C
shaped wall, at least of 2 ft. high from the ground outside the plot.

The space or the corner of the plot, where the inauspicious Vithishula meets should
either be sold or turned into auspicious Vithishula by constructing another compound
wall. In the space, separated from the plot by the wall, a shop can be opened.

Remedy to overcome inauspicious Vithishula in the East – Southeast :

Here the plot has an inauspicious Vithishula on the East – SouthEast corner. In order
to cut off this corner from the rest of the plot, construct two walls, one in the North
and the other in the West, as shown in the fig. In this way, two beneficial objectives
are served at a time. They are (1) Removal of the inauspicious Vithishula in the East
– Southeast corner and (2) Auspicious extension of the plot towards the East. Now,
the East – Southeast corner has become a small plot without any problem arising
from the inauspicious Vithishula. Besides, the small plot has a road only to the East.
It is also auspicious. Hence, it is better to use this small plot for any occupational
shop or beauty parlour. Let the main compound gate of the plot be in the East –
Northeast. Other things will be advantageous, if they are done according to
Vastushastra.

Remedy for inauspicious Vithishula at the West – South-West:

The plots having an inauspicious vithishula at the West – South-West corner, should,
in order to cut off this corner from the rest of the plot, construct the compound walls
in the North and East respectively. The compound, thus constructed in the corner of
the plot, serves as a beneficial objective i.e. removal of the inauspicious Vithishula at
the West – South-West corner. Since the West – South-West corner of the plot has
been cut off, it averts many calamities arising from the inauspicious vithishula. Now,
the West – South-West corner of the plot itself has become a small plot without any
calamity arising from the inauspicious vithishula. Besides, the small plot has a road
only to the West. It is auspicious too.

It is advantageous to use the small plot for a flour mill, hotel, bicycle mart, garage
etc. As shown in the fig. Let the compound gate be in the West – North-West. Other
things are beneficial, if they are carried out according to Vastushastra.

Remedy for Inauspicious South – South-West Vithishula:

The plot has a very inauspicious vithishula at the South- South-West corner. In order
to cut off this corner from the rest of the plot, construct the compound walls in the
North and East respectively as shown in the fig. The compound, thus constructed in
the corner of the plot, serves advantageous purpose like the removal of the
inauspicious Vithishula at the South – South-West corner. Since the South – South-
West corner of the plot has been cut off, it averts many calamities arising from the
inauspicious Vithishula. Now, the South – South-West corner of the plot has itself
become a small plot without any calamity arising from the inauspicious Vithishula.
Besides, the small plot has a road only to South.

Let the small plot have the gate, as far as possible, in the South – South-East. There
is no any harm if the gate of the small plot is built in the entire South. The small plot
can quite profitably be used for any purposes like mutton shop, win shop, tyre shop,
hardware shop, garage, flour mill, masala grinding centre, blade grinding,
sharpening centre etc.

Toilets

1)The toilets in the building should never be in the centre, the north-east, the south-
east and the south-west corners.

2)The toilets should be constructed to the west of the building or the north-west side
of the north or the south directions, leaving the south-east and the south-west
corners. But septic tank should not be in the south. If the pit of the outlet is in the
south, they should not be very deep.

3)The pot in the toilet should be in the west, the south or the north-west side of the
west.

4)The construction of the toilet should be such that the persons sitting there have
their faces towards the north or the east.

5)The toilet should be one or two feet higher than the ground level. The door of the
toilet should be in the east or the north direction as far as possible.

6)The water storage or the taps in the toilet should be in the east, the north or the
north-east corner.It should never be in the south-east or the south-west direction.

7)The slope of the flooring of the toilet and the outlet should be in the east or the
north. Marble tiles should not be used in the toilet.

8)The colour of walls of the toilet can be according to ones own choice.

9)In the toilet, there should be a small window,in the east, the west or the north, be
used.

Security room
Security guard room can be in the South-East side in case of gate in the East; North-
West side in case of gate in the North; South-West side in case of gate in the West;
South-West side in case of gate in the South; but it should be away from the
boundary.The Gurkha room for the sake of most efficiency should be placed near the
gate.The Gurkha room should face only north or east.The room should not touch the
compound walls in case of north or east walls. They can touch the south or west
compound walls.Make sure that the corners of the building are not straight to the
doors of the main factory.

The doors of the room should be in the exact northeast or other corners. Avoid
putting toilets or washrooms if the Gurkha room is in a position unfavourable to
it.Avoid building circular Gurkha rooms with conical roof. This type of ready-made
fibre glass moulded security rooms are available. These cause terrible results, as
observed in case studies.

SOUTH FACING PLOT The gate will be positioned in southeast facing south. The
Gurkha room should be to the west of the gate and face north. The door of the
Gurkha room should be in the east-facing northeast. The building can touch the
south compound wall. Toilet is allowed if the building lies within the southeast zone
of the plot only. Do not place the Gurkha room closing the south east corner.

NORTH FACING PLOT

The gate will be positioned in northeast facing north. The Gurkha room should be to
the west of the gate and face east. The door of the Gurkha room should be in the
east-facing northeast. The building cannot touch the north compound wall. No toilet
should be attached to the Gurkha room.Make the room as small as possible. Closing
of the north east corner is not allowed.

WEST FACING PLOT The gate will be positioned in northwest facing west.The
Security room should be to the south of the gate and face north.The door of the
Gurkha room should be in the north-facing northeast. The building can touch the
west compound wall. Attached toilet is allowed. Do not place the Gurkha room
closing the north west corner.

Kitchen

Best location for the kitchen is the South-East (Aagneya) corner. The cooking
platform should be towards eastern side wall of the kitchen, as good results can be
achieved when one faces East while cooking in the South-East corner of the kitchen.
Platform touching the Northern wall of kitchen should be avoided, but platform can
be extended on the Southern side. When the entrance to the house is from East and
South it may be difficult for obvious reasons to locate the kitchen in the South-East
corner, and in that case the Kitchen can be located in the North-West corner. Here
also the platform should not touch the Northern side wall and cooking should be
done facing East in the South-East corner of the kitchen only. And when the kitchen
is located in the Western side and outside the house, it should be in North-West
corner and the gap between the kitchen and house should be less than that between
the kitchen and compound on the North and floor level should be little more than
general house floor level. Similarly when it is located outside the house in the South-
East corner, there should be a gap between kitchen and East compound wall, which
shall be more than the gap between the house and kitchen and the level of the floor
should be little higher than that of the house.

North side entrance to the site particularly form North-East corner with the kitchen in
the South-East corner of the building is the best opportunity anybody can look
forward. If the entrance is from the North or West, then the kitchen can be on the
South-East corner and the above said procedure can be followed. In no case the
kitchen should be in the North-East corner of the house or of the plot. If any one
attempts this, then it is like burning oneself to death in all spheres of life.

If loft is required in the kitchen it should be in the Western and Southern walls and
not in the Northern and Eastern walls. If needed all the four walls can be used for
having lofts and not the North and East walls only. Sink or basin for cleaning vessels
in the kitchen should not be exactly in the North-East corner of the kitchen, but
drinking water should flow from North-East corner. If the drainage water flows
through North-East corner it is good.

Staircase

Staircase is necessary to reach the terrace or the first floor of the house. It has to be
constructed depending on the vacant space in and around the house, and the face of
the house.

If an internal staircase has to be provided, the same may be constructed, in any

room excepting the northeastern room and southwestern room. The steps should be
designed in such a way, that they do not touch the eastern wall and a minimum inter
space of three inches must be allowed in between the staircase and the wall. The
steps should proceed either from north to south; or alongside or away the southern
wall from east to west or alongside or away the western wall from north to south and
the above inter space principle may be followed in respect of the staircase towards
north, to step up from east, to west.

If a linear staircase, is designed either in side or outside, steps should proceed either
from east to west or from north to south initially and can turn towards any direction
thereafter.

Roofs

Roofs are made of stones, earth, R.C.C. etc. Generally the roof level should be
slanting towards east or north making the drain flow down in northern or eastern
open area and then flow out thro’ east / north / northeast. This is admitted, because
it augurs well. Contrarily, if the roof levels are down towards west / south the whole
process will become uncongenial. Hence the drains in south / west are prohibited.
Roof level projection to a house facing west and south should be horizontal to or
higher than the house roof level and in no case they should be slant in shape or
lower than the original roof level of the house.

However, projections to the houses facing east and north should be slant in shape or
lower than the roof level and in no case they should be higher than the roof level.
The projections should emanate below the roof level. This will augur well and attract
riches.

For the sake of spaciousness, people make slanting projections on any three sides of
the house. They should be in north, east and south or in east, north and west
directions. Instead of that if the projections are made towards east and south it will
cause ill health to the women folk; while projections in north and west will spoil the
health of the male.

If the projection is on one side that is west or south it will cause ill health to men or
women. If the projections are in west and south then the health of men and women
of that house will be doomed.

