ARTICLES ON VASTU

Metaphysics of Time and Space (by Marcus Schmieke)
 

According to Vasati, space as the subtle reality forms the origin of matter. It is called ‘ether’ and its original form is that of a cube. The cube is the ideal form, which keeps all energies in a harmonious balance. Each deviation from this original form will lead to irregularities which will cause the manifestation of gross matter with all its disharmonies and faults.

This space is filled with energy and consciousness. If it starts vibrating due to time, it begins to develop a structure and a manifestation. In the centre of the space cube there is a thin wire called the Brahmasutra. This wire radiates with the energy of consciousness and fills the innerspace with light and consciousness. Thus, space is alive and conscious. Time causes vibrations in the inner part of this space, which follow a certain rhythm. According to the cosmic laws of harmony, this rhythm (tala) is a beat of eight, derived from the dance of Shiva.

Many are familiar with this eight beat (asthatala) from music: one - two - three - four, one - two, one - two, with the emphasis on one, and the other beats unstressed.In this way, the subtle space (akasha) is structured in the form of an eight fold square grid with 64 fields which form the basis of all rooms. If subtle space is stimulated by the modes of material nature, it will be transformed into a polygon under the influence of the mode of passion, and furthermore under the influence of the mode of ignorance it will be transformed into a circle with a radius of 4.5, so that its area as pi x 4.5² is again 64, thus having the same area as the eight fold grid of the subtle space.

Therefore, it is in the mode of ignorance in which gross space is created in which spheres with a radius of nine manifest. These spheres are the elementary particles of the physical world and are called anus in Sanskrit. The transition of an eight-beat time (asthatala) to a nine-beat time (navatala) leads from the subtle to the gross world. This transition is called pranava in Sanskrit.

Pranava can be translated as ‘a transformation towards the nine’ and refers to the sacred sound Om. Reality manifests from this sound. It is the basis of all sound vibration. The manifestation of energy e in mass m is both described in Vasati and in modern physics. The formula e=m x c² by Albert Einstein expresses the same. The subtle energy e (Vasati) is turned into the gross mass m, which comes from the original form of the square of light c² (c is the speed of light).

The eight fold energy square is the matrix on which all temples are based in Vasati. It is called Manduka Mandala. Manduka means frog. A frog does not have any ears. This function is taken over by the eyes. The frog indicates that sound and light have a common origin and are two different means of expression for the same original vibration of the pranava or omakara.

Secular buildings are based on a nine fold square grid, which is called Vasatipurusha Mandala. It consists of 81 squares forming the basic modules of Vedic architecture. All constructions of a house — columns or walls, should be erected on these energy grids. Each deviation from this basic pattern will result in disturbed energies in the house. According to Vasati, the perfect room is square, and one should be able to fill its volume completely with cubes. Therefore, all rooms of a house should be constructed with the aid of equilateral, cube-shaped modules. In this way, the house can be a resonance body harmoniously reflecting the cosmic energies.

Vasatividya is one of the Vedic sciences which is still being practised in India today. It is an integral part of the Vedic culture and of great benefit for mankind. If a house is built in accordance with the natural laws of Vasati, it will help its inhabitants to lead a peaceful and happy life, while a house violating the laws of nature will constantly confront its inhabitants with difficulties.