More people are turning to choices such as yoga, veganism and now vastu shastra, writes Omeshnie Naidoo.
As a technologically savvy society fails to bring people peace and happiness, many are turning to alternative practices for answers.
Divine intervention - religion, spirituality and mysticism among them - are an aspect of the “wellness wheel” that has engulfed the world.
It has propagated lifestyle choices such as yoga, vegan-ism and now vastu shastra.
Perhaps better understood as Feng Shui, the Chinese system based on knowledge of the flow of chi; Vastu Shastra based on the flow of prana, is a similar, somewhat broader system.
Essentially, both systems are based on the flow of energy in our spatial environment, be it the home or office.
Popular KwaZulu-Natal-based astrologer Mahesh Bang, says the concern with energy forces in our lives comes from the pressures and shortcomings of modern society.
“Many of us, having sought wealth, have found ourselves lacking wisdom.
“Stress is a common phrase as is poor health. People have everything (material) but they are unhappy with life.
Astrologer, palmist and vastu shastra consultant Mahesh Bang has worked with numerous celebrity clients on their homes. Among them are actors Varun Dhawan, Sophie Choudry and Sanjay Dutt.
“They’re seeking answers and have come to the realisation that ancient civilisations were better able to harness energy. Thus the interest in vastu shastra.”
Vastu is widely defined as the ancient sciences of Indian architecture - a building philosophy - that consists of a specific set of rules, regulations and directions.
According to vastu, a building can be designed to harmonise with the underlying energy structures of the universe.
Your abode should then attune you to the universe, increasing health, wealth and spiritual wellbeing.
Bang says, “India is such a big place, but people gravitate to Mumbai - a city with plenty of water for good energy and one that was built with vastu shastra principles. London and Japan as well, are small, but powerful, and these cities comply with these ancient laws of architecture.”
Astrologer, palmist and vastu shastra consultant Mahesh Bang has worked with numerous celebrity clients on their homes. Among them are actors Varun Dhawan, Sophie Choudry and Sanjay Dutt.
He explains, “There are 5 major elements which are present in the universe and the same 5 major elements are also present in human beings.
“These are water, fire, air sky and the earth. Vastu helps us take maximum benefits from these elements, so we can live a happy, healthy and a prosperous life by using gravitational force, wind energy, magnetic field, lunar energy, solar energy, in a correct way. Therefore, it is very important to apply Vastu principles at your home, offices, etc.”
The main entrance door should preferably be bigger than the other doors.
While you should, ideally consult with a vastu expert before building your home; you can still apply the principles to the home you have. Use the Sun, which rises in the east, to help you find your bearings.
Mahesh Bang’s vastu tips
- Always sleep with your head facing/ in the south. (Obviously the feet will be in the north.)
According to the law of magnetic forces we know energy travels from the north pole to the south pole. In the same way we have magnetic forces. Think of yourself as a battery, lying positive to negative. You will have a sound, undisturbed sleep and feel more energetic and calmer the next morning.
The second best option is facing head towards the east.
- Do not keep medicine in the kitchen otherwise you will eat medicine like food.
The fire energy of the kitchen will increase the consumption of the medicine.
Also, do not keep medicine in your bedroom. A bedroom is considered the comfort zone, so medicine will always find a comfortable spot in your life.
The best place to keep medicine is the north west part of the house and you will be cured and healthier faster. (This is also why in India our guest rooms are in the north west part of the house, as we like guests if they stay for a short period of time.)
- The best place in which to build a prayer place is the north east part of the house. The deity or image of God should be positioned in such a way that you face east while praying to the God. Keep this room neat, clean and clutter free.
Due to a shortage of space, some houses have a small wall temple kept in the bedroom or kitchen. In which case, a small curtain should be placed in front of it when not in use. (A temple should not share the wall which has a toilet behind it.)
- The main entrance door should preferably be bigger than the other doors.
It is always better to open the windows in the morning for air and light to enter the rooms so that you get plenty of positive energy.
According to vastu, a building can be designed to harmonise with the underlying energy structures of the universe.
- Any clocks or alarm pieces which do not work should be thrown away as these hinder progress.
- Do not allow unwanted objects to find a place in the home. These include unused clothes, bottles and jars; it amounts to unwanted energy being stored.
- Purses and wallets, or where one keeps money, should never be kept open at night to darkness. It is better it is kept inside the cupboard or in a drawer.
- Keep broom and mops horizontal when not in use. Do not leave it flat on the floor either, rather have it raised.
- Bedrooms must be kept clean and uncluttered.
- Avoid having a mirror in the bedroom, where it reflects the occupants of the bed. Mirrors double things and are best in dining rooms, where they will bring an abundance of food.
- Paintings that symbolise death, quarrels, violence or any negative aspect of life should be avoided.
- Do not ever sleep under a beam or cupboard. It causes unnecessary pressurenand is detrimental in terms of health.
- One should constantly try to beautify one's bedroom. One can keep the ornament of love-birds (in a pair) and picture of peacocks.
- Water has a very powerful influence on vastu. Any water feature on a property will bring either strong positive or strong negative results to the inhabitants, so it is crucial to determine the vastu of any water features which include nearby rivers or lakes or the sea.
However, accurately understanding how water is affecting a property requires considerable experience and knowledge of vastu.