I f a house possesses a slanting projection in west, it should invariably possess a

similar projection in south, it should invariably possess a similar projection in north.
Same principle is applicable in respect of straight projections also.

If the projection slopes merely towards east it yields positive results on the health of
the male inhabitants, and if the projection slopes towards north similar effects are
noticed on the female inhabitants. If the projections slope towards east as well as
north, they will take care of the health of both the male as well as the female
inhabitants.

Veranda

1. It is beneficial to have a Verandah to the east or the north side of the main
structure. Because of this Verandah, evil forces do not enter the house at once.
Shoes etc. can be removed here before we enter the main building. The holiness and
the cleanliness of the structure are then maintained.

2. The height of the Verandah should be a little less than the other rooms. Verandah
should not be to the south or to the west sides of the main building. No corner of the
Verandah should be oblique cut or of round shape.

3. The sitting arrangement in the Verandah should be in the south or the west part
of the Verandah. If there is a swing in the Verandah, it should be in the east-west.

4. If the Verandah has a roof, the height should be less than that of the roof of the
main building. If the roof is slanting in the east or the north direction, it is
auspicious. Roof should not be made of tin as far as possible.
5. Flower pots in the Verandah should be of small size. Flower pots with creepers
should not be kept in the Verandah.

6. A photograph of the lord Ganesh or the lord Shankar in the Verandah is auspicious

7. The shoes of the visitors should be in the north west direction.

8. Stone, mortar or the grindstone should not be kept in the Verandah. The
Verandah should have maximum number of windows and free ventilation.

Portico

1. Porch or portico should be in the east or the north direction. If it is in the west,
the south-west corner should be vacant and if it is in the south direction it should be
in the south-east corner. But this can be tolerable only.

2. The roof of the porch in the east or the north direction should be of two feet
shorter in height than the main building. Porch with downward slope towards the
north is very good.

3. When the car is parked in the porch, its face should never be towards the south.
As far as possible, it should be towards the east or the north. If the face comes
towards the west of the north-west, the car remains in the porch for a very short
time. It means that there is a lot of travelling.

4. The parking site of any building should not be in the north-east and the south-
west corner. The best site is of course, in the north-west direction. If it is in the
south-east corner, minor repair work is expected. If the parking is in the south-west
corner it does not come out of the garage and is always out of order. Parking is
suitable if done in the basement in the east or the north directions.

5. For parking the gates in the east and the north-west direction are the best.
However, the height of the gate should be less than that of the main gate of the wall
compound. The pillars of the porch and the parking should not have arches or
triangles. Porch should not be constructed with the support of the compound wall or
by extending them. (It should be separately built from the main building.)

6. The proper colours for the porch are white, yellow or any other light colour.
However, black and gray colour should be avoided.

7. If a business deal is to be finalized the vehicle should be kept with face towards
the north on the previous night. It is beneficial. Administrators and officers should
keep their vehicles with face towards the east. On the Full moon day and Zero moon
day, one should not cross the city boundary between 11p.m. to 4p.m. in the
afternoon and at night. If you are travelling, you should take rest in this period.
During this time due to the attraction and repulsion forces of the moon the
atmosphere is charged which is condusive to accidents. Similarly one should avoid
travel in the south and the south-west direction on Saturday. The direction and the
day belong to the Yama. On every Zero-moonday we should tie Biba (A marking nut)
+ 1 lemon + 1 Biba + Seven green chillies + 1 Biba, upto 11 a.m. (This is a method
of defence against evil and cruel forces.

Feng Shui — To understand life better

Feng Shui (pronounced Fung schway), or the art of placement, is the art of observing
and understanding what makes everything bubble with life in universe. The Chinese
call it C’hi, the Japanese know it as Ki, for Hindus it is Prana. You can find it in
anything — mountains, rivers, trees, buildings, furniture, and other inanimate and
animate beings.

Feng Shui helps in ensuring people a prosperous life, providing nourishment for
body, mind and soul. Feng Shui is based on the Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang,
the two opposite forces (receptive and active) that complement each other.

Combining the ancient knowledge of Feng Shui with intuitive vocal sound allows us to
work directly on the vibrational state of a space.

Everything on the universe contain a ‘life-force’ in them

Like us living beings, buildings too contain ‘life-force’ and need passages for energy
to pass through. Lighting, roomy spaces, ventilation and temperature can change the
energy field of a room. It is said that Helen Keller could judge the mood of a person
when after they have left a room, just by feeling the energy force and temperature
of the room.

Music too plays an important role in ascertaining the quality of life, in the sense that
when you sing, you affirm that you are willing to usher in change and exhale the
past. You exist for the present when you sing.

Life is all about harmony. Different facets of life remind us time and again about this
aspect. Feng Shui is one such medium.

When the Age of Science dawned, centuries old traditions, customs and practices
started to be considered as blind beliefs or superstitions, works and activities,
recommended by the ancient scriptures; were looked down upon, and neglected,
since they were thought to be completely useless. Though the rebellion against
traditions and customs was due to the influence of the western materialistic
mentality, the main reason was that science itself was in a nascent stage. Whatever
scientists could not prove in laboratories, they declared them as fraudulent or
imaginary. Certificate by science became the criterion for truth.

As a consequence people lost interest in the ancient sciences, bestowed upon us by

the Divine Consciousness of the great Sages. Discarding this invaluable heritage
became the symbol of modernity. However, by the end of the 20th century modern
science developed in leaps and bounds. Ironically, this science itself is vindicating the
truths expounded by our ancient seers, centuries (perhaps millennia) ago. We had
accepted them out of devotion and reverence whereas the modern science has
adopted the path of logic. Though logic has got several shortcomings, it has enabled
the science to understand the greatness and multi-faceted dimensions of India's
ancient wisdom. That's why Vaastu, Tantra,Yoga, and Astrology etc. are becoming
popular in the Western World and, thereby, in India. Atheists, believers, educated,
uneducated, all are reaping benefits of these sciences, transcending the barriers of
class, creed, community and religion.

Beyond the physical - Had Vastu being confined to the physical aspects of building-
construction there would have been no confusion and conflict of views. But it
involves non-physical realms of Super Consciousness and subtle dimensions of
nature that are beyond the range of our five senses. Only the physical aspects can
be comprehended by our normal perceptive faculties. The major part, which is more
important and crucial, can be understood only though the power of consciousness.
The principles of Vaastu were realised by the ancient Divine Seers in deep trance
(samadhi) when the individual's consciousness awakens into Universal
Consciousness. Later, they explained them so that every one can understand. This is
the main reason why intellect or rationality cannot fathom the depths of the Science
of Vaastu. Vaastu can be properly understood only by people who are developed and
sensitive enough to perceive the finer impulses and vibrations of nature.

Feng shui could boost tomato yields!

Tomato growers, who last year successfully introduced pop music to pep up
production, have now turned to the oriental teaching of feng shui to ensure a
bumper harvest.

Feng shui is the Chinese equivalent of the Indian Vaastu. A team of experts skilled in
the ancient Chinese art visited glasshouses across the United Kingdom, advising on
the siting of the hives for the 2.5 million bumblebees imported from Belgium and
Holland to pollinate the UK crop.

Peter Lansdale, chairman of the British Tomato Growers’ Association (TGA), said: "I
know a lot of people are skeptical about feng shui but we saw production rise by
nearly five per cent last year. While we don’t put it entirely down to the introduction
of rock’n’roll music, whose sound waves help with the pollination process, it has
encouraged us to think laterally and not be afraid to try new ideas."So, we are
looking to a new kind of harmony, that of feng shui yin and yang, to help us achieve
growth and prosperity."

In the Far East, many companies have traditionally used feng shui practitioners to
advise on every aspect of their operations, from the siting and design of a new
building to remedies for ailing business. Its use in the UK is growing steadily but its
introduction into UK tomato-growing glasshouses is a first for both the growers and
the practitioners. One thing growers and feng shui do have in common is their
respect for the bumblebee.

Gerry Hayman, independent horticulture adviser to the TGA said: "The bee is a
symbol of industry in Chinese philosophy. We introduced bumblebees into British
glasshouses 10 years ago as the most natural way to pollinate the tomato flowers,
but they also provided an enormous saving in labour for growers.

"Tomato flowers are self-pollinated, only bearing fruit once the pollen and the female
ovules come into contact. Before we could call on the bees for help we had to walk
around the crop several times a week, shaking the open flowers on each plant with
special vibrators, known as electric bees, to encourage pollination — a pretty mind-
numbing job. Now, the real things do the job for us and do it better.

"One bumblebee does the work of 100 honeybees, visiting 400 flowers in one trip
and making five trips a day. At a cost to the grower of around 50 pence (there are
100 pence in one pound sterling) a bumblebee, we consider they earn every penny."

Pyramids follow the principles of Vaastu

The pyramids of Egypt fascinate everyone. However, what is not very well known is
the fact that the principles followed in their construction correspond with those of
Vaastu Shastra, the Indian science of architecture. The pyramids of Egypt, built in
the hoary past, continue to baffle the modern scientific mind. Many scholars think
the pyramid shape was an important religious statement for the Egyptians, perhaps
symbolizing the slanting rays of the sun. Some speculate the sloping sides were
intended to help the souls of the king buried there, to climb the sky and join the
gods.

