by Michael Mamas | Friday, April 13, 2012 | Vedic Arts |
Many are aware that Mars has lately been retrograde with a fiery influence.
Though it goes direct today, it will still be moving slowly so jyotishis caution that the influence will continue until the end of May. Some say it is a good time to avoid serious conversations. Tempers may flare.
While we are on the subject of jyotish, I would like to remind everyone that readings are a forecast of upcoming influences, but do not dictate who you are or how you must live your life.
© Michael Mamas. All rights reserved.
by Michael Mamas | Wednesday, April 4, 2012 | Vedic Arts |
A number of people are getting confused about vastu.
Know that there are many different systems of vastu. I have studied a number of them. If you take a master of one system and walk them through the house of another system, they will tell you it is all wrong. It is a little like playing music in different keys. Sharps and flats may work in one key but not another.
After extensive research, at Mount Soma we are using the system of Ganapati Sthapati. The temple and everything else here is based upon that. So you would do well to keep your home at Mount Soma in accord with it. That way you are “in tune with the orchestra” here.
Also note, that you can build a house based upon your personal jyotish chart or based upon the other buildings here. That is your choice. If you are building your own home on you own lot, you can build based upon your chart. If you are buying a cottage, you usually have an option but not always… for example, the 4 flats between the Community Center and Student Union are already locked in and built upon the school chart. Some argue that is the best way to go. You may also prefer that more ‘universal’ design if you are thinking of resell, though really, concern about all that is getting overly caught up with it all. It is fine to buy a house that is built and designed based upon another’s chart. Personally, I build everything based on the Mount Soma chart and just keep it simple and universal that way.
Michael Borden is the best way to go if you need a vastu expert of the system we use here. He can be reached at [email protected]. His website is www.vastu-design.com. You would do well to take my advice and not get confused with all the other systems. I suggest, at Mount Soma, let’s all build in the same “key”.
Also note the words of one vastu expert who flew in to the US from India to stay in my home a couple weeks to teach me a great deal about his system, “There is no such thing as perfect vastu.” (It is a bit like the concept of ‘a good enough mother’ for those of you who are familiar with that psychodynamic system). He also said that 80% of vastu is just taking care of the brahmastan. So try not to lose the forest for the trees and you will do fine.
Michael Borden is a wise and practically experienced vastu expert. Do as he says and you will do very well. Try to fathom the entire world of vastu and you will likely end up overwhelmed and quite confused. I spent years on the subject of exploring all the various systems so rest assured that has been taken care of.
By the way, my wife and I recently sold our Asheville home and are now building our new home at Mount Soma. As a result the house we are living in now at Mount Soma is for sale. If anyone is interested, please call Hayley at 828-627-6200.
© Michael Mamas. All rights reserved.
by Michael Mamas | Thursday, November 4, 2010 | Vedic Arts, Vedic Technology |
The arrival of the shilpis (granite workers from India) has brought a myriad of lively experiences to Mount Soma.
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The aroma of Indian food wafting from their kitchen, the sound of their chants as they, like in ancient times, move huge pieces of granite by hand and lever, and hearing the tink tink of chiseling granite and the whirring of the stone cutter all permeate the cool Autumn air.
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The shilpis warm and jovial hearts accent our days with play and happiness. Excursions to Walmart and the mall are delightful adventures as they charm everyone from the cashiers to other customers with their sweetness.
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In the last week, Mount Soma residents have been present for numerous auspicious ceremonies, including the temple groundbreaking puja, raising the columns, putting the top on the archway, etc. Every day seems to contain another auspicious and exciting moment!
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Evenings have been transformed with Ganesh’s (the engineering professor who runs a non-profit to help build temples) presentations about temple development and S.K. (the head sthapati (architect) for the temple) talking about Vastu architecture principles, their origin in the Vedas and how they map onto the human body, map onto the human experience, and parallel the Mayan architecture.
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With so much being accomplished, including the progress on the Student Union Building and the enthusiasm from visitors and our Indian guests, it feels like a long anticipated wave is carrying us forward.
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This is all just a taste of what is to come at Mount Soma—an educational, cultural, economic and spiritual bridge, unifying all of mankind.
© Michael Mamas. All rights reserved.
