UNDERSTANDING VASTU & FENGSHUI AND THEIR RELAVANCE IN THE REAL ESTATE MARKET

VASTU SHASTRA:

Vastu is a Sanskrit word which means Vaas: Live Tu: you, a place where you live or dwell. Shastra means a text which contains knowledge or instructions. Simply put Vastu Shastra means instructions laid down for building a structure.

HISTORY:

Historically Vastu dates back to the Vedic times. Although there is reference of Vastu in several ancient books, Mayamata and Manasara are the most important ones. Being a technical subject it was confined to the Sthapathis or architects. They laid down several principles for constructing a building taking into account the five elements of nature.

BASIC FUNDAMENTALS:

Vastu Shastra is based on the importance of the 5 elements of nature (wind, water, earth, fire, space) and the 4 directions (East, West, North, South). Any structure which is not built in accordance with these elements or aligned with the 4 directions will sooner or later pose problems for its inmates. The interplay of nature acting through these elements and directions therefore forms the basis of Vastu.

VASTU AND REAL ESTATE

Vastu touches every aspect of our lives. Vastu homes provide us with a healthy and secure life. Offices built on Vastu principles enhance sales and productivity. Vastu compliant factories can promote the efficiency of the workers and minimize breakdown of machines or other equipments. Malls and retail outlets can see the boost in sales. In short modern societies can benefit from Vastu in a lot of ways. Today we have so much moved away from nature. Either we are confined to the four walls of our home or office. A walk on the city roads is far from relaxing. In such a scenario the principles of Vastu need to be correctly applied to our buildings and we shall ourselves experience excellent results.

FENG SHUI

Feng shui means the Law of Heaven and Earth. Feng means wind and Shui means Water. It believes in the balance of yin and yang (the two opposites) and a balance between Heaven and Earth.Chinese saw wind and water as the intermediaries between heaven and earth.

HISTORY

The earliest records of Feng shui can be established during the Han Dynasty (200B.C – 200 A.D). There is evidence that the Chinese wrote on bones about the logical assumptions of natural cause and effect. The observation of Nature’s cycle and it’s relationship with the well being of humans. However, it is also believed that the Buddhist monks travelled to Tibet to teach and preach Lord Buddha’s teachings.Along with the Buddhist philosophies they also carried with them other systems which were practised and perfected in India. Vastu was one amongst them. The beliefs slowly altered to suit the local customs and culture.

BASIC FUNDAMENTALS

Feng shui too takes into account the importance of the 5 elements and the 4 directions. But it also lays a lot of emphasis on flow of “chi” or the cosmic energy. It is the invisible life energy force which operates within a human body as well as the buildings we live in. A building without proper flow of chi is nothing but an ailing or dead concrete structure. The philosophy behind Fengshui is to create environments where the chi flows smoothly to achieve physical and mental health.

FENGSHUI AND REAL ESTATE:

Not only South East Asia but the Western world too in-corporate Fengshui principles and considers it as an effective tool. In Taiwan whenever a new skyscraper goes up the owners hire a Fengshui consultant to plan and build their buildings. Fengshui is thousands of years old philosophy but its principles are as much relevant today. Example: The Form School of Fengshui proposes that the best site for a home is on a south-facing slope - preferably between two hills of unequal size (the Green Dragon and the White Tiger). Ideally, a river will be running along one side of the structure. The river should then turn in front of the building and then disappear.
Looked at another way, such a home on the south slope gets the maximum hours of sunlight, is shielded from the chilly, health-sapping north wind and has a good supply of water for drinking and cleaning. By then conveniently disappearing under the ground and gravel, the river carries away effluents and other "dirty" water.
Therefore with a little foresight and a good knowledge of Fengshui we can select the best place for ourselves.

In the coming weeks we shall investigate about the different aspects of both Vastu and Fengshui and how both can be a very powerful tool for increased effectiveness. The meaning purpose and role attached to every direction. How an alignment of the house, with the four directions can bring a healthy and positive change and lots more.