VASTU SASTRA
This is the ancient building wisdom from the sunskrits vedas. Vastu Sastra, the Hindu canons of architecture, art, astronomy, astrology, science and engineering. It charts the influence on human beings, the sun and moon, light and heat, earth's atmosphere, wind direction, magnetic field and gravitational force. It gives specific instructions, on site selection, plot and building orientation, arrangement of rooms, proportions, symmetry and more. It also emphasizes the importance that the structure is in consonance with the surroundings and environment.

The meaning of Vastu is "dwellings of humans and gods". The meaning of Sastra is "science". Vastu Sastra is a time tested, comprehensive and authoritative corpus of knowledge. It is believed that it was developed between 6000 BC and 3000 BC As late as the sixth century AD the system was codified in the Sthapatya-Veda, a scripture that supplements the Atharva-Veda. This knowledge is not found in any single ancient source. It is referred to in many vedic texts and dealt with in several Vastu treatises. Like the vedic literature, Vastu Sastra is of divine origin. Two of the classic Sanskrit Vastu texts are Mayamata and Manasara. These have been translated in English along with Vastu Sastra.

An example of some practical building concepts from Vastu Sastra:

• Square or rectangular lots
• Roads on all sides are ideal. One on the north or east is beneficent.
• A body of water to the east or north-east of the lot is good influence. The east and/or north-east is best left unencumbered. Since beneficent energy comes from these directions, also have windows-doors-balconies-verandas facing these directions, especially the east direction.
• Brahma Sthan, in the central space of the house with natural light descending from the skydoor (skylight) is left open for rituals, congregation and worship.
• Sewage system is in the south
• Master bedroom placed to the south or south-west
• Main entrance to be in the east, north-east - north.
• Too many walls inside the house block energy flow.
• For proper energy flow have a corresponding door, window or mirror for each opening
• Interior variety of each colour has it's own characteristics and effect.
• Use mirrors, bells and other mediums for balancing the energy flow
• Use natural organic materials for building and furnishings