Part 1 Quintessence of Vastu Art and : Forms of Spirit and Atoms of Consciousness

It is not widely known that a traditional Hindu is a secret mystical marvel. Its ornate architecture, dimensions, stones, the carved images and motifs, surrounding halls, even the gardens and the lay of the land are all full of metaphysical meaning and purpose, so much so that the temple itself is revered as a form of God. Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati, the traditional architect who designed Iraivan Temple (Kauai, HI, USA), noted, "The parts of the temple are so integrated that they become a living organism worthy of worship." The say, "Look upon the temple building as embodied energy and worship Him with Vedic mantras." Hinduism Today: January/February/March, 2004

2 Preface Since ancient times humans noticed the mysterious influence of the rhythms of the sky on earthly life. Everyone knows the Sun rises and sets every day and this is the basic rhythm of life around which we set our clocks and calendars. We plant by the moon and notice when the tides are high or low. These events guide our actions in life and affect our well-being. Other time cycles exist that are multiples of this basic day cycle – they are called biorhythms. These biorhythms are known to predict energetic events in people and nature. They are cyclical and predictable. All of these observations have been observed by contemplating the outer world. From these observations of what is called conceptual time clocks, calendars and planting guides were constructed and used. Music was also based upon this idea of conceptual time in the for of the beat or rhythem of the music.

Conceptual time eventually took a role in science and mathematics in terms of measuring waveforms and hence describing qualities of waves,which make up all of the material world. This is called frequency or vibration of the waveforms and it is described mathematically. Fundamentally this description rests upon the time cycle of a waveform.

While most human beings also have the ability to observe the outer and also the power to delve deeply into the secrets of nature through his or her own inner being in an effort to unravel the secrets of gaining health, wellbeing and spiritual bliss or enlightenment, only a rare few have actually cultivated this ability. One such person is an ancient man called variously as Brahmarishi Mayan, Mamuni Mayan and Vishwakarma. Mayan was capable of observing the outer gross and subtle material influences of time cycles. More than that, he was able to penetrate his inner being, meet face to face with God, and unravel the Cosmic Time cycles that form the Cosmic structure of Consciousness itself. This he called Absolute Time or Kaalam.

The science of Vaastu (Vastu) is a fundamental field of knowledge recognized by Mayan as Time, or the all-pervading vibratory force of Nature hidden in one’s residence and its surroundings and inner sanctum of the cave of the heart. In fact, it is the unseen subtle force underlying the entire material world and worlds.

Adi Shankaracharya, who is considered to be a member of the Vishwakarma clan, mentions the subtle aspects of the physical world in his Vivek Chudamani:

Aikyam Tayorlakshitayoh, Na Vacyaya | Nigadyatenyonya Viruddha Dharminoh | Khadyota Bhanyoriv Rajbh—atyayauh | Kupamburashyoh Parmanumevoh ||

Meaning: The divine source of the (existence of the) cosmos and every creature or particle in the universe are subliminally linked together and are similar in the sense of the similarity between ‘the sun and a glowworm’, ‘an ocean and a well’, ‘a king and a laborer’, or ‘a mountain and an atom’.

This verse is a reflection of Mayan’s statement found in Silpa Vidya Rahsyopanishad: He, who does not know the exact meaning of the Vedic dictum “anoraniyan mahato mahiyan” is not capable of understanding the subtle principle of the science of Shilpa (Brahmam, Vastu and Vaastu).

If we examine the entirety of the we find similar statements. For example, we find commentary on this subject in the :

3 The Supreme Lord walks and does not walk. He is far away, but He is very near as well. He is within everything, and yet He is outside of everything. (Isha Upanishad, Vs. 5)

In spite of absolutely being an impartite (undivided or indivisible) irradiating Existence, the Supreme Vastu dwells within the smallest heart-space of all beings, assuming the form of individualized self and pervades the entire range of worlds and existents, like the all-pervading space. (Shilpa Vidya Rahasyopanishad, Vs. 19)

These statements describe the existence and relationship of the vastness of Cosmic Space (Brahmam) as the whole and the minuteness of Brahmam as the particle / part. Here it is established that the whole and the part are related and indivisible - that the vastness of the worlds and the smallest finest particle are made of the same stuff and a reflection of each other. Hence, by observing either level and levels in between, one can come to understands the Divine secrets of the five Cosmic functions related to the Cosmic realm (Creation, sustenance, dissolution, obscuration, and bestowal of blissful state) - the Cosmic realm being the entirety of energy and matter.

