Just Breathe in the Universe (Vastu Veda and Feng Shui - Part One)
26 July 2009 Filed in: Vastu Veda | Feng Shui
Modern science recognizes the singular importance of air to sustain life. For the most part, oxygen is seen as the crucial component. But the wisdom of the ancient east indicates more intangible - and arguably more critical - components.
Vastu Veda emphasizes the life air, or Prana. One of the five airs that flow in the human body, Prana is the most foundational and supports the spiritual spark that is the true identity of the living being. Yogic postures help regulate its flow, but it can also be enhanced through smelling fresh flowers and soaking in the early morning sunlight.
Feng Shui similarly places primary significance on Chi. This energy also flows through the human body, and can even be directed between bodies. The practice of Tai Chi helps keep this energy circulating in a healthy manner. Whereas Prana either flows properly or is obstructed, the Chinese sages maintain that there are two forms of Chi: Sheng Chi is auspicious growing energy that emanates from the East, whereas Shar Chi is inauspicious disruptive energy that emanates from the West.
Both Prana and Chi are not limited to humans, but are universal forces that pervade the universe. Prana also flows through the body of the Cosmic Person, and Chi is understood as the “Dragon’s Cosmic Breath.” This is how they both become important in the location and design of human dwellings. Vastu Veda recommends building in such a way that the Prana of the Vastu Purusha is not disturbed and that the greater Prana emanating from the heavens can enter and permeate the structure. Feng Shui urges one to find a natural setting in which Chi neither flows away too quickly nor stagnates; rather, the setting should be protective and embrace meandering and organic movement. In addition, one should beware of surrounding structures that direct Shar Chi towards one’s own home through their straight, projecting lines known as “Poison Arrows.”
Vastu Veda emphasizes the life air, or Prana. One of the five airs that flow in the human body, Prana is the most foundational and supports the spiritual spark that is the true identity of the living being. Yogic postures help regulate its flow, but it can also be enhanced through smelling fresh flowers and soaking in the early morning sunlight.
Feng Shui similarly places primary significance on Chi. This energy also flows through the human body, and can even be directed between bodies. The practice of Tai Chi helps keep this energy circulating in a healthy manner. Whereas Prana either flows properly or is obstructed, the Chinese sages maintain that there are two forms of Chi: Sheng Chi is auspicious growing energy that emanates from the East, whereas Shar Chi is inauspicious disruptive energy that emanates from the West.
Both Prana and Chi are not limited to humans, but are universal forces that pervade the universe. Prana also flows through the body of the Cosmic Person, and Chi is understood as the “Dragon’s Cosmic Breath.” This is how they both become important in the location and design of human dwellings. Vastu Veda recommends building in such a way that the Prana of the Vastu Purusha is not disturbed and that the greater Prana emanating from the heavens can enter and permeate the structure. Feng Shui urges one to find a natural setting in which Chi neither flows away too quickly nor stagnates; rather, the setting should be protective and embrace meandering and organic movement. In addition, one should beware of surrounding structures that direct Shar Chi towards one’s own home through their straight, projecting lines known as “Poison Arrows.”
Hark! What light over yonder window breaks?
11 March 2009 Filed in: Vastu Veda | Ayur Veda
It is the East, and Vastu Veda isn’t the only practice that gives it special importance. The very word used for getting your bearings - orientation - incorporates it as its root (just like Oriental). The obvious reason for this is because that is the direction in which the sun rises, and what’s a more important event to the daily life of any culture than the break of dawn? But in Vastu Veda, it’s not just about the sun’s tangible energies in the form of light and heat; it’s also about its more elusive life energy in the form of prana. Even fruits that grow on the eastern side of a tree pack in more vitality and flavor because of this prana, what to speak of human beings absorbing its golden radiance directly. And so throughout the prescriptions of Vastu Veda, you’ll find the East is where it’s at.
America's Wittiest Home Videos
What is Veda? It derives from the Sanskrit root vit, which means “to know” or “to see,” and from which we get related English words like wit, wisdom and video. Thus, the Vedas are the ancient Sanskrit scriptures that give knowledge of how to see the world properly, and how to act in accordance with this proper vision and understanding. Everything and everyone has a nature (e.g. dogs, clouds, bread, IRS auditors), and if we interact with these objects and people with this nature in mind, we are sure to get the best result (i.e. tail wag, rain, sandwich, tax refund).
Just think of the Vedas as the operating manual for life in this world. Seek their guidance and prosper!
Just think of the Vedas as the operating manual for life in this world. Seek their guidance and prosper!