When does Vaastu work and when does it fail?

Vaastu requires us to be at an emotional equilibrium while inside our homes and workplaces. This stable state occurs when we feel the effects of positive energy within the space combined with the emotional peace that our mind is at. Similar to the relationship a doctor with the right medicine has on a patient; Vaastu works best when the space is designed with the right principles and the person is a believer in the concept. It was interesting for me to engage with a few friends who did not believe in Vaastu and dismissed every event as destiny only and detest the connection to an ancient science. What is ironic is that even when the events seem to be connected, the question comes up - would an event not have taken place if I was in a different home or office? The answer is - yes, the event would have still happened if it was destined, but you would have coped up with the situation better if you were in the right space because your mind would have been stable and at peace. Do we not suffer from a disease if we are destined? But who recovers and with what cost to their mental state and those around them. That is the difference between a Vaastu space and one that contradicts the principles

Converse example is when you are having challenges such as struggles at work but still managing to hold on to your sanity and keeping your job against all odds. That is a sign of a mind that is capable of handling the situation appropriately because the unstable mind will do something rash and cause the stress to lead to job loss for sure. Never underestimate the power of the mind that can move mountains but at the same time fall victim to the buzzing of a small mosquito flapping its wings. The mind needs the right space, people and energy to be the source of great power. Today we talk about office wellness and how the environment affects us. This is an age old concept that the ancients knew about and we forgot during our rapid industrial and technological growth with wars and loss of moral credibility. We live in a world with so many challenges and disturbing events happening endlessly; how can we cope up with all this if our environment furthers this insanity versus helps us calm down, meditate and think rationally?

Whether you want a Vaastu space or not; do not indulge in one unless you believe in the science as it will have nothing but contradictory emotions for challengers who will see each incident as an excuse to disprove the science versus understanding and enjoying the mental joys of spending time in a Vaastu space. Allow yourself this essential indulgence of aligning your mind, body and soul to your life, space and luck.

Vaastu Consultation Store

For my readers who would like a consultation on their space needs, you can contact me to start a consulting engagement. For Vaastu consultations and a personalized description of Vaastu anomalies in your space; please email me at smathur105367@yahoo.com  

Feel free to contact me in case of questions. Vaastu analysis can be challenging and a personalized analysis can assist in clear definition of beneficial and not so directions for spaces. smathur105367@yahoo.com

Maha Shiv-Ratri Pooja

We recently conducted a major Pooja at our residence to commemorate Maha Shiv Ratri or the marriage of Shiv with Parvati (Shakti). This is a beautiful ceremony that encompasses extensive Shaiv symbolism for the main attendees (Bhairav's and Rishi) of the wedding; and the different offerings that are made to celebrate this pious event. The placement of the temple in the North East sector of the house is quite pronounced based on the directions that are required for the various symbolic objects to face. The use of flowers, milk, saffron, sugar, multiple spices and the holy fire make this extremely beautiful and purifying for the entire residence.

We used all the five elements to conduct our ceremony. Ether was the space within which the spirits were transcending. Air was all around us which was acting as the medium to allow Fire to burn freely. Water in multiple forms from milk to water and finally Earth through the wood, spices and food offerings made to the gods.

Yet again a true union of the five elements that makes this universe a reality and the balance of which maintains life on earth.

Planning in a New World

The world is a different place today than ever before. Technological progress has been so rapid and deep that it has engulfed every single human in its destructive path. On one side the advancement has enhanced and prolonged our lives; yet on the other side it has taken away every moment of solitude that we need to grow spiritually.

Thinking about planning your space on Vaastu principles is further from our mind than ever because we never shut down for a minute. Listening to the future generations confirm my hypothesis that our lives are becoming crowded with people we don't know and will never meet face to face. Skills such as learning with a master through apprenticeships and understanding with experience are being challenged by "You Tube" like sites. The belief that we can learn by watching video clips is overtaking the traditional methods of accepted learning. I am perturbed; but relieved that this explosion of the digital world will soon reach an equilibrium that will be prompted by the backlash against technology usage.

How will we connect the five elements and keep them in balance? My thirst for knowledge had begun to diminish over the past few months because of my mind's conflict with my heart on happiness. Less work and more stagnation were co-existing in my reality; and I realized that freedom was needed from this trap. Leaving my ambitions behind in an unreal world and continuing back in the search of knowledge while enjoying what I am doing has put me back in my inquisitive world once again. It is not power that gives you happiness but the fulfillment of quality time that elates you. The location and Vaastu accuracy of my time heavy locations such as work and slumber are what helped me regain focus.

