Introduction
There are various energies and forces all around us. In some way or the other, their influence acts on us. Every object, piece of clothing, colour, and even the placement of furniture affects our mood and well-being. Simply arranging stuff can make one feel more optimistic, relaxed, and tranquil.
What is FengShui?
The definition of FengShui may be split down into the Chinese words “Feng,” which means wind, and “Shui,” which means water. The idea comes from ancient poetry about human life being related to and flowing with its surroundings.
FengShui is defined as the discipline of arranging objects in living areas to establish equilibrium with the natural world. This is what FengShui in your home entails. The idea is to harness energy forces and create harmony between a person and their surroundings.
This philosophy is known as the Tao in Asian culture, which translates to “the way.” Taoism is the way of nature, and all of the fundamental rules of FengShui reflect this. This philosophy is known as the Tao in Asian culture, which translates to “the way.” Taoism is the philosophy of nature, and all of the fundamental rules of FengShui reflect this.
What is Vastu?
Vastu Shastra’s entire objective is to generate and attract positive cosmic energy. And this vitality enables us to perform better at work and live a more fulfilling life. People who live or work in a Vastu-compliant environment are considered to live a healthier and happier life.
Yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and other beneficial sciences and practices were developed by the ancient Indian culture. Vastu Shastra is another proof of our forefathers’ brilliance. Every architectural style has reflected man’s connections and worldview. Building Vastu-compliant constructions allows a man to give his creations additional meaning.
The directions in Vastu Shastra are the most significant aspect of this ancient practice, aside from the elements. When building a house, it is critical to ensure that everything is in the appropriate place, which is why individuals must be knowledgeable about this. Below are some Vastu rules according to the direction:
- East:
The direction of prosperity is east. The front door, living room, study, and place of worship should all face east. To enhance prosperity, treasure chests, lockers, and so on should face east. There should be no kitchen or toilet in the east. The east direction should not be elevated above the west, southwest, and North West directions.
- West
In the west, a staircase or a tank is preferable to everything else. As a second option for offices, especially within the house, one could consider putting an office here. Store garbage cans or construct a garage in the house’s western direction.
- North
Reduce constructions in the north to a minimum to preserve maximum efficiency. If there are permanent structures in the north, prosperity will undoubtedly fade. It has been shown that the UV rays emitted by the Sun have the least detrimental impact in the northern hemisphere; thus, having any open space in the northern hemisphere would be a wise decision.
- South
Keep the section exposing the facade south raised in comparison to the remainder of the home as it will help cast a shadow on the rest of the house. Keep a tank or an overhead tank in the southern section.
Is there any difference between FengShui and Vastu?
Vastu v/s FengShui is a much-debated topic. However, most people frequently confuse the two to gain the benefits of either. Although Vastu Shastra and FengShui share fundamental ideas, the two are vastly different in some areas. While the concepts of Vastu are best applied to a home that is being built from the ground up, FengShui has far simpler principles that you may utilize at home at any time.
FengShui is based on geographical concerns, but Vastu Shastra is based on science. While FengShui supports a pleasant way of life and improves the flow of positive energy at home, Vastu Shastra is more concerned with building a suitable home according to the standards of this philosophy. Another significant distinction between the two theories is indeed the objects they employ. While FengShui employs wind chimes, smiling Buddhas, and bamboos, Vastu emphasizes the use of Tulsi plants and orienting Ganesha figurines.
What are the similarities between FengShui and Vastu?
Vastu Shastra and FengShui are both based on powerful cosmic energy. One of the most important aspects of both approaches is that they are supported by mathematical calculations. Both of these approaches believe in offering remedies by arranging things and tools around the home to boost energies. For example, installing deity figurines or lighting candles. Both principles expressly prohibit clutter in the home. Both practices believe that the centre of the home is where all of the energy merges, making it an essential component of the house. Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra both use the eight compass directions to decide location and design, as well as five components to attract favourable energy.
How do FengShui or Vastu work in your house?
The concepts of design, measures, space layout and spatial geometry are stated in ancient science. Vastu Shastra seeks to maximize the benefits of nature’s good energies by aligning geometric patterns, symmetry, and directions.
The universe and everything in it is made up of five fundamental elements. Earth, fire, wind, water, and space are the elements. Vastu Shastra makes use of all five elements, as well as directional positioning, magnetic fields, and the gravitational effect of the Earth and the galaxy as a whole. To a considerable part, this traditional scientific approach takes into account all natural phenomena such as wind velocity, sunlight, the effect of ultraviolet rays, and the intensity of rainfall.
As we all know, the Sun is the principal heavenly body that transmits light and heat and is the reason for the presence of life on Earth; this is why the Sun is regarded as the “Soul of the Universe” in ancient Indian texts. The Vastu shastra principles enable humans to make the best use of the Sun’s limitless energy.
The Earth, our planetary home, resembles a mother and is a treasure trove of all solaces and happiness that a person cannot find elsewhere. Vastu shastra rules enable people to benefit from mother earth’s comprehensive work for the greatest results.
Objects in a room are organized according to the flow of natural energy in FengShui. The purpose of furniture placement is to draw positive “chi.” Keeping the home orderly is an excellent method to incorporate FengShui. The following are some basic rules that everyone can follow to create a calm, relaxed, and tranquil environment:
- Maintain a neat and orderly appearance.
- Keep your bed as far away from the window as possible.
- Understand your colours
- Make effective use of the Bagua Map
- Keep relaxation areas away from work.
Conclusion
Feng Shui or Vastu, whatever you follow, you must understand the essence of the theories. Your well-being is not just dependent on such rules or theories. It is what makes you feel happy and content. These are just mere science theories to make your decisions easier.
References
- Spruce. The Basic Principles of FengShui. [online] Available at: <https://www.thespruce.com/what-is-Feng-Shui-1275060>
- Livspace. What is the Difference between Vastu Shastra and FengShui? [online] Available at: <https://www.livspace.com/in/magazine/vastu-vs-Feng-Shui>
- Vaastushastra. What is Vastu? [online] Available at: < https://www.vaastu-shastra.com/what-is-vastu.html>
- Homelane. Vastu VsFengShui: What are the differences? [online] Available at: < https://www.homelane.com/blog/vastu-vs-Feng-Shui/>?Qcdesignschool. 5 FENGSHUI RULES THAT SHOULD NEVER BE BROKEN. [online] Available at: https://www.qcdesignschool.com/2017/05/5-Feng-Shui-rules-never-broken/