In recent years we have witnessed a rapid increase of interest, public lectures, books and web sites on Vaastu focused on certain architectural and design principles (placement of rooms for example). However, this commercialization is replete with misconceptions or half knowledge about this important subject and simply serves to exploit mass psychology.

Individuals have mistakenly only analyzed and reverse engineered previously built Vaastu structures and their visual properties rather than deciphering the sublime root elements – Consciousness, Absolute Time, OM light, OM sound and the subtler aspects of the Five Elements or Panchabootas/ Pancha Bhutas. They were and still are unaware of the Cosmic forces and Universal laws that are the real underpinning and cause of the Vaastu effect. Instead, these so called Vaastu experts mistakenly choose to assign the sun, moon and stars as well as other extraneous imagined influences as the causal factors of the Vaastu effect. Instead of understanding the real cause of the Vaastu effect, superstion and mythology arose concerning this science.

The concept of Vastu Purusha (the name of the energy governing all created and uncreated substance) as being a demon arose as well as numerous other superstitions have developed. Vaastu homes have been relegated to fortune making homes by ignorant Vaastu consultants. When one comes to understand the true underpinnings of Vaastu Science, one comes to see that all of the superstition, fortunemaking and good luck ascribed to Vaastu are almost insulting concepts. Application of principes of Vaastu brings nothing less than Moksha – enlightenment to homeowners.

This has been the historical practice in terms of westerners understanding the actions and functions carried out by Indians throughout time. For example, from Indian Inquirey, Volume 23, Royal Anthropological Institute 1894, which quotes the famous Indologist, A.C. Burnell papers from 1881 – 84 on The Origins of Demons:

The worship of evil spirits is almost universal among the Hindoo inhabitants... Places of worship, which are stones dedicated to them, are to be frequently seen in the fields, and every village has its temple. A peculiar small goblet made of bell metal, into which from time to time water is poured, is kept before the Bhutas, and on special occasions

4 flowers and lights are placed before them... The family Bhutas are worshipped by the families among whom they reside. In every Sudra house a room, sometimes a corner, is set apart for the Bhuta, and called Bhuta – Kotya.

According to the cited text, Burnell further says, that among the evil spirits is one called Pancha Bhutas and another called Brahmarakshasa or Brahmara. There are sthadnas (sthanas) built for him in the forests, which are called Berma - sthanas (Brahmasthanas). Bhutas who reside in sthanas receive homage and worship from all the Sudras of the village where the sthana is.

Upon first reflection one might attribute the actions, buildings, and worship of the citizens as superstitious and replete with some demonic agenda. However if a fuller examination is conducted and the ancient background is understood, it would become clear that what the citizens were worshiping is the subtlest aspect of existence – Brahmam – The Unified Field and the five Elements (Pancha Bhutas).

The term used by European indologists - devil - has negative connotation and is a reflection of religious bigotry, and as such should not be applied to Bhuta Kola. In essence, the spirits or the bhutas worshipped are considered to be the guardians of the villages, blessing and protecting the villagers and their livestock.

Had the Indologist learned the customs and language properly, they would have learned that the Pancha Bhutas are the five subtle elements from which the manifest world emerges, that the corner where they were worshiped was most likely the NE corner (puja corner) and its energies were of a spiritual nature; that Brahmarakshasa is Space element (Brahmakasha - Brahmam or unmanifest energy in motion); that the sthanas are moolasthans or brahmasthans which are the seat and source of Cosmic Flame or Cosmic/ creative energy and power; that the Bhutas who reside in the sthanas (brahmasthans or abodes of this energy) are the fundamental forces that produce all of the multifaceted variety of creation; and that worship of these brings about an activation of the qualities of these forms for the well being of the community. As you can see, external observation without penetration yields faulty knowledge. This was just the beginning of and only one example of the vast misunderstandings of Vastu Science and Vaastu Technology.

Our life is sensitive to not only the environment and its ambience, but also to the structure and design of the residence we live in and the type and topography of the plot of earth on which it is built. Mayan was well aware of this fact and therefore applied his knowledge of Vastu and Vaastu to the field of architecture and interior and exterior design of residence. This field of knowledge became know as Sthapatya Veda and Vaastu .