Granaries, temples all follow Vaastu

In India, huts and granaries in some villages are built in the pyramidal shape, facing
east. In the temples, the grabha griha, the sanctum sanctorum where the main deity
is installed, is constructed in the shape of a pyramid. It is said that prasadam, fruits
and other offerings kept there remain fresh for a long time because of the shape of
the garbha griha. It has been scientifically proved that pyramidal structures keep
foodstuff fresh for a long a period. Razor blades retain their sharpness when placed
under pyramids for a considerable time. Scholars now believe that what has been
considered the superstition of past civilization is now proving to be the core of
ancient science. If a pyramidal structure has such a miraculous effect on inanimate
things like foodstuff, no wonder if the houses built in line with Vaastu Shastra bestow
on inmate's health, wealth and prosperity.

Yin and Yang

The concept of Yin and Yang is one of the most fundamental and profound
theories of Feng Shui. It is the Chinese perspective on balance and
continual change. The basics of this deep and extremely significant
diagram are pretty subtle yet profound. Yin and Yang is a foundation
theory for Feng Shui that supports many other theories including the
Five Elements Theory and the Environment.

Uniqueness

Yin and Yang are dependent opposites that must always be in balance.
The opposites flow in a natural cycle always replacing the other. Just
as the seasons cycle and create times of heat and cold, Yin and Yang
cycles through active and passive, dark and light, etc. Yin and Yang
evolved from a belief of mutually dependent opposites that cannot live
without the other. More interestingly, there are little cons in every
pro and vice versa. Nothing is total.
The Eastern view of opposites is, excuse the pun, is the opposite of a
Western view. Western philosophy tends to look as things as black or
white, right "or" wrong, etc. There is separation and unrelatedness in
the Western perspective. Whereas, the Chinese view is not opposites,
it's perspective. Everything is as evolving and cycling. There is
neither right or wrong, but rather there is balance, transformation
interaction, dependent opposition and most importantly transition.

Symbolism

Yin and Yang can further be explained as a duality that cannot exist
without both parts. Here is a list of some of the many opposites that
are contained in such a simple symbol.

Yin - (The Black Portion): Passive, Cold, Death, Winter, Female, Night,
Even, Moon, Water

Yang - (The White Portion): Active, Hot, Life, Summer, Male, Day, Odd,
Sun, Fire

Within Yang, there is a spot of Yin and vice-versa. Just as in the

heart of winter, a seed lays in wait to become life, so is Yang waited
within Yin for its turn. In a hot summer, a sudden desert storm can
bring coolness. This too is an example of how Yin is found in Yang.

Thus we also observe that the separation of the circle (symbolising the
earth or alternatively, the full circle of life) is not cut into
straight halves. They are curved and they alternatively advance and
accommodate into each other, depicting the alternation.

Again, there are no absolutes, just cycles in time. This early

philosophy of nature, the complementary alternating forces of Yin and
Yang, dark and light, female and male, which maintain the balance of
the cosmos, are the foundation of Feng Shui.

The Yin and Yang for the Home

The list has given us a few interpretations of Yin and Yang. Each of
this needs to be founded or instituted in a particular area in the
house, depending upon its relevance and prominence. For example, the
night stays in the inner rooms (the energies of the house are
concentrated in the bedroom and kitchen), thus it is a Yin stronghold.
On the other hand, the day stays in the outer rooms (the energies of
the house are concentrated in the drawing room, study or the porch).

Thus, the directional placement and arrangement of the house has to be

in a way, that Yin and Yang are placed properly. For example, as Yang
is light, the house should open towards a source of light and not
towards a source of water as the prosperity may 'flow' away. Many such
calculations are based on Yin and Yang 'residences'. However, there are
many other factors like the five elements, directions and magnetism
that work closely with Yin and Yang in Feng Shui.
The house is not a home always
When setting up your home, make sure than there is a free flow of energy
Natural Harmonies

Inspirational and informative, I am dividing your journey through Feng Shui

into two parts. The first being the principles I have so far explained:
* Chi-the energy that animates everything and is the common bond
connecting all the exist as in the universe
*Yin and Yang-representing the dual forces and their ever-constant, ever
changing activity to achieve balance and harmony.
*Five elements –their constant interaction gibing us the cycle of generation
and the cycle of destruction
*Bagua –the template which highlights the energies reflecting the state of our
life aspirations
In the second part I shall elaborate on how to assess your space and make
necessary Feng Shui adjustments.

What is the difference between a house and a home?

A home is more than a structure made of walls, doors, windows, and a sturdy
roof. It is more than the carpets, furniture, TV, refrigerator, clothes, etc.
home is a feeling-a state of mind. Deep in the heart of every person there’s a
longing ‘to go home’ Like a supportive friend, a home embraces you from the
moment you walk in through the front door. What ever a home be, it shoal
aspire to be alive, lively energetic and liberating. For many, home may
represent a safe respite and escape from external pressures and conditions
beyond one’s control.

However, creating a perfect home is a never ending process. You may

experience ‘being home’ for a while at a certain time and place in your life,
but then things change. Either you change, your family make –up changes,
your needs change, your priorities change or the energy field in your
environment changes… and the search for home starts again.

Have you ever really considered the vast number of emotional, physical and
spiritual changes you experience in just one twenty-four hour period?

The congested road you travel on the way to your workplace, when you clear
off your desk or allow papers to pile up, the places you go shopping, the
people you meet, the new chair placed in the lobby of your home the flowers
that just bloomed on your balcony-each of these trigger unique sensations
and reactions. Creating a direct link between the inner world and the outer is
the power that Feng Shul provides. To understand better and sense the
energy that exists in your home, do the following mental exercise.

Visualize your home, Begin at the main entry door and start your tour. Do you
feel welcomes? Where down your mind take you next? Are you moving easily
from the entry to the next room and the next?

Where do you hesitate? Where do you get stuck with your thoughts? Those
may be indicators that the particular room or space is cluttered or blocked,
thus blocking the free movement of Chi as well.
Do any areas feel incomplete or missing? They are likely to be missing in your
life as well. After you have completed the tour of your house, write down what
you experience, which part of the home stimulated you or where you
experience discomfort or were restless, eager to move away, etc.
Now you may appreciate why certain structural details are considered
problematic in Femg Shui, they affect Chi and can cause discomfort for the
occupants of the home. Some such structural features to consider are given
below:

Sharp Edges when pointing towards us will make us feel uncomfortable.

Ideally plants, statues or decorative accessories are used to soften the sharp
edges of columns, furniture and shelves in the home.

Corners of rooms are often dark. The energy too may not easily circulate in
these areas. It is beneficial to place a bright and colourful object like a
painting, a lush green plant, a pedestal lamp or mechanical device like a
ticking clock, etc, in such corners, which prevent the stagnation of Chi.

Beams can be oppressive and will suppress the Chi of persons, there fore
avoid positioning he bed, dining table, your favourite chair or study desk
under a beam.

Main entry door is also treated as the main entry point of chi into our homes.
Should it be opening to face a dead wall, the inmates may feel over whelmed
and life seems a struggle. Similarly the front door should not be opposite a
window, at the rear of the house or the back door itself, as the Chi simply
funnels out without circulating and nourishing the home. A front door, which
opens up into a warm, welcoming and pleasant interior, draws the Chi in.

Doors provide us access to the outside world on the one hand and give us
security on the other. Neither of these functions should be hindered as the
flow of chi into and around the home will be affected. Fix doors that squeak,
do not shut properly, have broken parts or defective locks and handles too
close to the edge causing knuckles to be scraped each time when used.

Windows are like the eyes of the home, they afford you a vision of the world
and also allow Chi to filter into the home. Fix windows that have broken,
chipped or cracked glass. Windows should provide a clear view, and the top of
the window should be higher than the normal height of an adult. Avoid
windows, which are directly opposite each other. If unavoidable ,use thick
curtains.

Staircases are a vital part of the home as they connect one area with another.
Therefore, their shape and location are important .In homes where the stars
are located directly in front of the main door, the Chi funnels out without
having a chance to circulate. It is therefore a good idea to screen –off the
view, use a screen or divider, etc. spiral staircases are best avoided as they
are considered to act like a cork-screw in the area of the home they are
located. The height of each riser should be comfortable and the overall size in
proportion to the dimensions of the rest of the home. Staircases should be
brightly lit.
Various types of material, aesthetics aside, with which were surround
ourselves affect us on the physical and psychological levels through their
energy. Like everything else, different types of material have the qualities of
the elements they are composed of, which affect the Chi of the home and can
also have a profound affect on our health and well-being.

