History of Vastu
Vastu is the science of positioning and constructing buildings according to the subtle principles of natural direction energy laws. Vastu is found in the Vedas; India’s oldest writing on history, science, philosophy, and culture.
This comprehensive body of literature addresses all aspects of life, from practical guidelines for harmonious living, to spiritual development. For example, the Gandharva-veda, describes the science of music, the Ayur-veda depicts medical knowledge, the Jyostisha-veda, delineates astrology and the Stapatya-veda expounds the principles of Vastu.
The Vedic arts and knowledge remain intact as the adepts of each generation entrust their knowledge and experience to their disciples. This principle of disciplic succession has continued unbroken throughout the ages and thus we can still benefit from these great sciences even today.
Compared to Feng Shui, which is considered to be around 3,000 years old, the written history of Vastu is at least 5,000 years old. At that time, many of the ancient cities of the Indus-Sarasvati Culture such as Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro exemplified Vastu principles in their construction and design.
The application of Vastu’s spatial principles can also be found in the Western hemisphere throughout Europe as seen in twelfth century constructions which incorporate medieval geomancy. The famous Roman architecture of Marcus Vitruvius and the precise application of Vastu principles found in the ancient ruins of both Greece and Italy indicate that Vastu principles have been applied in Western countries at various times throughout the past.
Through the utilisation of the science of Vastu in these cultures, houses and entire cities were built in a way that was not only practical and efficient but also beautiful and full of auspiciousness. Even up to a thousand years ago it was customary to build houses according to natural energy codes and principles of harmony; the same principles Western countries are now adopting from China and India.
We are living in an era where, as a culture, we have become governed largely by economic and pragmatic forces, however nature’s inescapable subtle laws continue to have their effect on our lives. Applying Vastu principles to living and working structures not only attracts auspicious energies to help maintain and increase one’s health, prosperity, and wisdom, but gives protection from subtle negative influences as well.
There is a growing worldwide trend amongst individuals interested in becoming more aware of nature’s influences and living in accordance with them. This increasing interest in Vastu and Feng-Shui demonstrates that the more sensitive and sensible sectors of human society want to re-establish harmonious connections with Nature.
