Geboltskirchen, Austria. Photo courtesy of MaharishiVastu.org
Vastu or Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian system of architecture and design that emphasizes the balance and harmony between a built structure and its inhabitants. Aligning your home, or place of work, with natural elements and energy forces (known as Natural Law) will help achieve balance and harmony for the occupants.
This all may sound hyperbole but published research by the Institute of Vedic Architecture claims otherwise. According to MaharishiVastu.org there have been 16 published, peer-reviewed studies addressing the astonishing effects of living in MVA homes, as documented in a literature review that has been published in Global Advances in Health & Medicine, a prestigious journal in the field of alternative and complementary medicine.
Vastu Home in Florida. Photo courtesy of MaharishiVastu.org
Vedic architecture is derived from Sthapatya Veda, the science of nature described in the ancient texts of Vedic literature. It was revived and methodically reconstructed under the leadership of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and is practiced worldwide as Maharishi Vastu® architecture and planning. Learn more at MaharishiVastu.org.
According to Jonathan Lipman, Director of the Institute of Vedic Architecture at the Maharishi International University in Fairfield Iowa, following these ancient principles are benefiting people in all regions of the world and have been for centuries. From Scandinavia to India, Architects and Designers are building homes and buildings in accordance with these principles and the occupants who live and work in these buildings are “happier, healthier, more productive, and promote family harmony and peace”.
A Vastu home in Boone, North Carolina.
A Vastu building can be built in any style - from Colonial to Modern, or in a variety of materials, like wood, brick or glass. Nevertheless, Vastu or Vedic Architecture follows certain principles.
Here are four main principles:
Orientation: One of the fundamental principles of Vastu Architecture is the orientation of buildings. Structures are ideally aligned with the cardinal directions, particularly east-west axis, to ensure proper flow of natural energies. This alignment is believed to maximize the beneficial influences of the sun, wind, and other natural elements, promoting harmony and balance within the living or working space. This principle aligns with the natural law of harmony and balance, as it seeks to synchronize humans with the rhythms of nature.
Proportion: Vastu Architecture emphasizes the use of precise proportions based on the ancient Vedic texts. Buildings are designed according to mathematical ratios derived from cosmic principles, such as the Fibonacci sequence or the golden ratio. These proportions are believed to resonate with the fundamental structures of the universe, promoting coherence and stability within the built environment. By adhering to these principles, architects aim to create spaces that support health, happiness, and prosperity. This principle relates to natural law by recognizing the inherent order and harmony present in the universe, and seeking to replicate these principles in architectural design.
Natural Materials: Another key principle of Vastu Architecture is the use of natural materials and elements in construction. Traditional materials such as wood, stone, cork and clay are favored over synthetic materials, as they are believed to possess inherent qualities that promote health and wellbeing. Additionally, buildings are often designed to incorporate natural elements such as ample sunlight, fresh air. Implementing Biophilic Design principles creates a nurturing and nourishing environment for occupants. This principle reflects the understanding that humans are deeply interconnected with the natural world, and that our built environments should support and enhance this relationship. Nature in design has a profound affect on human health and wellbeing.
Room Placement: The strongest influence of natural law comes from the Sun. During its daily travel from east to west the Sun generates different qualities of energy. A home should be designed that these different energies correspond to the specific function and activity intended for each room. Then natural law will always support each aspect of our daily activity. For example (from MaharishiVastu.org)
A dining room should be located where digestion will be most healthy.
A study should be located where the intellect will be most lively.
A living room should be located where social life will enjoy greatest support.
A bedroom should be located where restful and healthy sleep will be enhanced.
Vastu bedroom on Cape Cod, MA - photo courtesy of MaharishiVastu.org
In Maharishi Vastu architecture (MVA) design, natural law and architectural principles produce a profound compatibility between the built environment and nature. This enhances our mental and physical health, family relations, work and spirituality. Vastu Architecture seeks to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing and functional but also in alignment with the underlying principles of natural law. By honoring these principles, proponents and inhabitants of Vastu architecture believe that buildings can become more than mere structures, but rather instruments for promoting health, happiness, and spiritual growth.
Visit MaharishiVastu.org for more information on this fascinating topic.
Design your own home! Choose from a variety of designs at MaharishiVastu.org
Introducing Mandala Village and Resort in Vero Beach, FL. 2024
Soon, the first Vastu Community in Florida will be developed and built in Vero Beach, a small city located on the Treasure Coast. Vero Beach continues to grow in population. I look forward to seeing and experiencing this unique planned Vastu community in Indian River County.
-Cassy West, 2024
Vastu Living Room, Boone N.C. - photo courtesy of MaharishiVastu.org
LEARN MORE:
Visit the Maharishi International University’s website to learn more about consciousness-based education for human potential. They offer online (and in-person in Fairfield, Iowa) Bachelor, Graduate, Master Degree, PhD and Certification Programs for those wanting to specialize in the following (below is a partial list).•Maharisi Ayurveda Integrative Medicine
•Transcendental Yoga Meditation
•Sustainable and Regenerative Living
•Ayurveda Wellness and Integrative Health
•Regenerative Organic Agriculture
•Life and Wellness Coaching
•Art Therapy and Aromatherapy
•Vastu Green Architecture
MaharishiVastu.org also offers courses online as well as videos and research on the health benefits of Maharishi Vastu Architecture (MVA).
Vastu home in Padua, Italy - photo courtesy of MaharishiVastu.org