Questions & Answers

Copyright 2003, Michael Borden, all rights reserved.

Note: These are all (unsorted) questions emailed to me by students who were taking a course I taught several years ago

Question Do Northern & Southern India agree on what constitutes the Sthapatya Vedic literature or is there some disagreement? Is it generally (all over India) agreed that Vastu Science originated in Southern India?

Answer In answer to this question I will give you the transcription of a recent conversation I had with Sthapati. (After an initial question or two he did all the talking!)

"The four Vedas are not independent Vedas. They are all collected materials. That's why we call it 'collected' Vedas. Rig Veda Sanghita(spelling, sorry) , the word 'sanghita' means 'collected'. So there was Vedic knowledge in the pre-Vedic period. Because of deluge (earth changing floods and continental drift) it was separated. The old knowledge got dissipated. Later on, before the second deluge occurred, all these were collected and codified. Codified in what is called the four Vedas now. While codifying a lot of things were there but they were not able to understand because these things were scientific. All scientific things were dropped! Non-scientific and religious things they collected and codified for the four Vedas. So whatever scientific material from those days they didn't keep.

"Even today there are some scholars that say that Vastu Science is pseudo-science. They aren't able to understand the science of it. And these things don't exist in the Vedas. Some statements here or there will occur. For instance, there is a statement in the Veda 'The greatness of sculpture lies in its being scientific.' But no one has interpreted how sculpture is scientific, no one has said so far.

"All the technical material is held by a group of people: the Sthapatis. That is why it is called Sthapatya Veda. So we fought with the Brahmans in the early days saying, 'We are the superior people. We have got this kind of knowledge. Please get away!' At that time we were very powerful. Nobody came close to us. Now we are very small. minority. Today they say, 'You have got technical knowledge but we have got the wisdom.' We say 'Where is your wisdom? How do you use it?'

"The Brahmins say they came from outside India by the Kyber Pass some 3500 years ago. From the north they migrated south. About 2500 years ago they settled here in the south. So they learned all these things. Only during that period were they able to collect this material for the Vedas. Even today northerners come to the south, stay here, learn the culture here, and then go back. And if you go toward the north, you find the strong culture that is pervading South India is very much diluted. All the Shastras, all the Vedas, all the science, everything, existed only here in the South.

We are responsible for Indian culture. To be frank, we should call it Vaastu culture. Even the Gods are Vaastu Gods. Even today if they want a temple they have to come to us. The Brahmins learned from us. There are not four castes but five castes, just as there are five elements. The Brahmins are the head, the Kshatria are the shoulders, the Viashas are the belly the Shudras are the legs and thighs and the Shilpis are the hands. There is a saying, 'From nail to engine'. The Shilpi's made everything.

Question Did the shilpis used to conduct the temple rituals?

The ancient rituals were originally very simple. Merely prayer to God. Not these kinds of rituals: putting dress, ornament and festivals. All these did not take place in ancient period, There was contact between God and man. Not an intermediary.

Student comment Air, fire and water elements are all contained in space, therefore for each of these elements we do only Shiva Linga. Space Linga, Water Linga, Air Linga, Fire Linga. It's because these are ingredients of Space. This course has given me a deep appreciation of Space. I was quite moved by the description of Chidanbaram and the significance of the space within (before it contained the deity). That space...that inner core of silence. You can almost see the whole story of the loss of knowledge in them sticking that statue in Chidanbaram... Wow.

Question What is the purpose of building a temple? For material prosperity? Kind of wakes you up, doesn't it? Throws me right back to that line in the Yoga Sutras about the danger of getting caught up with the celestials because they aren't enlightened... God in form is of no use in getting enlightened. God in form is caught up in the drama of Maya, too.

Answer If you want spiritual prosperity you have the temple face south.

Question Is it my imagination, or is this a completely new take on why South isn't a great direction for a building to face? And with Yama in the South there, is there an important connection between Yama and Moksha?

Answer We build temples not for attaining moksha, but attaining only physical, material comforts.

Student comment That is why he is not turned towards true east. He is deflected towards north.

Question So, the spiritual effects of a building facing true east & one facing south-in-general are identical or only similar? Are the effects of the directions the same for secular buildings as temples or are there some differences?

Answer If the consciousness of some great identity is stimulating the action of, for example, a spiral galaxy that would indicate that each form indicates a state of consciousness. In otherworlds, the form is an expression of a state of consciousness.

Question What about Ashrams? Has there been a tradition of ashrams being built according to Vaastu Science?

Answer In India many people think they know about vaastu. They do basic things as a matter of course, like wells in the northeast. It's superstition to them. They really don't know beans about it and most don't care.