Always maintain the South west location for your bedroom and office and ensure that you appreciate the five divine elements - Ether, Air, Water, Fire and Earth regularly as their balance is what keeps us sane and inquisitive. Water is around us as a solid, liquid and gas mocking us to recognize its power in shaping our lives. 

Why does Space Design matter?

A question we all struggle with everyday is the value of design and space in our lives. Good space design helps us with:

- Appreciating form in architecture, materials and Spatial design

- More usable spaces that are relevant to the inhabitants occupying or utilizing the space

- Surprisingly, better cost of ownership over the life of the space

- Space we feel comfortable in and can relate to effectively

Knowing the above, we still turn a blind eye to design and expect higher overall costs rather than better qualitative and functional spaces at a lower price. Vaastu and similar sciences further offer ways to manage energy flow and magnetism within a space by utilizing the wisdom of directions and the five elements. The truest form of space design is when you have employees who are satisfied and happy with their spaces.

Space, Life and Planning

When I wrote my book Space, Life and Planning; I always asked myself what the purpose of doing this was. I worked 14 hours a day and then spent late nights trying to compile and collect thoughts for my book. The reasons for doing these were - A sense of accomplishment and the Peace of mind that I was sharing my knowledge with others who could benefit from this.

Space is a gift provided to a lucky few to personalize in today's competitive and challenging environment. Good quality of life is a dream that most of us hope and look forward to as an end to our earnest labors. Planning is a phenomenon that very few enjoy the luxury for as we try to first adjust to the speed of change around us on a daily basis. The ultimate achievement would be a balance of these three parts of our existence; however extremely difficult to reach. Simple events such as sitting back, thinking and reflecting, bring us closer to understanding what is really important to us and what we are doing with our lives currently. We continuously believe that life is all about keeping pace with the rapid change around us. But, think again. Are we happy? content? feel that we are living our dreams? No!! Then why are we not stopping and changing direction? It can be fear or ignorance or acceptance. All leading us closer to where we don't want to go.

I appeal to my readers to stop for 10 minutes everyday and do nothing but reflect on where you are going; and adjust the rest of your day according to your feelings not rational thoughts. Let go of yourself and feel the energy of the space you occupy, thinking about your life and plan where you really want to go. Space is what Vaastu planning helps you create; in which you can live a life of balanced emotions and where you can plan the direction within the space to occupy for different activities.

Remember that living is much tougher than dying so lets create an environment around us where we can live and plan effectively. Vaastu living is a way of life.

Why does home office Vaastu matter?

Where do we spend most of our time today? Working - either at the office or from home offices. The reasons are the nature of work and rise of mobile technology. This is only going to become more and more prevalent as we get self employed after getting frustrated with corporate Anerica or corporate politics in general. Mobile technology continues to bring us closer in contact with our colleagues, friends and business partners and the choice of working from home is increasing. This leads us to choose the ideal workplace within our homes.

I would without hesitating state that the South West portion of the house is the best for this and you must face North, North-East or East while working. However, I would like to add that for creative ideas, spending some time in the North-East part of your house can be quite beneficial. Ensure that there are no structural beams above as their magnetic fields can affect your work and avoid fish tanks or water fountains on the South-Western side of the office. Use of natural materials such as wood and marble are good because they enhance your connection with nature versus granite and laminates which work conversely. Try and open windows for natural light and ventilation on the North and East sides and close blinds on the South and West sides during the day.

Once you start feeling comfortable in your space you will notice that you can perceive the effects of every addition or deletion of objects or items within your office. That is because they will affect your work focus and efficiency. It typically takes a person a good two months to understand their space and carry out necessary changes from there.

My advice to all of us is to take the time and perfect our work space carefully. In case you have questions or concerns, feel free to email me and I can point you in the right direction.

New Book on Vaastu

Space, life and planning is a book that I have recently completed and is available through the above link. The book is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble and delivers within 4 weeks.

The book is different from the current books available in the market because it does not spend time explaining the intricate applications of Vaastu; it instead looks back at the true theories behind the science. It helps us in understanding why the science works and how it is connected to our surroundings and with nature. It is the right thing to do while planning space and our life style. The life in a Vaastu home or office is better because the natural environment is in harmony with our space within which we spend our time. Space or our home/office, life or our emotions/thoughts and Planning or how we create interior and exterior structures/place furniture are all interconnected by a matrix of co-existence. None of these are exclusive of each other; hence the name of the book.