The Five Elements Theory of Feng Shui

Though the Yin and Yang Theory explain to us the foundation of Feng
Shui mechanisms, the rules and remedies of this are also greatly
influenced by the Theory of the Five Elements. The Chinese believe the
interactions of these five elements - earth, wood, fire, metal and
water - can be combined in different quantities to create all the
permutations that are found in the forces of nature. A significant
portion of Feng Shui practice is based on interpreting how these
elements interact in the physical environment to create good or bad
luck.

The elements have various connotations as follows-

Fire is red, an auspicious color. It represents summer and is placed

south.

Water is black or dark blue, a solemn colour. It represents winter and

is placed north.

Wood is green, a prosperous colour. It represents spring and is placed

east.

Metal is white or golden, an intense colour. It represents fall and is

placed west.

Earth is yellow or brown, a colour of attainment. It represents the

centre.

The elements are, in fact, involved in two kinds of cyclical

relationships: the productive and the destructive cycles. In the
productive cycle, fire produces earth, which produces metal, which
produces water, which produces wood, which in turn produces fire. In
the destructive cycle, wood destroys earth, earth destroys water, water
douses fire, fire melts metal, which in turn will chop down wood. Feng
Shui practice requires that these individual symbolic elements be
incorporated into the positioning of homes and workplaces using the
Chinese system of categorising everybody's date and hour of birth
according to the elements.

It would not be beneficial for some one born in a fire year to have
much water in the home, so fountains, aquariums, and dark-coloured
objects (black or blue - the water colors) should be avoided, because
water destroys fire. On the other hand, plants and green objects
representing wood are considered auspicious, since wood produces fire.
Additionally, it would be beneficial if one slept in the room located
on the south side of the apartment. But too many plants in the home
would not be very auspicious if you were born in an earth year, because
wood destroys earth. Instead, decorating with red objects and bright
lights would be conducive, since fire produces earth. Since earth is
the central element of the five, earth people should sleep at or near
the centre of the house.

These examples demonstrate the various combinations that would or would

not work from a Feng Shui point of view. In the case of a family, where
each member is born under a different element, it is the element of the
bread-winner or the head of the household that is deemed the most
significant. It is his or her element that should thus be considered
when diagnosing for appropriate positions and furnishings. Other rooms
in the house can be designed to benefit their principal occupant.

Thus on the basis of the five elements, practically all phenomena have
been categorised. Everything, from a river to sounds to the organs in
our bodies, can be described in terms of the five elements. How the
things are characterised depends entirely on their individual
qualities. For example, earth is associated with growth and
nourishment, so the spleen, which monitors the blood - digesting debris
and producing antibodies when necessary - is categorised as an earth
element!

To conclude, it must be said that you should not use any of these
elements haphazardly. Ideally, a proper Feng Shui analysis should be
performed by a qualified practitioner. Used incorrectly, the elements
can cause harm to relationships, health, or money prosperity. When used
correctly, they can strengthen relationships, health, and money. They
permit the right amount of Chi - the auspicious or the good forces and
hold back Sha - the unsightly or bad influences. Further ahead, we
shall explore the elements in much depth, especially with focus to
health and interiors.

Help your child study better with Feng Shui

The Chinese science of Feng Shui places so much stress on the

arrangement and surroundings of a child's study area. You could also
make use of Feng Shui techniques to enhance your child's concentration
and development.

To begin with, the position of the study desk is very important. Make
sure your child does not sit with her back to the door. If she has to,
and you have no other way of arranging the room, then place a mirror in
front of her so that she can see the door. As for the chair, ensure
that nothing sharp or piercing -- even in terms of graphics -- is
directed towards it as it will create more bad energy. Even a poster
with arrows or airplanes with weapons pointing towards the room can
create negative energy.
The study table surroundings also need a lot of attention. Have your
child sit facing the best study direction and with solid support behind
or a painting of a mountain to give support. Place a crystal sphere in
the main window to activate Chi. Try not to have your child sit in
front of a window - it will harm her concentration. Observe her study
area and desk -- are there any exposed overhead beams or edges, or
sharp edges of furniture, pillar or protruding corner nearby? Be
careful for these bring bad energy. Keep the desk area clear of clutter
and place a laughing Buddha on the desk, if possible.

The child's bedroom is going to be a hard one to handle. Try and keep
rooms tidy and clutter-free. You will be amazed how much of a
difference this can make. There are also some prescribed charms that
can be used for your children. Placing a lead crystal sphere in your
child's room can be very beneficial. This article is quite brittle and
costly, so you could substitute it with a solid crystal ball.

The laughing Buddha is a symbol of wealth and happiness; place one in

your child's room -- just looking at his jolly face will cheer your
child. A Feng Shui myth has it that stroking the laughing Buddha's
belly daily can bring good luck.

Hematite is an energetic stone, specially recommended for children.

Hematite can help solve children's health-related problems, especially
blood and abdominal ailments. It would also help them get good sleep.
Hematite wards off bad moods and depressing thoughts. It is beneficial
to the circulatory system, increases resistance to stress, stimulates
spleen, restores vitality and calms excessive energy. This one is
especially recommended for teenagers.

There, now you have enough ways to help your child concentrate better,
study harder and make you a proud parent. Start following these Feng
Shui principles and wait for us to come back to talk on how this art of
living helps you beat the blues.

Discussion on Feng Shui based on the effect of colors and numbers

Though the Yin and Yang Theory explain to us the foundation of Feng Shui mechanisms,
the rules and remedies of this are also greatly influenced by the Theory of the Five
Elements. The Chinese believe the interactions of these five elements - earth, wood, fire,
metal and water - can be combined in different quantities to create all the permutations
that are found in the forces of nature. A significant portion of Feng Shui practice is based
on interpreting how these elements interact in the physical environment to create good or
bad luck.

The elements have various connotations as follows-

Fire is red, an auspicious color. It represents summer and is placed south.

Water is black or dark blue, a solemn colour. It represents winter and is placed north.

Wood is green, a prosperous colour. It represents spring and is placed east.

Metal is white or golden, an intense colour. It represents fall and is placed west.

Earth is yellow or brown, a colour of attainment. It represents the centre.

The elements are, in fact, involved in two kinds of cyclical relationships: the productive
and the destructive cycles. In the productive cycle, fire produces earth, which produces
metal, which produces water, which produces wood, which in turn produces fire. In the
destructive cycle, wood destroys earth, earth destroys water, water douses fire, fire melts
metal, which in turn will chop down wood. Feng Shui practice requires that these
individual symbolic elements be incorporated into the positioning of homes and
workplaces using the Chinese system of categorising everybody's date and hour of birth
according to the elements.

It would not be beneficial for some one born in a fire year to have much water in the
home, so fountains, aquariums, and dark-coloured objects (black or blue - the water
colors) should be avoided, because water destroys fire. On the other hand, plants and
green objects representing wood are considered auspicious, since wood produces fire.
Additionally, it would be beneficial if one slept in the room located on the south side of
the apartment. But too many plants in the home would not be very auspicious if you were
born in an earth year, because wood destroys earth. Instead, decorating with red objects
and bright lights would be conducive, since fire produces earth. Since earth is the central
element of the five, earth people should sleep at or near the centre of the house.

These examples demonstrate the various combinations that would or would not work
from a Feng Shui point of view. In the case of a family, where each member is born
under a different element, it is the element of the bread-winner or the head of the
household that is deemed the most significant. It is his or her element that should thus be
considered when diagnosing for appropriate positions and furnishings. Other rooms in the
house can be designed to benefit their principal occupant.

Thus on the basis of the five elements, practically all phenomena have been categorised.
Everything, from a river to sounds to the organs in our bodies, can be described in terms
of the five elements. How the things are characterised depends entirely on their individual
qualities. For example, earth is associated with growth and nourishment, so the spleen,
which monitors the blood - digesting debris and producing antibodies when necessary - is
categorised as an earth element!

To conclude, it must be said that you should not use any of these elements haphazardly.
Ideally, a proper Feng Shui analysis should be performed by a qualified practitioner.
Used incorrectly, the elements can cause harm to relationships, health, or money
prosperity. When used correctly, they can strengthen relationships, health, and money.
They permit the right amount of Chi - the auspicious or the good forces and hold back
Sha - the unsightly or bad influences. Further ahead, we shall explore the elements in
much depth, especially with focus to health and interiors.
Chinese philosophers believe five things determine a good life: fate, luck, accumulated
good deeds, education, and Feng Shui. We may not be able to control external
circumstances, but we can control our immediate environment by reaching out to
opportunity and fortune. If your heart doesn't lift when you return home each night, you
need Feng Shui. If you don't leave home in the morning refreshed, comforted, and
confirmed in your innate worth, you need Feng Shui. That’s the gist of this science.
Wherever you live, an efficiency apartment or a mansion on the hill, your home should
be a sanctuary for repairing hurts and celebrating joys.