Question I was trying to get a feel for how the guru tradition views Sthapatya Veda. The religious community seems to feel it is important- you said all the temples are built with Sthapatis. I was wondering if the gurus in general thought it was superstitions or made use of it regularly.

Does Ganapati think it is possible to do this just by following the rules or does he feel that the shipin needs to be highly evolved in order to create genuine spiritual bliss with his designs?

Answer My impression: Life is life. it has it's ups and downs, like Krishna says in the Gita to Arjuna. Shilpins doing their dharma is deep founded living for them. They don't talke about enlightenment; their work is their meditation and thus their life is. No evolution is necessary. Just dedication to one's art. The "rules" are the design parameters of God.

Question I would still like to know Ganapati's take on this. My own sense is that JUST following the rules does not create 'high art'. An exceptional individual could 'meditate' this way but that for the vast majority it is not enough.

Question Can a residence have a basement?

Answer The ideal condition is to have the entire house directly connected to the ground, no crawl space, no basement. This allows the energy of the Earth to directly radiate into the house. This energy is very good for health.

Question Yes, when the weather is warm. But what about when it is very cold? What about insulation? A friend built a house with no insulation under the floor and I can remember his floors getting wet in the summer here because of the condensation.

Answer He doesn't advise residences to have basements. Sthapati said that there is a yogic custom in India to sleep on the floor or ground if one is sick and the Earth energies will be conducive to healing.

Comment Same in the Native American tradition. Grandmother Twylah, Matriarch of the Seneca Wolf Clan and an awesome person in terms of clarity of consciousness, healed herself of paralysis this way.

Question In a warm climate with a long growing season where all you store are things like spices, beans & grains because fruits & veggies are available all year, it makes sense to have your storage on the main floor on the north side. But in climates like ours, where storing vegetable crops is a necessity if you need or want to eat local produce all year round, you want a root cellar under the house.

What does Sthapati say about design differences between warm & cold climates? I mean, there must be differences between the buildings of Southern India and the ones up in the Himalayas, no? Does any part of India with people living in it have significant snow? Have you been there to see the buildings?

Answer All temples, even the deities, because they are not the absolute Brahman, they have attributes, are deflected so we can make use of that attribute available.

Question What about the Chidanbaram temple that was designed to have pure space inside? Deflected? If not, what effect has adding the statue had?

Question What about ASHRAMS? Has there been a tradition of ashrams being built according to Vaastu Science?

Comment I understand that Maharishi's ashram in Rishikesh has a south entrance still very much in use... Also, FYI, I made inquiries and the Movement is still quite firm about using identical room placements north and south of the equator. It's driving the people in NZ nuts because it really does not make sense to them.

Question How did the 8 directions get the names flagstaff, smoke, lion, dog, bull, etc. and what is their significance?

Question You said in Lesson 2A that the shipins' lifework was to communicate spiritual bliss and truth... does Ganapati think it is possible to do this just by following the rules or does he feel that the shipin needs to be highly evolved in order to create genuine spiritual bliss with his designs? Are the shipins as a group dedicated to regular meditation and pursuing their own enlightenment?

Question How do the walls of a closet line up with the grid lines? Do they have to be right on like the walls of the rooms or do they line up like the windows (you try to center them between the grid lines)? If you have a closet running the whole length of a room. do you measure the room dimensions from the front wall (door side) of the closet or the back wall of the closet?

Answer Ideally, the closet walls should be on grid lines like all other walls. That's what I do. If you want to compromise then split the grid pattern into 3rds or 9ths and lay out the walls on those secondary grid lines. It's acceptable, but I wouldn't make a habit out of it. I don't understand the second part of the question. The room size doesn't matter as long as you stick to the grid lines.

Comments and Questions from participants: (and some answers) (p.s.- I have to go back to China for a week I will continue when I return, MB)

Exterior door placement is very important.

WHY are the 9 placements 'allowable' and not others? or, What makes these positions particularly suitable for doors?

Answer: The energetics of the laws of nature at that point in the mandala are life enhancing. When you cross that threshold, op[en that door it stimulates that point, it energizes it and the effect comes into the house. I still have to get the particulars on each position, I've been trying for this for 2 years, wish me luck!

Is there some special reason why the only central position is on the north?

Answer: Energetics, as stated above

Is there some special significance to there being 9 possibilities? Answer: Probably, but I don't know what it is, I'll ask.

I also notice that the only allowable entries that line up on opposite sides of the house are for one pair of doors- one on the S & one on the N. It does not seem allowable to have a door exactly opposite the East entrance. Is there an interesting reason for this?

Answer: Actually you can have "secondary" doors in any position. The primary door location is for the special points on the mandala. BUT, just to be safe, I only put doors in those positive areas. You must have a window (or some kind of light opening) opposite the main entrance on the opposite side of the house. .............

