Submitted by Krishna Dhanya on
Vastu and Feng Shui are both science that tell us how our houses should be made. They help us to improve the energy level of the house and make it possible for us to live a better life. Although there are many similarities there are differences too. As we have told time and again that you should follow only one of the two we will tell you now exactly why. This comparison between Vastu vs. Feng Shui will help you decide which one you should follow in your home.
Evolutions of Vastu in India & China
Vastu has completely evolved in India, whereas Feng Shui is a concept that was developed in China completely. The geographical and climatic differences of these countries make them a little different from each other. However, on deeper analysis you will realise that the similarities between them are quite high indeed. It cannot be said which one is an older science precisely. However, it is believed that Vastu is the older of the two.
Vastu Shastra has been followed in Indian houses for years now. Even today the houses are constructed keeping this ancient study in mind. Feng Shui is used to construct houses in China even today. Feng Shui also specializes in how tombs should be designed but Vastu has no such specialization in it as Hindus by ritual are always burnt. Vastu actually originated from building temples.
Differences Between Vastu & Feng Shui
Let us first start with the main door in our discussion on Vastu vs. Feng Shui. Vastu says that the door should face North or East. The Feng Shui on the other hand claims that the door should face south. This is quite a sharp difference. Nevertheless, both agree on a point that the door should not have an obstruction in front, the door should not have any rust or pain falling off and the door should be either on the level of the road or higher than it. They both also say that shoes should not be kept laying either in front or behind the door as that can cause bad energy in the house.
Another very important point of similarity between Vastu vs. Feng Shui is the fact that both of them propagate theories on how energy levels of the house can be improved. How to use the best of all the elements and resources that surround us? However both the studies have difference in the five elements that they consider. Vastu has eight directions so does the Feng Shui. Vastu uses a Vastu chart to plan houses and Feng Shui uses a similar concept called bagua.
Both Vastu and Feng Shui are equally popular all over the world. A lot has been written on both of them. You can also search the internet for various Vastu and Feng Shui tips for your home. However, you have to keep in mind that these are both quite old schools of thought. The way houses were made in the olden days is not possible now. Most of us stay in apartments. This is exactly why you should try to implement some of the points and not try to use all at the same time.
Next let’s discuss kitchen in Vastu vs. Feng Shui. Both of them consider kitchen as an integral part of the house. The vastu clearly says that kitchen walls should not be black. As per Feng Shui you can use any colours as per the direction of the kitchen. When we move to the bedroom in Vastu vs. Feng Shui it is noted that they both have similar things to say. They both say that the walls should be light in colour. The bed should have a white bed sheet. Huge mirrors are a big no in the bedroom. Television and excessive plugs can also distract the energy in the bed room. The bed should not be in line with the bedroom door. The person sleeping should ensure that their head is towards the North direction.
The next we are about to discuss in Vastu vs. Feng Shui are the bathrooms. They both again have similarities in the concepts. Both propagate warm colours for the bathroom. The bathroom should be kept clean and have proper drainage system. Each member of the family should have a separate towel. The bathroom should be well ventilated. The doors of the bathroom should be kept closed as much as possible. The more natural light that comes into the bathroom the better it is.
The dining room is also given a good value in both theses field of study. In Vastu vs. Feng Shui we will discuss the dining area. It is said in both the study that the dining table should be kept away from the main door. It should be close to the kitchen. The number of dining chairs should be even.
In Vastu vs. Feng Shui the next important similarity is that both can be implemented either at the time of construction and renovation. Also after construction there are some small changes that you can do to your house to ensure that your house has good energy levels.
Vastu vs. Feng Shui has another difference to be considered. Vastu has no mention of wind chimes, laughing Buddha, Feng Shui Bamboo, etc. These are all primarily associated with Feng Shui. However, Vastu says that a Tulsi plant is good for the house. An idol of Ganesha is also a good omen in vastu. The study says that there should be a puja room in the house where we pray to the god. In Feng Shui there is no special mention of a prayer room. In Vastu Shastra the prayer room should not be a part of the bed room. This gives negative energy. They both agree on another part that aquarium should be kept in the living room and not in the bed room.
In Vastu vs. Feng Shui another point of similarity is that they both say that the house should be filled with fresh air. There should be enough ventilation and free space. Clutter is something that both discourage. All things should be kept in their respective places this bring peace and wealth to the house. Money plant is considered good in Feng Shui. However, in Vastu Shastra it is not recommended at all. It is said to bring in negative vibrations.
Vastu vs. Feng Shui although they have their differences the similarities are also many. Both say that plants should not be kept in the drawing room. Vastu mentions that in the evening diya or lamps should be lit in the house so that evil spirits don’t visit the house. Similarly agarbatti smoke is also very purifying for the house. They don’t mention scented candles and aroma therapy as mentioned in the study of Feng Shui.
I hope you have by now understood the concept of Vastu vs. Feng Shui. This will indeed help you to understand the concept better and come up with a better solution. Both are equally good and capable at the same time. You can either follow one of them or use the best of the both and implement them in your house. Whatever, it is try to follow the basic principles that they both stand for and make the best for your home.
Sudipta Ray
http://www.metaphysics-knowledge.com/miscellaneous/vastu-vs-feng-shui.html/