Many of the ancient around the world stand as living monuments of the awe-inspiring majesty and inspiration built according to the Vastu Shastra. In ancient times, a Vaastu house was seen to provide shelter but living within in it was also given the importance of a sacred activity in the Indian Culture and was counted as a part of dharma. The text Vrahad Vastumala – a scripture of the Vaastu Shastra, highlights the purpose of house construction as ––

Striputradikabho Aranya, Jananam Dharmarthakama Puram | Jantunamayanam Sukhasyadamidam, Shitambu Dharmaham ||

House (Home) is that which offers the worldly joys of having a family, keeping pets, cattle, etc; which protects from cold, heat, storms and other external hazards, and which facilitates the proper performance of dharma (righteous duties), artha (attainment of wealth/material power and progress) and kama (fulfillment of desires).

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Mayan and the long lineage of Rishis that followed him say that Vaastu Shastras affirm that a house constructed according to the building codes and guidelines of this science, helps alleviate household tensions and minimize the chances of family conflicts and stresses arising out of economic problems, social pressures, sickness, and general lack of wellbeing.

Vishwakarma Prakash states that The divine power of Vastu is pervading everywhere on the earth, on which Lord Vaastu Purusha is (subliminally) lying with his face towards North-East direction (Purvottaramukho Vastu Purusah Parikalpitah).

This signifies the subtle presence of divine powers and energies inherent in the five basic elements (the pancha tatvas) and hence in the visible and invisible forces of Nature and stresses the maintenance of a harmonious balance between them in all activities of life.

A house built as per the instructions of Vastu Shastra is empowered by Cosmic Law and thus lends enormous support in the progress, happiness and bliss of the inhabitants.

Interestingly enough, the worship of Vaastu Purusha is an integral part of Deva Pujana in the major sacraments and religious ceremonies of the Hindu Dharma. The Purusha Sukta (9Oth sukta, Rig Veda) is chanted daily in temples around the world yet the priests chanting it have little idea of the real meaning of the verses.

Vastu Shastra is believed to be the oldest science of Architecture. It is literally defined as –– the Shastra (a branch of Vedic Literature), which deals with the knowledge of the topography and the design of any construction to be built for residence, worship or any other purpose. The word "vastu" in Sanskrit language is derived from the verb "vasa", which means living, residing, lodging, etc. The word ‘vastu’ is defined in "Amara Kosha" as ––

Graharacanavacchinnabhumeh |

Meaning: the plot of land suitable for the construction of a house for living is (the base of ) vastu. According to the "Halayudha Kosha" ––

Vastu Samkshepato Vakshye Grahadau Vighnanashanam | Ishanakonadarabhya Hyekashitipade Tyajet ||

Meaning: In short, vastukala (the art of vastu) is the art of house construction, which teaches perfect (science and techniques of) designs starting from the ishana (east-north) angle so as to protect the house from all natural calamities and other adversities.

The scriptures further describe the ‘vastu purusa’ or ‘vastu devata’ as the presiding deity, the divine source of this hidden realm of Nature working in the properties of land and building-architecture. This vastu purusa, is said to be ‘enshrined’ in its global form, facing the ishana (east-north) direction. This is why the construction of houses according to the Vastu Shastra should be started from the ishana (east-north) angle.

6 Yaskacarya wrote the oldest known Indian treatise on etymology, philology and semantics sometime during 500 or 600 B.C. According to Yaskacarya, “Meaning is the fruit of the flower (which is) word.” Yaskacarya said, “...to really understand the meaning of a word you must understand its root components. Then and only then can you have a glimmer of the truth of a word.” I have examined the words Vastu and Vaastu in light of Yaskacarya’s criteria.

The term Vastu (Vastu Brahmam or Vastu Purusha) refers to primal, unmanifest, potential energy – Consciousness as energy. It is the energy through which and within which material forms manifest. Throughout history and among many cultures, this primal energy has been given many names. The names range from religious (God, Brahmam), artistic (Creative Intelligence) to scientific (the Unified Field). Vastu is that unmanifest, subtle or unseen energy field that lives eternally. It is the Field within which the manifest world exists as particles and is ultimately governed.

The Field is the sole governing agency of the particle. (Albert Einstein)

The free Space is the unified field of energy and matter and source of all forms that we see in material world. (Mayan in his Aintiram)

An examination of the various Sanskrit and Tamil words, along with the meaning associated with the root “vas” and the combined word Vastu and Vaastu, sheds light on the comprehension of the true meaning of Vastu Science and Vaastu Science and Technolog y (this will be repeated later in this text).