I hope you enjoy reading the book and send me your comments on what you would like to see in my part II book that will work on the details of applying this science.

Link to book:

http://www.amazon.com/space-life-planning-sharad-mathur/dp/0557318181

Recent Article in New York Real Estate Journal

Vaastu Shastra

With 2009 behind us, we are all hoping for a much better 2010. It is a new year with new beginnings and possibilities. As we look toward a return to a growing economy when companies look for new or additional office space, let’s consider something “new” which may contribute to the wellness of the occupants of the space and the prosperity of the businesses that are run in them.

Going beyond typical considerations such as function, flexibility, ergonomics and aesthetics of office furniture, in recent years companies and designers have begun to consider other factors than can impact the wellness and productivity of employees. Changing work styles, a growing multi-generational workforce and Eastern disciplines such as Feng Shui are increasingly considered when planning work environments.

Another Eastern discipline that has started to gain attention in North America is Vaastu Shastra. Vaastu is the ancient science of architecture developed in India over 5000 years ago. The principles of Vaastu harness the power of the earth in addition to other surrounding celestial bodies to bring health, wealth and good fortune.

According to Vaastu, the world is comprised of five basic elements known as the pancha maha bhoota. The five elements are earth, water, air, fire and space. There is an invisible and constant relation between all five elements. Vaastu combines these elements of nature and balances them with the person and the material. It takes advantage of the benefits bestowed by the five elements of nature to create congenial living and working environments, thereby facilitating spiritual well-being and paving the way for enhanced health, wealth, prosperity and happiness.

So how does this apply to creating productive and prosperous work environments? Without going into the why’s and how’s of the science, some of the teachings include:

• Place the owners’ offices in the Southwest corner of the building to face North or East as this allows stability and power

• Workers should face North or East while working to help them utilize their analytical powers

• Entrance to buildings should be located in the North or East side to allow positive energy to flow and impart overall good luck to the owners and workers of the company

• When designing buildings with Vaastu, a large emphasis is placed on the direction and movement of the sun, placement of rooms and open spaces to reduce the overall cost of owning an office, residence or industrial building. The reduction in energy bills; both heating and cooling are large because the power harnessed from nature works with us rather than against us.

Vaastu creates a harmonious physical environment where we can function to the best of our abilities and make better decisions. But how does this fit with the multiple objectives that must be met in creating working and living environments?

Sharad Mathur, Vice President of Marketing for office furniture manufacturer, Inscape Corporation, grew up and practiced Vaastu architecture for more than a decade in India. According to Mathur, “the practice of Vaastu is a game of balance. We have to judge the importance of certain design elements over others based on their overall effect on the space. Understanding that 100% is not possible to achieve, we are challenged with making choices. The beauty of choice is that it is open to the interpretation of the consultant who has to make a judgment call. The answer lies in our instincts to recognize the right answer. Vaastu should be an attitude towards design instead of a rule.”

Not convinced of the benefits of Vaastu? Consider Antilia…a high profile project that utilized the principles of Vaastu. Antilia is the recently completed 27-storey residence of Mukesh Ambani, one of the world’s richest men. The 490 feet tall structure is located in Mumbai, India and was designed by Chicago-based Perkins + Will. At Antilia, the overall plan is based on the square, which is Vaastu’s basic geometric unit, and a garden level occupies the tower’s midsection, the point where all energies converge according to the Vaastu Purusha Mandala. Is this billionaire ensuring his future prosperity by following Vaastu principles at his new home?

New Book on Vaastu

The book on Vaastu is now available. The book dwelves into the scientific aspects of why Vaastu works for us and the beliefs that are part of this great science. Challenges in today's life take us away from feeling energy within spaces and around us for our spaces and life. The book dives into the ways we can plan our spaces and lives around nature for yielding the maximum benefit.
I hope you enjoy the book and post your candid comments on your thoughts.

The Book on Vaastu

I will be releasing a new book on the science and theory behind Vaastu in the next couple of months. I hope you will find this informative and a good source to understand the reasoning behind the success of this science.

You will find the simple approach to learn the concepts quite beneficial and can make it an attitude towards design versus a rule. Please send me comments on what are the most common kinds of questions you find yourself answering before believing in ancient sciences such as Vaastu