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What is Vaastu

Vaastu (or Vasthu, Vastu and Vaastu Shastra) is the Indian science of space and architecture and how we may create spaces and environment that supports physical & spiritual health and prosperity.

Vaastu evolved during Vedic times in India. The concepts of Vashtu was transferred to Tibet, South East Asia and finally to China and Japan where it provided the base for the development of what is now known as Feng Shui.

Vaastu is the art and science of designing houses, offices, temples etc that swirl with good energy. Indian Maharajas and Moghul Emperors used Vasthu when they built their symmetrical palaces, artificial lakes, and geometric courtyards that thirstily absorbed positive energy.

Like feng shui, Vasthu is based on an octagon with the four directions being the anchors. Hindus believe that gods live in each of the quarters of the house, and govern the rooms, possessions, and activities in these locations.

Vasthu is an inherent energy concept of science. We cannot see energy with our naked eyes but we can realize and see its application in different forms and fashions. Vasthu uses the forces of natural energies and aims to restore the balance between the home (the microcosm) and the cosmos (the macrocosm).

Vasthu is not only a science, but is a bridge between man and nature, thus teaching us the Art of Living. Just like every subject of human aspect is governed with rules, regulations and acts, similarly the nature has also got certain key factor principles for smooth governing of its residents, in which Vasthu stands for the law of natural energies.

Some short principles of Vasthu

Indra, the god of gods, is positioned to the East. The East is where it all begins in Vasthu. When people build their homes, the main door or the entrance is always facing the East. The eastern direction is the harbinger of good luck, which comes into the house through the door.
Kubera, the god of wealth, resides in the north. In this location some symbolic valuables should be placed to attract wealth.
The Northeast is the position for Dharma, the god of righteousness. This is the place for worship, meditation and introspection.
Agni, the god of fire, lives in the southeast corner. This should be the place of the kitchen.
Yama, the god of death, resides in the South. He prevents the evil eye from taking control of our lives. In India, people put a ghoulish pumpkin mask, similar to Halloween masks, in Yama's position to ward off the evil eye.
Niruthi, who prevents homes from being robbed, dwells in the southwest corner. This is a safe place for valuables.
Varuna, the god of water, lies to the West, where the bathroom should be.
Vayu, the god of wind and air, is situated in the northwest corner. Vayu promotes serenity, peace and calm. A good place for the bedroom.

WORKSHOPS AT THE EXPERIENCE FESTIVAL

Vastu (vasthu or vaastu): The science of creating harmonic environments.
Exploration of principles of Vaastu (also Vaasthu or Vastu).
Vaastu (vasthu or vastu): Practical applications
How to use Vaastu (also Vaasthu or Vastu) to improve our lives.
Vaastu (vasthu or vaastu): Vastu & Geobiology
An explorative workshop on geobiology and geomancing.

ABOUT THE TEACHER

Dr Prabhat Poddar is a member of the New York Academy of Sciences, a leading international Vasthu (also Vaastu or Vastu) consultant, geobiologist, engineer, architectural consultant and practitioner of geomancy, an ancient form of divination.

Prabhat has lived in the famous Shri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry, India, since he was four years old. He is founding director of the Shri Aurobindo Institute of Applied Scientific Research at Pondicherry.

During the last 10 years he has acted as a Vaastu consultant to a number of major design and development organisations in India, Europe and USA. He regularly lectures on the principles and wisdom of the Veda's and their application as expressed in the ancient art of Vastu Shastra.

One of his major achievements is the extensive planning and construction of Shakti Staala, the huge temple in The Golden City where it will constantly be 5.000 in meditation.

Using geomancy, an ancient form of divination, Dr Poddar determines the specific energies residing in a local landscape in order to, for example, locate a site where the earth and cosmic energies are brought into balance.