| Q: What is Vaastu? |
| A: Vaastu is a traditional Indian theory of architecture that guides the design and construction of buildings I harmony with the natural laws of the universe. Vaastu science has its roots in the Vedas dating back 7000 years and is very mathematical. It provides detailed information about how to select land, as well as how to design and construct buildings. |
| Q: How does Vaastu help us? |
| A: Vaastu harmonizes one’s life with nature, allowing one to unfold to their optimum potential. |
| Q: When do I need a Vaastu consultation? |
| A: Vaastu consultation could be very helpful if you are purchasing or renting a house, or designing a home. It is especially recommended if you are facing problems and hurdles in life, or if there is lack of harmony at home or work. |
| Q: What is the significance of the Vaastupurusha? |
| A: Vaastupurusha is the symbolic representation of all the physiological and psychological changes that take place within us as well as within a house. For more details on the meaning of Vaastupurasha and its significance please see the chapter, “The Story of Vaastupurusha,” in Part 1. |
| Q: Why are the directions important in Vaastu? |
| A: Different planets govern different directions and have specific influences on the inhabitants. By understanding the directions, one is able to balance the different forces harmoniously. |
| Q: According to Vaastu, what do the various directions represent? |
| A: East governs prosperity, wisdom and male issues. Southeast governs health, fire, cooking and food South governs wealth, crops, happiness and the female head of the family Southwest governs character, behavior, longevity, and death West governs name, fame, prosperity, and the male head of the family Northwest governs change, income from business, enmity and friendship North governs wealth, prosperity and female issues Northeast governs health, wealth, spirituality and all round prosperity. |
| Q: What is the best direction for a house to face? |
| A: Each direction has an exalted position where the front entrance can be placed and thus the house can face any direction. |
| Q: What are the things that are to be kept in mind while selecting a plot? |
| A: The major factors that should be kept in mind while selecting a plot are geographical surroundings, level of the land, and roads around the plot. |
| Q: Do colors play a role in Vaastu? |
| A: Yes, the colours in one’s home or landscape should be coordinated with the colors of the respective planets and elements associated with different directions. Doing this will enhance the energy flow around you. |
| Q: How does Vaastu affect me if I am living in a rental accommodation? |
| A: Vaastu principles affect you wherever you are living. |
| Q: How can Vaastu be applied to commercial and industrial premises? |
| A: The science of Vaastu is universal, and the basic principles given in this book are applicable to all types of buildings. Some specific points to keep in mind for commercial and industrial buildings are: inventory should ideally be placed in the Northwest sector to facilitate faster movement; equipment should be placed more to the Southwest and Southeast sides; chemicals should be stored underground in the Northeast.(See more on Vaastu for commercial buildings in chapter 23) |
| Q: What is the relationship between Ayurveda and Vaastu? |
| A: Ayurveda considers that our physiology and psychology are governed by three principles called vaata, pitta, and kapha, which in turn are represented by the five elements. Vaata is represented by space and air, pitta by fire and water, kapha by earth and water. Planetary forces in turn govern the elements. Nothing is apart form the other. Vaastu science is based on the interconnection and interplay of these factors in the one quantum soup that includes all existence. |
| Q: What is the role of religion in Vaastu? |
| A: Religion plays no role in vaastu. Vaastu is based on universal principles of planetary forces elements. Religion is based on an individual’s belief. |
| Q: Is there a similarity between Vaastu and solar home plans? |
| A: Yes, both Vaastu and solar home designs maximize the sun’s energy. Unlike solar home plans, Vaastu works to maximize the energy of other planets as well. |
| Q: Are Vaastu principles uniform throughout the world? |
| A: The principles of Vaastu are based on energy flow and the distribution of elements. These factors are uniform throughout the world. However, in different geographical locations the building could be designed t accommodate various climatic conditions while preserving good vaatu. For example, if you are living in the Northern hemisphere, far away from the equator, a Northeast front entrance door can be exchanged for a wide glass window to avoid the cold Northeasterly winds. |
| Q: As you go closer to the North or South Pole, the East and West directions merge. How does one identify the Vaastu directions from there? |
| A: As per ancient Vaastu methodology one must establish the direction of the East by using the help of a gnomon. A detailed explanation of how to use the gnomon is given in the chapter, “Understanding Extension.” |
| Q: What is the earth’s polarity and how does it affect Vaastu? |
| A: There is no reference in any Vaastu text linking its principles to the earth’s magnetism. Vaastu is purely based on the interrelationship of planetary forces and their elemental principles. Hence Vaastu principles do not change with the change in earth’s polarity. |
| Q: What are the differences/similarities between Vaastu and feng shui? |
| A: Both have their roots in the knowledge of planetary energies and the basic elements governed by the. Feng shui takes into consideration wind, water, fire, and air as the basic elements, while Vaastu takes into consideration space, air, fire, water, and earth. Vaastu is more mathematical. |
