Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian science of architecture and design, and Feng Shui, the Chinese art of placement, offer similar goals of balancing energy within spaces to promote health, happiness, and prosperity. Both practices emphasize harmonizing with natural forces, but with some key differences. Vastu Shastra focuses on the structure of the building and its relationship to natural energies, while Feng Shui emphasizes the flow of “qi” (life force) within the interior space.
Here’s a more detailed look at their principles:
Vastu Shastra:
- Focus: Emphasizes structuring the house and the energies within, often focusing on the five elements (Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space) and their alignment.
- Directional Preferences: Vastu Shastra often recommends facing north for the main entrance and south for sleeping, as these directions are believed to align with the Earth’s magnetic field.
- Item Placement: Vastu suggests specific placement of items like Tulsi plants, which are believed to attract positive energy.
- Color Usage: Vastu generally favors neutral colors like white to balance energies.