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Here are answers to some of the misconception about Vastushastra.
A few frequently Asked Questions –Telling the FACTS about Vastushastra.
1) Does Vastushastra promise prosperity?
A- No not really. Vastushastra cannot be directly linked with prosperity. It only suggests ways in which we can live in tune with the laws of nature, so that we can be healthy and peaceful, and work efficiently. The ancient texts of Vastushastra have claimed to bring prosperity, as an indirect consequence of being able to perform well at home and at work.
2) What is the role of religion in Vastushastra?
A- Vastushastra is a science- it has nothing to do with religion. It is true that over the years, Vastushastra has imbibed religious overtones, but that does not seem to have been the original idea. The religious implications were probably inculcated by the proponents of the science, when they realized that the society of the times was a God fearing one, who would not accept a science as readily as it would accept norms that seemed like rituals performed to appease the God.
3) Which deity is worshiped in Vastushastra?
A- Religious icon has no place in science. The ancient text of Vastushastra did mention various Gods from Hindu Mythology fixing their locations on the site and prescribing the offerings to be made to them, but that also seems to have been a ploy created by ancient scientists to convince the people to accept the Vastu norms.
4) What is the significance of the Vastu Purusha?
A- The Vastu Purusha is said to be the spirit of the site with human male form who lays on the site his head towards the east, his posture fitting exactly in a square. The square being the form recommended for most structures. It was easier to get the anthropometrically and aesthetically correct dimensions of rooms, doors, windows and even the structural members like plinth and pillars. Even the interior planning was governed by the posture of the Vastu Purusha and the norms were said, which specified where and how the structure must be built, so that it does not injure the Vastu Purusha.
5) Vastushastra is so superstitious, how can it be called a science?
A- Vastushastra is a science. In the age when it was formulated, the society was largely illiterate, the illiteracy generating a fear of the unknown. Science was beyond the realm of their understanding while religion was inculcated very early in life. It was therefore simpler for the ancient Vastu expert’s to spread the concepts of Vastushastra through the intricate network of religion. If they wanted a happier and healthier world they had to resort to spreading rumors and threatening people of dire consequences if they did not follow the norms of Vastushastra. Unfortunately as time passed, only the superstitious filtered down the generations, while the actual theory eluded the world.
6) Is Vastushastra relevant in the modern world?
A- All the ancient doctrines of Vastushastra may not be applicable in the present scenario. Some of the tenets particularly show a strong social bias, which was relevant to the societal structure which existed at that time. The ancient texts project the norms of Vastushastra as those conveyed by the Gods. Presuming that we believe in this divine theory, it still sounds ridiculous that the Gods specified where the different classes of society must dwell, whether their houses should be built of bricks or stones, and whether they must live in square plots or rectangular ones.
This aspect of Vastushastra has been introduced by those who supported the hierarchal pattern of the society. Since literacy was also mostly the privilege of the upper classes, it is natural to presume that the person who decides to compile the subsequent version of Vastushastra may have found it convenient to introduce the social structure in the existing prescriptions for a better life. Of course this is pure conjecture and there is no evidence to substantiate it.
Such tenets have certainly lost their significance. However the fundamentals of the theory can be adapted to the modern world. Unfortunately, again, most of the modern Vastu exponents are also exploiting the layman ignorance and gullibility.
7) How does Vastushastra work in apartment blocks?
A- It is a fact that the original Vastu tenets prescribed the type of site and then specified the layouts, materials and construction techniques. In an urban milieu, one can hardly indulge in choosing dwelling sites. Thus the macro level diktats of Vastushastra are rendered useless and it is only the micro level implications that can be successfully adapted to contemporary needs.
8) How can Vastushastra be applied to the commercial and industrial premises?
A-The original texts of Vastushastra were confined to the architecture of temples, places and homes of the commoners. However, those very norms can be easily applied to the other structures such as offices and industries. So if, facing a particular direction improves your communication skills it is natural to presume that you must face that direction while negotiating your business deals. Similarly, if a particular direction brings in negative solar energy, the large machinery must be kept there to block the negative energy.
9) What if it is not possible to implement all the changes recommended by a Vastu Consultant?
A- It must first be noted that Vastushastra is not a religion. However God fearing you may be you should not feel threatened by Vastushastra, because it is a science. Science does not condemn God, or disprove its identity but it does not accept it.
Vastushastra is the science of structure, formulated to help us live in tune with nature. It does not give solutions to your domestic or financial problems. A Vastu consultant assesses your home or work place, and suggests changes that will improve its Vastu compliance. If the assessment has been done in a systematic manner, it is obvious that implementing the more important recommendations or rectifying the more negative elements should yield substantially positive effects. Very often, merely changing the orientation of the interior fixture helps in achieving a Vastu-positive environment.
10) What if after renovating the house and office as per Vastushastra one still does not prosper?
A-Vastushastra does not promise prosperity. It only advises you to live in tune with nature whereby you can think positively, act wisely, work optimally, and consequently succeed. This is the only way in which Vastu Norms can be linked with prosperity.
A person’s determination and efforts, supported by his personal fortune is the only real key to his performance in life. Vastushastra aids this function by keeping his mind sound and his body healthy.
In this hi-tech age of cellular phones and cyber space, the seemingly superstitious doctrines of Vastushastra sound ridiculous. It is easy to disbelieve such rules as sleep with your head towards the south. A person who opposes such prescriptions may be going home and wondering “well, if that is going to make me prosper-why not?”
And that is the greatest misconception about Vastu. It only suggests that one should live in tune with nature. So that one can be healthy, think positively, act wisely and ultimately succeed. There is no substitute for hard-work.
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