As often
mentioned in this column, Vaastu is based on the climate and topography.
Naturally, the prescriptions made by Vaastu will not agree with the
prescriptions of any other similar systems of other countries, which vary
according to its climate and topography.
The most
popular systems in Asia are Vaastu and Feng- Shui. Vaastu, the Indian science
of construction has its source in ancient religious texts, whereas Feng- Shui,
the Chinese science of construction owes its origin to North India and was
popularized in China by Buddhists. As the topography, climate of these Asian
countries vary, the practice also differs, often contrastingly.Vaastu
recognizes five elements Air, Water, Fire, Earth and Sky. Feng- Shui has Water,
Fire, Earth, Metal and Wood as the five basic elements.
Unfortunately, Vaastu
did not get required recognition in this country as such it suffered from want
of research and updating. Feng- Shui is much respected in China and is
periodically updated to suit the requirement of the changing culture, tradition and progress. We shall examine one simple example.
Vaastu does
not recommend the water bodies in South or West, lest the water bodies absorb
harmful rays of the setting sun. It holds good in case of open wells and other
uncovered water bodies. But nowadays sump tanks are covered and as such the
water is not affected by the evening sunrays. No doubt the modern people will
scorn at such suggestion, which is obsolete.
There are
other set of people who mix superstition with Vaastu. Northeast is recommended
for water so that it gets purified from the morning sunrays. But some people
place a bucket of water in the Northeast corner of their house, though the
water source, or storage is located somewhere else. Similarly a stove is placed
in the southeast corner of the bedroom.
These directions are recommended to harness the natural elements, provided the
water source, storage and kitchen, fireplace are located in that direction but
not otherwise. Placing a bucket of water or stove will in no way help. Vaastu
pundits should educate the people on these blind useless practices, which are
tarnishing the image of Vaastu. A comparative account of Vaastu and Feng- Shui
would establish how these subjects are wedded to climate and topography. Vaastu
prefers northeast for doors and windows, which helps inflow of positive energy.
Feng- Shui
recommends southeast as most favourable direction which is compatible with its
physical and climatic conditions of China. Fire is associated with the
Southeast in Vaastu, so advocates the location of kitchen in this direction.
Feng Shui acknowledges south for the kitchen. North is highly venerated
direction in India where mighty Himalayas is said to be the abode of Lord Shiva.
Feng- Shui respects South direction as holy. No doubt, India lies South of
Himalayas and China lies at North of Himalayas. Northeast or Eeshanya is most
preferred direction for water in Vaastu, Chinese prefer North for water. Hindu
Shastras acknowledge the Southwest or Nairuthya as good for senior citizens,
where as Chinese prefer East for such aged people.
The
tradition and culture also has its impact on this subject. Dragon is most
admired in China symbolizing growth and fertility. In India, dragon is the
symbol of destruction and the snake is considered as a symbol of growth and
fertility. Rudraksh, pyramids, triangle and such tantric figures find important
place in Vaastu where as laughing Buddah and lovebirds are recognized as
auspicious in Feng Shui.
No doubt
Vaastu is perfect science but mired in superstitions and blind practices
without regular research and updating. Vaastu experts have a duty in
extricating this magnificent system and make it more contemporary.
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