Vas: to shine; to grow bright, to bestow by shining upon, to cause to shine; to enter into, to dwell, becoming light, dawning, the seat or place of, an abiding substance or essence, the pith or substance of something, to cohabit with. Vaas: to make fragrant or to perfume, an intoxicant, to be or make firm, dwelling place, to assume the appearance of, matter. (Cologne Lexicon)

The word Vastu is formed of the root “vas. “ “Vas” means to live or to exist. The precise meaning of Vastu is “to live eternally.” (Dr. V. Ganapati, Sthapati, p.52 Temples of Space-Science, Vaastu Vedic Research Foundation, 1996). Thus, Vastu is that energy of force that lives eternally. It is never ending and omnipresent.

In examining these definitions, we can see that Vastu is the seat of an abiding, shining luminous substance or essence (the essence of life). It has a quality of growing brightness and is the pith or substance that enters into and cohabits with that in which it dwells and that which dwells within it. It is the source of the material world yet it cohabits with the material world as Vaastu. It does not separate itself from the material world. In fact, the material world (Vaastu) exists within the body of Vastu.

Vaastu is that which assumes the appearance of matter. It makes firm or gives concrete shape to the place where it dwells. It makes fragrant that in which it dwells. That fragrance is the intoxicating spiritual bliss experienced by people who live in or visit a Vaastu structure, listen to Vaastu music or poetry, or view Vaastu sculpture and dance. Here we are speaking of authentically created and executed forms of these arts based on the ancient Shastras.

It is clear from this definition that Vaastu Science and Vastu Technology are far more than a set of building rules. The modern notions of Vastu are completely incorrect and few people actually understand that the energy of a Vaastu building comes from the earth as Vaastu Purusha and then manifests directly about the building as Vastu Purusha.

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The ancient science of Vastu stipulates that the basic purpose of building a house is that it should be auspicious and beneficial to the people living in it; it should bring them peace, happiness, success and progress. Therefore, according to Vastu Shastra, the topography and properties of the plot should be analyzed first to examine, apart from its location, solidity, vibration, etc of the land to determine whether or not it would be beneficent to the owner and his family. This applies to Temples as well.

Before laying the foundation stone, the architectural design of the house should be drawn so as to maximize the positive effects of Cosmic vibrations or grace of Vaastu Purusha in different directions. For example, what should be the direction, location, design, etc., of the worship hall, study room, living room, kitchen, bedroom, storeroom, entrance, water storage, toilet, bathrooms, etc? How many doors and windows should be there and in which directions? How should doors be placed and where? What should be the interior makeup and exterior surroundings of the house (including trees, orchards, gardens, out buildings ponds, driveway, etc.)

Similar constraints are considered for the construction of shops, offices, hospitals, etc. Wherever necessary, the different aspects of the house (or any other building) architecture are also reviewed in Vastu Shastra with respect to the birth star of the owner.

The properties of the plot or the piece of land on which a particular building is to be erected that are considered important for Vastu site selection include the color, texture and smell of the soil; the geometrical shape, size, slope of the plot; the types of trees and plants, mountains, spring, river, lake, pond, etc, in the surrounding area and the relative position of these from the plot. The health of vegetation and the behavior of people and animals are also included. The downward slope of the land towards the East is regarded auspicious for prosperity, however flat land is best. Lands with slopes inclined downwards in the West or South are rejected. The land in the shape of the back of a tortoise (i.e. protruded in the center and descended on the boundaries) is also considered bad. Deserts, barren or swampy lands are a hinderance the homeowner’s progress; people are therefore advised not to choose such plots for construction of their houses. This is due to the type of energy Vaastu Purusha is exhibiting, and the balance of the five elements in those particular types of land; they may cause snakes and scorpions to thrive, alligators or spiders to thrive, but not humans and Padadevatas.

Having selected the most suitable plot of land, the next important step in the construction of a house, according to the Vastu Shastra, is the proper orientation of the house in terms of the cardinal directions. Without proper orientation, on what is called the earth grid, there is little or no positive Vaastu effect. In fact, the energetic effect can be quite debilitating if the building is off the cardinal directions. If the house is oterwise Vaastu compliant but off in its orientation , negative effects can be amplified. Equally in importance to orientation is something called Ayadi which are a series of mathematical formulas pertaining to assessing a proper perimiter of the main wall of the house. In addition to orientation, and ayadi, door placement, window placement, and selection of the positioning of different rooms according to the directions. Eight directions are regarded significant here – namely, the four principle directions: North, South, East and West and the four diagonal directions in between, namely, East-North, North- West, West-South and South-East.

While deciding the location and size of the rooms as per the guidelines of the Vastu Shastra, ideally, the architectural plan should also take into account the provision for leaving the central space of th main perimeter free for the

8 projection of energy from the center of this space called Brahmasthan.