Feng Shui uses practical means to alter the physics of space and infuse rooms with
harmony. Thus, our lives improve because energies in the home are focused. Life opens
up in remarkable ways. For example, a lady resumed her social life after a five-year
hiatus when she placed a four-foot statue of Kwan Yin, goddess of compassion, on the
crest of a low hill overlooking her garden and lit the figure with nine (the most auspicious
of numbers in Feng Shui) lights. The illuminated Kwan Yin smiled down on guests
gathered on the moon-lit terrace. The effect was magical. You can replicate this effect on
a balcony, in an alcove, wherever sufficient space sets off a symbol of affirmative
emotions.

In Feng Shui, everything in the universe is linked by Chi, a universal energy, which,
when flowing smoothly, that is, neither too fast nor too slow, conducts vital forces to
work on our behalf. If you doubt this, consider where you thrived, did your best work,
met people who greatly interested you. You felt energized in a particular way – well, that
was Chi par excellence. On the other hand, consider where you felt drained and lacking
in vital energies. This is because you, your environment, home or office, were
disconnected from the energy at the centre of the Feng Shui system. When Chi does not
flow smoothly in life, difficulties grow, and one can suffer inexplicable reverses in
professional, financial, and relationship spheres

Next time we shall start talking about actual placements and arrangements. Till then, you
can take good care of yourself with the Feng Shui number primer.

Feng Shui Numbers Primer

1 is considered both lucky and unlucky. As the first of all numbers, it is associated with
the energies of birth and other beginnings, but its ideogram looks like a bar across a door,
which is inauspicious in Feng Shui.

4 is considered very unlucky because it sounds like the Chinese word for "death" and is
therefore associated with loss, death, and misfortune.

5 is lucky because it is the number of the Chinese elements: fire, water, earth, wood, and
metal.

8 and 88 are both very auspicious numbers. 8 is associated with prosperity and creativity
and resembles the infinity symbol. There are also eight immortals and eight triangles of
the I-Ching or Book of Changes, an ancient Chinese system of divination. Eighty-eight
resembles the Chinese pictograph for "double happiness."

9 is extremely auspicious and considered incorruptible. It is associated with heaven,

longevity, and fullness. It is also the centre number of the Ba Gua, an octagon-shaped
compass based on the eight triangles of the I-Ching, with the yin-yang symbol in the
middle, used in Feng Shui.

13 is considered fortunate because it is the number of lunar months in the year.

The importance of arrangements in Feng Shui

Last time we talked about the importance and the need of Feng Shui for
a happier day. Before we take to the actual scriptures, let's start
with some quick tips from these practical case studies. You shall see
how the art of Feng Shui takes stock of the minutest things in
furniture placement.

A psychologist once moved into her new office, a large room with two
over-sized windows and three doors (too many!). Key pieces of furniture
- sofa for the clients, chair for the therapist, and a desk chair - had
their backs to the room's entrance. Now, this is a no-no in Feng Shui
because you should have an unrestricted view of the door so you can see
who comes into the room.

The furniture needed to be re-positioned for unobstructed view of the

entry-point. Two long sheer curtains in natural colors were hung from
large brass rods over doors that were not in use (on that note, the
ratio of one door to three windows in a room is considered auspicious
in Feng Shui). A large leafy fern was placed on a pedestal table in a
corner behind the diagonally placed sofa. The room was transformed.

On entering the room now, a healing serenity welcomed therapist and

client. Sashaying curtains were hung to diffuse the strong window
light. (Excess Chi from harsh light rushes out the windows, carrying
money and opportunities.) As per the auspicious number code - nine
green saplings were placed under the windows to strengthen the healing
atmosphere. The therapist smiled and admitted feeling energized.

You shall see in Feng Shui that along with correct placement of key
furniture to control Chi, the use of natural color palette, sensual
textures, tempered sound and even fragrance is also necessary. For
example, Chinese Feng Shui masters believe every room should have a
touch of true Chinese red, because red is considered the color of luck,
power, and energy. But remember just a touch! For in Feng Shui, less is
generally more.

Emperor yellow, the second most auspicious color in Feng Shui, is

excellent for a narrow wall with a gentle glaze of raw amber and a
flick of Vermillion red. A dreary dining corner can be transformed with
a sunny yellow print tablecloth, tempered with a border of red, blue,
and green and family spirits at dinner are lifted instantly. If you
like blue, indigo is preferred in classical Feng Shui, as it comes from
the seven colours of the rainbow and the refractions from cut crystal.

Symbolism is very far-reaching in its effect on emotions and states of

mind, so be attentive to what is on your walls. An art-collecting
family had two dismal images facing people entering their homes. One
was a painting of a dead fish, the other - an exhausted woman hanging
laundry. Both were by well-known artists, but this hardly altered the
negative energies projected. Happily, the paintings were replaced with
better ones - with positive Chi.

Interior doorways are dramatized in Asian and European houses to

control the flow of Chi. In a London apartment, moving from one space
to another is marked by floor-length door curtains of heavy bronze
velvet tied back with tasseled ropes (tassels are considered lucky and
suggest Chi energy). Japanese indigo-dye cotton curtains veil the upper
third of doorways to control over-strong Chi movement; their designs of
flowing water and fish are reflections of nature. Carved wood panels
mounted on lintels subtly suggest the character of the room beyond.

In many cultures, there is the belief that empty corners harbor spirit
mischief. Thus, flower arrangements, sculpture, screens, corner
cabinets, and ferns are placed to create effect in corners, adding a
gentle softness to a room. Curiously, appropriate treatment of corners,
especially the placement of ferns and flowers, subtly raises the energy
of a room.

The moral of the story being - Unlike Vaastu more than directions, Feng
Shui stresses on arrangement. Next time we shall see how Feng Shui is
more a manual of remedies - through some more case studies - than being
a text of celestial laws.

And may you have good Chi.

Feng Shui and Your Love Life

Last time, we talked about how Feng Shui can enhance positive vibes at
your workplace. Chi - the primary source of purity and luck -- is also
very vital for a healthy love life. For a typical fast-moving DINK
(Double Income No Kids) couple, bonding often takes a back seat, give
individual ambitions and professional aspirations. Feng Shui
alterations can help you set your relationships right.

Always keep in mind that the southwest corner of your house is where
love reigns -- it governs the luck of love, romance and family
happiness. So, pay special attention to this area. The simplest way to
spruce up your existing relationship is by placing a photo of you and
your spouse in the southwest corner. Make sure it is a happy photo,
though! If you wish to enhance the quality of your romantic encounters,
also place a dragon-headed tortoise with a piece of red ribbon in its
mouth. Feng Shui charms like these are freely available in gift shops.
The right kind of lighting also goes a long way in strengthening
relationships. Hanging a chandelier or an illuminated crystal sphere in
the southwest corner of your home activates the Chi energy that
stimulates romance. This introduces fire into this segment, which has
earth as its presiding element, to bring love luck.

Soft or pastel colour lampshades with soft lighting in the southwest

should also do the trick. They create an atmosphere of romance. Harsh
lighting and spotlights are to be strictly avoided. Bright lights may
get prosperity but it scares love away, is what Feng Shui believes.

Candles and crystals in all shapes, sizes and colour are welcome. Apart
from creating a warm glow, they improve the entire look of your home,
while enhancing romance. Natural crystals are the best natural charms;
rose quartz and yellow citrine are crystals that work well to bring you
lots of erotic and romantic times. Place these crystals in the form of
pebbles or larger forms like the raw amethyst in the southwest corner
of your living room to energise love and activate Chi.

However mischievous this may sound, pink sheets and curtains raise
subtle yang energy, which enhances feelings of affection and
togetherness in those who seek conjugal bliss in the bedroom. Besides
this, talk openly about your relationship and ways to improve it in
your living room - with mellow lighting.

If possible, place an indoor water fountain in the south-west corner of

your home, you will be amazed at the effect this can have on your
relationship; it could even encourage a new one.

How Feng Shui can help you lead a beautiful life

If your heart doesn't lift when you return home, you need Feng Shui

We did start our stint with Feng Shui with the Yin Yang and the five
elements and now that we have our basics right, we may question the
reason of the whole process. Why should sophisticated post-moderns take
an interest in an esoteric system of placement that is 3,000 years old
so complex? The simple answer being that this wind-and-water philosophy
(feng shui literally translates as "wind" and "water") works with
astonishing ease. It's an elegant antidote to lives abuzz with
computers, cell phones, beepers, chattering faxes, and hectic
schedules, which intervene between the natural world and us. And this
is how -

Chinese philosophers believe five things determine a good life: fate,

luck, accumulated good deeds, education, and Feng Shui. We may not be
able to control external circumstances, but we can control our
immediate environment by reaching out to opportunity and fortune. If
your heart doesn't lift when you return home each night, you need Feng
Shui. If you don't leave home in the morning refreshed, comforted, and
confirmed in your innate worth, you need Feng Shui. That's the gist of
this science. Wherever you live, an efficiency apartment or a mansion
on the hill, your home should be a sanctuary for repairing hurts and
celebrating joys.
Feng Shui uses practical means to alter the physics of space and infuse
rooms with harmony. Thus, our lives improve because energies in the
home are focused. Life opens up in remarkable ways. For example, a lady
resumed her social life after a five-year hiatus when she placed a
four-foot statue of Kwan Yin, goddess of compassion, on the crest of a
low hill overlooking her garden and lit the figure with nine (the most
auspicious of numbers in Feng Shui) lights. The illuminated Kwan Yin
smiled down on guests gathered on the moon-lit terrace. The effect was
magical. You can replicate this effect on a balcony, in an alcove,
wherever sufficient space sets off a symbol of affirmative emotions.

