Sthapatya Veda (Vastu) is the knowledge of space. The nature of space intimately correlates with the nature of Consciousness. Consciousness, like space, is unbounded. The universe was born when Consciousness became conscious of itself, and perceived it as other. Viewing itself as other is like putting it in a box, putting a fence around the notion of Consciousness. Similarly, “Vastu” means fence. Putting a fence around space. In so doing, an entity is created. Vastu is knowledge of that entity, and how to manage and work with that entity in a manner that is in harmony with the very structure of Consciousness. Vastu includes the science of architecture, archery, and instilling a soul, a Deva, into a Murthi.
By living in a home and community constructed in accord with Vastu, the consciousness of the individual is aligned with and receives the support of Mother Nature.
A fundamental principle of Vastu architecture includes aligning the structure with cardinal directions. In so doing, the sun and planets rise directly in front of the house to the East, moving overhead and setting in the West. To live in a Vastu home is to know and appreciate the value of such alignment. It only makes sense. The very idea of living in a home not so aligned leaves a sort of twisted feeling in the psyche. Alignment with the laws of nature is then difficult. When aligned with the cardinal directions, orderliness of the whole psyche is supported.
Another major component of Vastu architecture is the Brahmasthan, the still center of the home. Small towns often have a park with gazebo in the center of town, acting as a Brahmasthan. It creates a sense of stability in the whole community. Other towns without such a Brahmasthan are sprawled out, leaving the inhabitants with an unanchored sense of instability. The Brahmasthan is the heart of the town, as well as the heart of the home.
The library or meditation room is in the Northeast corner. It is the quiet corner of the home. It receives the rays of the sun only in early morning. In contrast, the kitchen is in the Southeast corner, receiving the fiery energy of the sun throughout most of the day, naturally supporting the fiery cooking activities in the kitchen.
The more you live in a Vastu home, the more you appreciate even the more subtle Vastu principles. In time, you realize they make a great deal of sense.
