Vaastu Philosophies

Paramatman/Jivatman
Panchabhoota
Dvaitam/Advaitam
Purusha/Prakriti
Shivam/Shakti
Triguna
Karma Bandhanam

Vaastu Shastra is an integral part of Vedic culture andphilosophy. The five elements of nature, namely: Earth (stability); Water (purity); Fire (energy and power); Air (pervasiveness) and Space (creativity and dynamism) In this way, the five elements of nature are co-related with everything that goes on in the Universe.

The relationship between Vaastu and Astrology

Vaastu and astrology have both originated from the Vedas, and are inter-dependent on each other. In fact, both are derived from each other and complement each other as well. VaastuShastra, while trying to find out muhurta (auspiciousmoments) depends on astrology to find out the right time. An astrologer, while performing yagnas, must depend on Vaastu to get an idea of the location. While both the sciences are independent and complete in themselves, a joint study helps for a better understanding.

The Vaastu Philosophies are:

Jivatman: Some locations are sacred in their very character. In such places, the building also imbibes power, which can bestow siddhi or spiritual powers to the occupants. The physical abode is the resting place for the body, psyche, spirit of the individual and the smallerunit of a family or group. This is the shape wherein the jivatmanof the individual can achieve spiritual harmony and contentment, during their sojourn in earthly life.

Panchabhoota: In an actof creation, the objects formed become subservient to the cosmicorder of Panchabhoota. In other words, the five elements,namely space, air, fire, water and earth play a subtle partin the emanated form and each has its location and role, meaning and power.



Dvaitam/ Advaitam: To achievethe sublimation of the jivatman with paramatman,two paths have been recommended, one known as Dvaitamand the other as Advaitam.

In the field of architecture, the philosophies of Dvaitamand Advaitam have had great impact, particularly in therealm of religious buildings. All temple precincts are built around the concept of form and space, which articulate the Search for the Divine either within the self or outside of the self.

Purusha: Vaastu Purusha is the body on which every aspect of human activity is carried out. Whether we build a house or playground, we place it upon the sacred body of the cosmic, in order for it to reside with us. The manifestation of energy in the universe of reality, or prapancha is the movement of purusha/prakriti.





Shivam/Shakti: This movement from stillness and bliss into

manifestation is the secret of creation. The still centre is known as Shivam, and the energy which is the energy of creation is Shakti,the former the male principle and the latter the female.

In the Indian tradition the male/female is inextricably linked as the Ardhanareeshwara (half male and half female) and the Srivatsam (the mole) on the body of Vishnu. (The feminine principle exists in the form of a mole on the body of the male).

Triguna: Each physical form is perceivedas a composition of three: Gunas or characteristics known as Satvika, Rajasa,Tamasa. When one of these Gunas is predominant, then the nature of the material objects takes on the dominant character.

In Vaastu, the three Gunas are characterised bythe three shapes of a circle, octagon and square respectively.



The energy contained within the square and rectangle is the most stable, restful and in equilibrium. This is considered suitable for residences and places of learning.

The energy contained in a polygon is a suitable centre of energetic activities, such as offices.

The energy contained in the circle is very high,and is suitable for entertainment centres, amphitheatres, council chambers, and sometimes for religious centres such as prayerhalls and temples.

Karma Bandhanam: It is the confinementof each individual to repeated births as a consequence of action accrued in each birth. The delusion of a trouble-free existence must be effaced, so that the spirit can accept andlive through the travails and the highs and the lows with equanimity and grace.