In Feng Shui, everything in the universe is linked by Chi, a universal

energy, which, when flowing smoothly, that is, neither too fast nor too
slow, conducts vital forces to work on our behalf. If you doubt this,
consider where you thrived, did your best work, met people who greatly
interested you. You felt energized in a particular way - well, that was
Chi par excellence. On the other hand, consider where you felt drained
and lacking in vital energies. This is because you, your environment,
home or office, were disconnected from the energy at the centre of the
Feng Shui system. When Chi does not flow smoothly in life, difficulties
grow, and one can suffer inexplicable reverses in professional,
financial, and relationship spheres

Next time we shall start talking about actual placements and

arrangements. Till then, you can take good care of yourself with the
Feng Shui number primer.

Feng Shui Numbers Primer

1 is considered both lucky and unlucky. As the first of all numbers, it

is associated with the energies of birth and other beginnings, but its
ideogram looks like a bar across a door, which is inauspicious in Feng
Shui.

4 is considered very unlucky because it sounds like the Chinese word

for "death" and is therefore associated with loss, death, and
misfortune.

5 is lucky because it is the number of the Chinese elements: fire,

water, earth, wood, and metal.

8 and 88 are both very auspicious numbers. 8 is associated with

prosperity and creativity and resembles the infinity symbol. There are
also eight immortals and eight triangles of the I-Ching or Book of
Changes, an ancient Chinese system of divination. Eighty-eight
resembles the Chinese pictograph for "double happiness."

9 is extremely auspicious and considered incorruptible. It is

associated with heaven, longevity, and fullness. It is also the centre
number of the Ba Gua, an octagon-shaped compass based on the eight
triangles of the I-Ching, with the yin-yang symbol in the middle, used
in Feng Shui.
13 is considered fortunate because it is the number of lunar months in
the year.

Using objects for Feng Shui ambience

In our conversation before we spoke of lights, mirrors and bells. Most

of these are defined as solid or fixed elements. They are more or less
permanent in nature. There are some objects however, that are
symbolically 'alive'. Though most of them need lots of care and
alertness in terms of maintenance, they tend to be the best hosts for
Chi.

Flowers are always a cheerful sight and encourage Chi. Potted plants
and freshly cut flowers are best for apartment residents. One has to be
careful about dead flowers in the sense that they create negative Chi.
Once flowers start fading they need to be disposed. Dried flowers as
strongly discouraged as their life (water element) is drained out of
them.

Artificial flowers are a good alternative for busy people, provided

they are dusted and washed at regular intervals. Among live flowers,
most are good and brighter they are, the better. There are five flowers
that Feng Shui places right on top and believes to be especially
beneficial.

Chinese roses - These represent love (red), wealth (yellow) and honour
(white).

Chrysanthemums - It is a flower of happiness, laughter, comfort and

relaxation.

Magnolias - They represent feminity and serenity.

Orchids - These are known to spice up sensuality and initiative.

Lotus - The sacred flower of the Buddhists, it represents purity, peace

and triumph.

All green plants are known to create Chi and help to get in harmony and
balance in the home. The best locations are east, southeast and the
north as plants relate to wood and water elements. Plants can also
effectively eliminate the undesirable Khi caused by sharp corners. For
instance, if you have a square pillar in your living room, it helps a
great deal to have a creeper running around it to the top.

Healthy plants at entrances and windows make an attractive display as

well as ward of all the Khi but not as much as aquariums. Aquariums and
small indoor fountains can become a feature of a room, while at the
same time increasing the wealth of the occupants. Water symbolizes
wealth and abundance. Gently moving water also promotes calmness and
serenity.

Be it an aquarium, a fountain or a miniature waterfall, you should

never place them in the south. North is the ideal direction. A water
presence in the north, west or northwest will help you progress quickly
in your career. Placing them in the east or southeast gets peace in the
house and conflicts get resolved faster.

Stone, metal, ceramic and glass animals are also used in Feng Shui.
Fierce animals like lions, tigers and birds of prey like eagles and
falcons are generally placed outdoors to provide symbolic protection.
In many cultures you have feline mammals placed on each side of the
main entrance to a building.

More docile animals such as elephants (representing power) tortoises

(representing longevity) and rabbits (representing fertility) are to be
placed indoors in relevant locations. Thus elephants go well in a study
or office, tortoises in drawing rooms and rabbits in the bedroom. Small
animals can be fun to collect and provide symbolic security to the
house.

Feng Shui for your workplace

Looking down the commercial streets, we can categorise businesses into

two classes: trading points (shops) and corporate space (offices). In
trading businesses, the concern is aimed more at attracting and having
more customers come through the door. In the office world, while we
definitely want an attractive office, the concern is more with the
productivity of both employers and employees.

Trading businesses could refer to anybody. Bulk agencies, shops,

stores, restaurants, galleries and malls; all want to attract
customers. This is so relative that while one establishment might be
very successful, while another right next to it struggles. You might
even think about the infamous "dead corners" - places where it seems
that every business that starts there dies in 6-12 months, and another
starts.

For a shop especially there are many considerations, in view of daily

direct transactions. The front door needs to be in `prosperous'
positioning. Pantry and lavatory facilities need to be in the right
energy field. Most importantly, the building itself needs to be an
`optimal' one for making and keeping money as well as the perfect one
for attracting people.

In the commercial office, the environment scores over positioning - one

that helps people be more happy and productive in their work. The
`facing' of the desks, wall colours, lighting, departmental positioning
need to be sorted out with the correct Feng Shui, taking into
consideration the nature of business.
Feng Shui enables you to calculate the energies of the building and
recommend remedies for the problems that might exist - both before and
after you are in a building or space.

Your office is your resource base. The energy patterns surrounding it

have an important influence on your entire life and your financial
well-being. Many offices are being built close to a street. Streets are
major conduits and the adverse energies as a result must be taken into
consideration. A Feng Shui Auditor is able to determine what remedies
are necessary to redirect those negative energies.

The balance of both interior and exterior spaces is one of the keys to
a positive cash environment. The placement of landscaping and other
exterior features is one way how this balance is achieved.

Feng Shui audits are performed for any type of building and should be
scheduled preferably prior to beginning the works. Here is a brief
problem and solution memorandum about office arrangements. Try to work
it out, till we meet next and talk about enhancing the environment and
'feel' of the office, at length.

You cannot see the room's entrance door by merely looking up from your
computer screen.

- Move your PC sideways so that you can view the door in a right angle.
If you still can't, mount a convex mirror onto the side of your
computer, as to view the doorway.

A heating or air-conditioning duct is above your chair.

- Redirect the air currents off yourself. If you can't, mount a panel
or a pennant below the duct, to direct it away from your body.

The room contains a tall piece of furniture within your line of vision.

- Move it. High objects looming over you can have an undesirable effect
on you. They deplete your confidence and feeling of well-being. Less
furniture and fixtures encourage free roaming of Chi.

A desk lamp is positioned on the side of your dominant hand while you
face the computer.

- A light on the same side as your dominant hand, casts a shadow over
your assignments. Thus your ability to concentrate comes under strain.
Over time, even a small annoyance can sap your enthusiasm.
You cannot see outside while sitting at your computer.

- If you have no windows, or you work at night, hang a scenic picture

of natural exteriors within easy view or put a potted plant in the
vicinity. As your eye appreciates it occasionally, your soul shall
appreciate the work.

Your computer is next to the door.

- Move it or hang a plant or a dividing screen, in between. If that

can't be done, keep the door closed and dangle a Chinese bell over it.

You don't have kinetic or energetic (continuously mobile) objects in

your office.

- Keep the windows open so as to let the air circulate causing some
motion. If you can't do this, keep a fan and some plants or curtains
with tassels. Such movement keeps you feeling energetic.

Your desk is against a wall shared by a bathroom.

- If you can't move, mount a thick decorative wall-rug on the wall.

This shall prevent Chi flowing out.

Your office is in an out-of-the-way or undesirable, dim-lit location

- Use a high wattage bulb to illuminate the approach to your office. Paint the exteriors in
a bright colour and decorate the outside with plants and woodwork. This is very inviting
for Chi.

Feng Shui and subliminal signals

Feng Shui is much more than good arrangements or the proper placing of
objects within a structure. Are you aware that the areas we use day in
and day out - our main door, the landing outside it, the steps leading
out - all give signals to our subconscious mind?

These signals can be positive or negative. Should you receive negative

signals every day or several times a day, be rest assured that you and
peace of mind, prosperity, health would remain strangers for all times
to come.
How does one ensure that one receives only subliminal signals, which
can better one's health, wealth and peace of mind? To take a simple
example, what would it do to your mind if the road you were driving on,
were bereft of any signs guiding your journey?