Samarangana Sutradhara by King Bhojadeva, focuses on the scientific aspects of why directions are given so much importance in Vastu Shastra. It is described that the invisible flow of infinite energy waves pervading the Space together with the sublime qualities of cosmic powers based upon the Ayadi or measure of the main wall continuously affects every being. In particular, our minds, our residence (and hence our activities in it), are influenced by these by this cosmic energy – energized building. The principles of Vastu Shastra have been discovered so as to enable people gain maximum benefits from these energy currents and form a sublime connection with our inner Self – Atman - with the Cosmic forces, and thus obtain support and help of these divine energies for living a happy, peaceful, progressive and enlightened life. If we follow the guidelines of Vastu Shastra and modify the orientation, mathematics and arrangement of new built houses we can experience these positive effects and lead a better and more purposeful life.

Furthermore, because the properly built Vaastu house emulates the Cosmic pattern (macro cube) and the energies released by Brahmam within the house contain qualities of spiritual bliss, abundance, and wellbeing, the individual Atman (which is in the same form as the Cosmic form and the house) is brought into perfect resonance with house/ God form and the Cosmic Being. This elevates the individual frequency of one’s Atman to that of an awakened being – to moksha. Such liberation places one in harmony with Cosmic and Natural law and life becomes blissful, practical, and dharmic.

In the modern times, architectural studies and practices across the globe have mostly been dominated by the trends of appearance, modern gadgets of comforts, unusual and off - beat design, etc. Enormous cities and developing towns are being flooded with a concrete jungle of small and big multi – storied buildings. Growing populations and the greed of the real-estate market have further blocked the chances of consideration of any of the important factors of the ancient architectural science of Vaastu.

At one time the true cardinal directions were the layout of choice even in the past 200 years in the US for example. Entire towns were planned on the earth grid. Modern towns, villages, and housing developments are often haphazard and attempt to maximize so called solar gain, which places the homes in a dangerous agni prachee orientation (orientation to the south east). As a result, even if people are able to get beautiful houses in well-developed localities, they get no peace of mind or spiritual wellbeing. It is evident in world culture that most families are living under acute stressful conditions. We can only hope that enough properly trained Vaastu consultants can join the building industry to effect a major change in the fortune and spiritual wellbeing of humanity.

I would like to draw that readers attention to the map below of New Orleans, Lousiana. The design of this large section of the city is cicular. You can see tat the layout emerges fro a central axis and spreds in a circular fashion. The roads and housing plot are arranged in a circular form. In Vaastu Science, the circle is an unstable form. It is the form associated with the Northwest of the Vaastu Purusha (house plan). It is the area where there is a predominence of air energy. People who spend a great deal of time in that zone may feel a bit nervous as it is an unsettled space and increases the air or wind element in the individual. The only temples that are built in the circular form are Durga temples – the aspect of Divine energy that supports destruction.

Any building constructed with this form brings impermanance. For example, the Native Americans of the US who were transitory and migrant – always on the move – lived in teepees, which are round. The transient people of

9 Mongolia live in roundsish buildings called yurts. Native Americans who were stable and mostly peaceful lived in rectangular or swuare houses. Round buildings such as domes tend to deteriorate more quickly and produce ineffective results for humans. The form of the building, village, town or city affects the lives of the individuals living there through a balance or imbalance of the Five Elements.

In this picture below it is clear that the town is built in a circular fashion. This is the part of New Orleans that was hit the hardest and had the most damage from the famed hurricaine Katrina. The entire area was devistated. Poor town planning creating an unstable environment condusive to an over emphasis of air element.

This is a unique science since it involves four – dimensional visual objects. Application therefore needs enough practice. Theory is neither enough nor complete without field practice. Theory and practice should go hand in hand. However, to understand the theory of Vaastu Vedam, one should be at least a graduate in modern context. Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati

Although some rising trends of general interest and awareness about Vastu are seen among people across the globe in the past few years, there is little improvement in the condition of sick houses, which are out of tune with Cosmic Law. Unfortunately many fake Vaastu experts or those having piecemeal knowledge or stolen information of "Vastu Shastra" have made it their business to dupe the unknowing gullible masses who spend their hard earned money in building a house which will bring them good fortune yet ultimately those houses are no better then their previous non – Vaastu compliant houses. Deep study of the teachings of Vastu Shastra has therefore become very important and relevant today. One of the aspects of this deep study is to understand the general aspects of Vaastu Temple architecture.

It is my pleasure to present you with this textbook and to guide you on this remrkable pilgrimage through sacred

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