Similarities Between Vastu & Feng Shui

Vastu and Feng Shui originate from two vastly different cultural backgrounds and civilizations. The underlying basic principles of both however are purported to follow the laws of Nature; and both share some common approaches. The primary objective of both is ‘the creation of harmonious energy within dwellings to create a good feeling and to attract a good life’.
Vastu is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘Place of Dwelling’. It originates from ‘The Vedas’, ancient Hindu scriptures on which many of the esoteric sciences of East are based. Vastu principles reflect the theories of Quantum Physics. It emphasizes that ‘everything vibrates and pulsates’. It also asserts the notion that ‘everything is interconnected’.
Vastu was widely applied in the design and construction of ancient temples and architecture during early Vedic civilizations and its influence continues to be prevalent in modern times. Followers of Vastu view the Chinese practice of feng shui as a corollary of Vastu. Both, they say, encompass the science of space alignment, positioning, planning and orientating structures and interiors; and both study the energies of the immediate environment and one’s ‘place of dwelling’ and analyze the impact it has on those residing within.
The Vastu Purusha and the Chinese Dragon:-
In Vastu, the universal energy within any property is depicted by a demon-faced man lying down with his hands and legs positioned within the four segments of the property. He signifies the underlying earth energies which can be harmful unless countered under certain circumstances or harnessed appropriately to bring good luck. This demon-faced man is known as Vastu Purusha, ‘Purusha’ meaning Man in Sanskrit. In feng shui, similarly, the energy of the universe, known as ‘Chi’, is described as the dragon’s cosmic breath.
The Vedic Square and Eight Mansions:-
In Vastu, a property is divided into 9 sectors and each of these sectors is energy specific and has significantly different meanings. These 9 sectors are further divided into 81 squares, known as ‘Vedic Squares’, denoting the spatial influence of the eight compass directions.These Vedic squares also denote the vulnerable energy points within a property and the positioning of rooms is carried out after analyzing the grid so that vulnerable points can be found and avoided. This particular formula of Vastu bears some resemblance to feng shui’s ‘Eight Mansions’ theory.
The Pancha Bhootas and the 5 Elements:-
Vastu also has something similar to the five elements that is based on the ‘Pancha Bhootas’; Pancha meaning Five and Bhootas meaning Elements. The elements of Vastu however are different from the 5 elements of feng shui.
In Vastu, the five elements are Air, Water, Earth, Ether (space or cosmos) and Fire. These elements also represent various sectors of a plot. Ether known as the ‘Eshanya’ which resides in the Northeast, Air known as ‘Vayu’ resides in the Northwest, Fire known as ‘Agni’ resides in the Southeast and is symbolically shown as a triangle. Water known as ‘Jal’ resides in the Northwest with Air. Earth represents the quality of form and is represented by a square and resides in the Southwest.
In addition to these elements, the four cardinal directions in Vastu relate to other aspects of life. East represents children and prosperity and is known as ‘Indira’, West known as ‘Varuna’ relates to fate and Karma (Destiny), North known as ‘Kubera’ relates to career and South known as ‘Yama’ relates to legal affairs and the cycle of life and death. The centre of the plot is known as the ‘Brahma Sthana’, i.e. the place of the creator, which is the embodiment of creativity and balance.