Similarly, the entry and exit paths to our house should have positive
subliminal `markers' which not only create a happy state of mind
whenever we enter or leave our abode but also protect us from any
potential harm.

Many builders are in the habit of making steps and landings of white
concrete with no `subliminal marker' distinguishing the elevations. No
visual demarcation between the landing and steps, steps and patio,
shakes one out of one's peaceful state of mind.

Also, ascending or descending such monotonous routes causes a great

deal of stress since one has to concentrate on differentiating the
elevation changes oneself to avoid tripping and falling.

Such undifferentiated landings and steps in front of a house, which

blend into each other, also give the subconscious mind the message that
reaching the front door is a Herculean task. The unhappy result would
be that such occupants would be bereft of opportunities.

The correct `subliminal marker' in such a case would be a clear

transition to mark each separate elevation. Alternating colours,
textures, and materials cry out aloud: `This is the landing, you are
safe here as you can clearly see where it ends and the steps begin.'

While descending the stairs, a clear demarcation between the steps and
the next landing states clearly: `You can't take a false step here. You
are now stepping on the landing.' When one finally exits the building,
it's with the confidence to face the day.

Some other measures for improving landings, steps and patios are:
Replacing concrete steps with flagstone or brick, covering existing
steps with brick pavers, staining wooden steps, placing large pots of
flowers/plants on either side of the top and bottom step.

The happy outcome for the occupants of houses with well-defined

walkways, landings, and steps will be that opportunities will visit
them frequently - guided as they are by the `subliminal markers'.

We normally think of a house as a structure merely of bricks and cement

and set a price on it based on its physical strength. But the economic
value of a house can also be governed by the presence or absence of the
life-giving force of Chi.

What the Hindus call prana, the Chinese call Chi. Where Chi is
abundant, prosperity and happiness result and vice-versa. The life-
force energy of Chi is carried by currents of Feng (wind) and Shui
(water).
While Chi is beneficial, Sha does the exact opposite to one's life. Sha
means negative Chi and carries with it harmful energies. Sha oozes
through cracks, holes and broken windows in homes and is prevalent in
corners and sharp angles.

It also occurs in places packed with human beings, animals, or things

like lifts, trains... and rooms. Bad odours, bright lights and loud
disturbing sounds intensify Sha. So it's clear that if one wants the
value of one's house to increase, the flow of Chi in it should be
bettered and Sha eliminated.

The main thing to ensure is that the design and appearance of one's
property is in harmony with the surroundings. The property should be
maintained in such a way that a sense of order and beauty in relation
to the environment is effected.

The house should be designed such that good relations with neighbours
result. Such good relations boost the positive energy of the area.
Electricity wires and pollution very close to one's property give off a
lot of Sha and can not only adversely affect the value of one's
property but also one's health.

The entrance to the house can be made a rich source of Chi.

Opportunities enter the home through the front door, hence it should be
made to look inviting. The front doors and even its surrounding areas
should be neat and clean and kept in good condition so as to exude Chi.

The look and feel of the insides of the house directly results in Chi
or Sha, depending on the atmosphere created inside. Light and airy
homes give off Chi whereas a dark, damp and heavy atmosphere means that
the house is overflowing with Sha. Surely no one would pay a good price
for the house if such were the case.

Windows are important inlets for Chi. Hence, they should be large,
preferably wall-to-wall. The current trend of providing such windows in
city apartments bodes well for the Chi level in the house. Light,
warmth and breeze should enter the home lighting up all dark corners
and banishing Sha.

An unkempt home cluttered with all sorts of unnecessary items is a

breeding ground for Sha energy. Removing such unwanted objects not only
gives one more space to move around increasing the Chi level of energy
but also obviously drains out all the Sha energy.

One should avoid buying houses in dead-end streets. The residents of

such localities are always at odds with each other. Hence, nobody is
prepared to pay a good price for houses in such areas. Similarly,
cemeteries, junkyards, and prisons close to one's home literally swamp
the house with negative energy, or Sha.

Symmetry is an important principle of Feng Shui. The shapes of wall

within and without a house should be in perfect alignment. A house, or
rooms, with many angles reflect brokenness and this quality can lend
itself to the lives of the inhabitants of such houses.
One very important danger to watch out for within a house is heavy
overhead beams. The beam carries within it the weight of Sha energy.
Such harmful energy can give migraines to those sleeping under it.

If one keeps the above tips in mind, peace shall surely exude from
one's house creating a favourable impression on the minds of the
prospective buyers and prompting them to pay a good price for one' home.

Construction of home by self

Constructing your own home needs you to pay special attention to certain aspects pertaining to
the site:

• Ensure that the paper work and title documentation are in order. You might want to
consult your lawyer in this area.

•Bear in mind factors like approach roads, upcoming structures in the area and the
availability of all basic amenities. The check list below details the same facts.
Type Compulsory checks Other checks

Legal Title deeds of the land under construction Ensure that the job of construction is entrusted
in your favour. to a contractor vide enforceable agreement.

Previous title deeds covering a period of

13 years.

Sanctioned plan & license for

construction.

Encumbrance certificate for the past 13

years.

Upto-date tax paid receipts.

Estimate of construction from a

registered engineer.
 Location Check for electricity connections. Pollution due to industries etc in the area.

Check for municipal water connections. Check for developmental activities of the area.

Whether well laid out garbage disposal
arrangements.
Public transport facilities in the area.
Check for educational institutions, hospitals,
shopping avenues nearby, green belts and rain
water drainage.

Approvals From city corporation, Area Development

Authorities, Electricity Boards, Water
Supply & Sewerage Boards.

Amenities Check whether drinking water is Ensure natural lighting, ventilation, water
available. connection & sanitary connection.

VASTU SHASTRA GUIDELINES FOR

CONSTRUCTION
November 03, 2008
Vastu Shastra lays down guidelines on the construction of different types of buildings. While many
regard Vastu as a superstition, in reality it is a science, developed thousands of years ago by the
ancient Indian Architects. They laid down these guidelines with the aim to create buildings that
vibrate with Universal Energy and brimming with good positive energy by manipulating the
elements of nature, so that the inmates always have a sense of well being and contentment. As
these guidelines have a scientific basis I have explained them here along with the possible logic
and reasoning.

ACCORDING TO VASTU SHASTRA WHAT ARE THE RITUALS TO BE DONE JUST BEFORE
CONSTRUCTION?
Vastu Shastra advocates five rituals or activites to be done before the actual construction begins.
As Vastu is a science, there is scientific reasoning for doing these rituals. They have been
explained below:

* VASTUPOOJA - The first ritual to be done before starting the construction, is a Vastu pooja or
Bhoomi Pooja. This is ritualistic and should be done at an auspicious time and on an auspicious
day, as fixed by your astrologer. Before doing the pooja, the site should be cleared. Dirt, stones,
holes in the ground, and trash should be removed. Thorny bushes should also be uprooted and
removed. The pooja should be done in the North-East corner of the site. The pooja should not be
done if the woman in the household is more than seven months pregnant.
The reasoning - The purpose of doing a pooja is to psychologically give the owner the confidence
that the seemingly huge task of building a house can be accomplished without any problems
since, the bare earth of the site (bhoomi) has been blessed and has acquired a divine life. The
purpose of selecting auspicious time and day is for the same reason. The reason why the pooja is
not to be done when the woman of the house is heavily pregnant is obvious - since the pooja
ceremony calls for sitting on the ground, it may be uncomfortable for the lady or cause premature
delivery.

* BALIDAANA - This is also a ritual. Offerings are made and spirits and demons are requested to
leave. The Reasoning - With this ritual, the owner will psychologically feel that the site is purified
and freed from any old associations and is receptive to a new beginning. It is like he is starting life
from scratch without any stains.

* HALA-KARSHANA - This is the levelling of the site wherein the site is sloped according to Vastu
guidelines so that the site is at a higher level than the road level and the South-West corner is
higher than the North-East corner. Vastu recommends that the whole site be ploughed to rid it of
the past and give the soil a new life. The Reasoning - The levelling is done to remove unwanted
stones, rocks etc to facilitate the easy digging of the trenches for the foundation. The reason for
having the whole site ploughed is to expose any debris or pests which may be underground, as
normally only the ground is dug where the trenches for the foundation are marked. So some spots
where there are pests may remain undetected and can cause problems after the structure comes
up.

* ANKURAA-ROOPANA - This is the sowing of the seed and a final offering to the memory of
those who have left the place and is also the first offering to the new ploughed ground. The
Reasoning - The germination of the seed gives a psychological feeling that the new undertaking
will be fulfilled - that it will be completed without any problems.

* SHILAANYAASA - It is the foundation laying ceremony. The groundbreaking ceremony for the
house should only be done during the Uttarayan period, when the sun is in the northern
hemisphere, from June 21 through December 20. The stone which is consecrated at the time of
the Vastu Pooja, is laid first in the South-West corner of the trenches dug up for the foundation.
The Reasoning - It makes sense to start construction in the Uttarayan period, when the days are
longer than the nights as the construction activity can go on at a rapid pace as there are more
daylight hours during this period.

WHAT ARE THE VASTU SHASTRA GUIDELINES FOR CONSTRUCTION?

There are three things to be constructed before starting the construction of the house namely:
* WELL/ BOREWELL/WATER SOURCE -
- The first step before the commencement of the house construction, is to dig the well or the
borewell because if water is used from this well for the construction, it is auspicious for the family
who will live in the house.The Reasoning - Even if there is municipal water supply, it is better if the
owner has another source of water as a backup, because nowadays there is acute shortage of
water. Moreover, since municipal water supply connection is given only after the completion of the
building, it makes sense to have a constant source of water for the construction form your own
well or borewell instead of buying water for the construction. So this should be the first priority.
- It is best if the well or water source is on the north or northeast side of the land. It is inauspicious
to have a well in the middle of a house. It is not recommended to share wells between two
properties. Ideally, the well water should be exposed to sunlight for five hours a day.The
Reasoning - It is practical to have this well in the North-East corner which is anyway to be left
open as per vastu, to enable the morning sunrays to enter the house. Moreover, the suns rays will
purify the water and kill the germs.

- The well should be dug after bhoomi pooja has been performed on the site, at an astrologically
auspicious time. The Reasoning -And psychologically the owner will feel the well will yield good
amount of water if the digging is done at an auspicious time and day.

* STORAGE SHED -
- The next thing to be constructed is a storage shed for storing all the material like cement, wood
etc. The storage shed can be located in any part of the site except in the North or East. A
watchman is to be retained to guard the material. The Reasoning - A place to store the cement
bags and other building material safely and away from moisture is essential, as you can’t keep
buying these things in small quantities. Since the North-East side of the site is to be kept open,
the shed should not be placed there, as it will block the sunlight and movement around. Also
having a watchman to take care of these things gives you a feeling of security.
- Only new bricks, wood, and materials should be used when building a new house. Materials
from an old building should not be used to build a new one as these old materials may have
absorbed negative energy of negative incidents that occurred in the old house. If there are old
materials available, it is better to sell them and use the money to buy new materials. Materials
that have been stored for a long time should also not be used.Iron grills should only be used when
needed. The Reasoning - Building materials stored for a long time may not be effective, as they
may not have been stored well, away from moisture etc. Also, material from an old building will
have less strength and so it is better not to use them in the new one.

- Wood from thorny trees should not be used. The Reasoning - Generally the wood of thorny trees
is not suitable for house construction.

* COMPOUND WALL AND GATE

- The third thing to be constructed is the Compound Wall. This should be built before the house is
constructed. The compound wall should not be higher than the house, and the southwest side
should be the highest and the North and East sides should be the lowest.
The Reasoning - The purpose of the compound wall is to protect the site from the outside
environment, from thieves, etc. However, if there are buildings all around the site, the compound
wall can be done after the construction. The higher compound wall in the South-West prevents
the evening sun rays from heating up the house.

- It is best that there are two gates to the compound, so evil things entering one gate will exit from
the other. The Reasoning - It makes sense to have a big gate for the car to enter and a smaller
gate which is easier to handle near the entrance.

Some other considerations in construction are:

* Construction should not stop once it begins as there will be more expense involved in stop-and-
start work.

* Workers should not be unnecessarily pushed to speed up their work as they will do a shoddy
job. Moreover, some things like setting, curing of columns, beams, slabs etc cannot be rushed as
there is a risk that the structure may collapse.
* Work for the day should stop at sunset. No construction should be done at night as it is difficult
to see and do a good job. Also the workers need to have rest as they can’t do a good job if they
are overworked.
* A qualified engineer should always oversee the construction, since any mistakes that come up
can be noticed by a qualified person who is always at site.

VaastuShastra
Vaastu Shastra a super science, evolved some 5000 years ago in India.
Ancient in comparison to Chinese discipline of Feng Shui, which is 3500 -
4000 years old. Vaastu Shastra essentially deals with practice of
architecture and building / construction science, but it touches every facet
of life on this earth and the universe. The ever-present link between man
and the cosmos is the basic theme of Vaastu Shastra. Vaastu Shastra
principles provide guidance for making optimum use of cosmic energy to
achieve cosmic harmony. Pyramids, mirrors, bells, gems, precious stones,
metals, colours, yantras, trees, flowers serve as catalysts in
reestablishing the connection between man and the divine energy. With
all its sublime and mysterious ways, the basic parameters used in vaastu
shastra compliant designs are: geomagnetic flux, solar energy, sound
energy, and water sources. vaastu Shastra, the ancient science of
structure is popularly believed to promise prosperity. It is actually is a
matter of faith.

Vaastu is a complete understanding of direction, geography, topography,

environment and physics. It is a study that dictates the form size and
orientation of a building, in relation to the plot, soil, surroundings and the
personality of the owner / dweller. There is no room for rituals and
superstitions. Concepts like harmony, balance, rhythm, form, shape,
proportions, functional utility, efficiency and beauty are valid in European
architecture as well as vaastu shastra. But, inspirations differ. vaastu
shastra designs dwellings beneficial to body and mind of the dweller.
Modern architecture forgets the inherent psychological needs like peace
and tranquility of human beings in pursuit of illusive economy, lifestyle,
function, and work efficiency.

In vaastu shastra, shapes like square and rectangle indicate safety,

competences, and stability. Triangular and round shapes popular in
modern architecture are strictly avoided in vaastu shastra. Modern
architecture is yet to assimilate the smooth balance between symmetry
and asymmetry evident in structures designed as per vaastu shastra
principles. Vaastu orientates, places and dictates the proportions of every
detail as in building lines, skylines, elongations, levels, slopes, water
tanks (underground and overhead), kitchen, bedrooms, toilets, staircase,
heights of ceilings and roofs, entrances and loci of doors and windows,
compound walls and so on. Architectural science and equipment have
undergone a sea change over the years. However, the principles of
Vaastu, although modified to suit the modern times, still remain
applicable.

Thus vaastu shastra is a science, which teaches about the construction of

various buildings. By following the principles of vaastu shastra one can
prosper in many ways. vaastu Shastra is based on ten directions and one
God rules each direction. The good and bad aspects of that particular
direction are thus predicted by their position. According to Science,
vaastu shastra shows how a man can prosper by taking advantage of the
magnetic poles of the earth.

NOTE : The above material is based on information available in ancient

vaastu shastra texts. Basic knowledge of rules is always welcome, but
application requires due dilligence. Adherence to Municipal or Local
Authority rules is a must for any building construction or dwelling.

Principles of vaastu shastra application to your house

Applying vaastu shastra while constructing your house is not that simple.
Lot of things has to be taken into consideration like placement of living
room, bedroom, kitchen, puja room, balcony etc and if one meticulously
applies and follows the principles of Vaastu then satisfactory results can
be attained.

Following are a few points you must remember while applying

vaastu shastra:

Site and Building Plan

The building should be built leaving open space on all sides. More open
space should be left in North side of the plot and less space in the south.
Similarly more open space should be left in the East than West side of the
plot. The building height should be more on the South and West side. The
height or level of the building should be less in Northern and Eastern side.

Hall
It is always advisable to have the hall on the north or east side of the
house. This placement of hall allows positive energy to flow in the house,
resulting in peace of mind and steady growth, especially for the younger
generation. If the hall I not properly placed then there will be mental
tension and agony among family members and growth will be uneven.

Doors and windows

As far as possible doors and all window openings should be placed
towards north and east. Openings towards west and south should be
avoided. The number of doors or windows should be even and not odd.
However if your door is on the south side then what you can do is place
your door in the southeast corner. One can also have the main door on
the northwest side if the main door is in the west of the house. The house
will then get the benefit of a good income source, wealth and prosperity.
If the main door is not properly placed it can, according to vaastu, result
in a lack of opportunity, continuous burden in business/career and
sickness in the family.

Kitchen
Kitchen should be located in Southeast or Northwest zone with the cook
facing East or west. If you have heat in the southeast or northwest, it will
create the balance between negative and positive energy flow. The right
location of kitchen will not only bring happiness, popularity but also will
ensure good health. Wrong kitchen placements create problems like
continuous struggle; loss in business and money loss and it also affects
the health of the women in the house.

Bedroom
The Southwest room should be the master bedroom. However if you
cannot have the bedroom in the southwest corner, then one can either
sleep in the south part or the west part of the house and get benefit of
the energy field. The right location of your bedroom or sleeping place will
give you a peaceful night sleep and thus give you lot of positive energy.

Puja room, balcony and verandah and bathroom

Northeast room should be pooja room. Balconies should be towards East
or North. Verandahs should be towards East or North. No Verandahs
should be built in the West or South side of the house. Bathroom
normally preferred in East, where it is not convenient, South East or
Northwest may be recommended.

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