I hope you are still intending to pursue that business about the deflection and the tilt of the Earth. I am SO intrigued by that one!

Next layout the VPM on your paper. Walls go on the grid lines. You can lay them on center of line or on either side symmetrical with the center of the VPM.

So, this is all or nothing, right? Either ALL the walls are laid out on the grid lines or ALL the walls are laid out outside the grid lines but not some of one and some of the other?

Answer: yes. correct.

The grid of the VPM extends out over the whole site. Anything you construct on the site should be laid out with respect to that grid, in other words, on the grid lines.

How important is it for property lines to be on the grid lines? Does one consider this when placing the house on the site? And WHY (is it important or not important)?

Is Southern India flat?

Answer: Property lines aren't that important. You create the vaastu compound and what's left over is landscaped.

Southern India has all kinds of terrain.

It's best to place the windows and doors in the gaps between the vastu lines in a wall, centered.

Is there any importance to having a window centered in the room? Or using windows to create a symmetrical look on the outside?

Answer: Symmetry is preferred, but not dictated. windows can be anywhere in the room,

A very important point about exterior door placement is the location of a window or door exactly opposite the main entry door.

A city friend remarked that it makes it a lot easier for crooks to case the house when you can see from one end to the other like that.

Answer: I was just in a temple town called Kanchipuram today. It is an ancient city and very traditional life still goes on there. as we drove through the streets I looked into the houses and I could see the straight line through the house most of the time. Amazing. Don't worry about the crooks, they'll stay away because of the coherent vides of the house.

This is line of sight or light placement and allows the energy to flow through the house unrestricted.

This word 'energy' has been jumping out at me all course. One part of me wants to assign some subtle, mysterious 'something' that I can't perceive yet to it. But that feels ungrounded.

Another part of me wants to assign 'light' (as in ordinary light) and air (as in ordinary breezes) to it. Which feels more grounded. And then I ask myself "could it really be THAT simple and ordinary?" And I am confused.

Interestingly enough, Feng Shui takes just the opposite view (from what I remember). They want the 'energy'/'qi' to meander through the house, not dash right through. So they AVOID placing openings (windows and doors) opposite each other. They also don't like houses placed on hilltops because of too much qi/energy movement.

I can't help but think that this is because of the relative temperatures. Southern India cherishes its breezes but China, being colder, needs to break them up.

Answer: the "energy" is what you feel when you recognize your own vital existence. When you ignite with enthusiasm: this is life energy, you don't need sleep or food, it's the subtle energy that is actually the basis of our existence and is vibrant in and around us and we either plug into it or sound in for it or we create blocks or shields against it in our bodies, minds, hearts or houses. It's the energy we feel when we go into the presence of a being who is radiant with it and not blocking. These buildings, like the temples in Kanchipuram today are vibrant, big time, with energy. I walk through them with my bare feet and I can feel them very distinctly. and when I sit to meditate after being there for a while, I'm still vibrating at that finer, higher frequency. It's a very concrete experience. Go to the Indian temple in St. Louis and hang out there for half a day, just sit in the building, read or look or meditate (not necessary) and then go out and sit in your car and meditate and see what you feel. It takes some time to effect the nervous system. The houses in Fairfield I can't speak for in this way.

The VPM should house the Brahmasthan in the center 9 squares, etc.

How does this map out if you have one of those open to the side(s) exterior courtyards (the house is "L" shaped or "U" shaped) ? Is part of the house outside the VPM? Is part of the VPM on the lawn?

Are there many houses in India with enclosed Brahmasthans? Have you seen any? What do they DO with all that interior space? I mean, they do use the exterior courtyards when they have them...

The maximum width to length is 1 to 2.

Very interesting. This is what I have read from the energy efficiency people as well. In very cold climates, square is best because it exposes the least surface to the outside and so holds the heat. More moderate regions (including Iowa) can go more rectangular but never more that 1 : 2.

If you want the house longer there is a solution: you can create a gap of one module or a multiple of a module or even a fraction (1/2, 3/4). At that gap the house should be open to the sky directly or though generous skylights.

Sounds suspiciously like a ventilation thing for a hot climate to me. : )

Next layout the VPM on your paper. Walls go on the grid lines. You can lay them on center of line or on either side symmetrical with the center of the VPM.

So, this is all or nothing, right? Either ALL the walls are laid out on the grid lines or ALL the walls are laid out outside the grid lines but not some of one and some of the other?

The grid of the VPM extends out over the whole site. Anything you construct on the site should be laid out with respect to that grid, in other words, on the grid lines.

It's best to place the windows and doors in the gaps between the vastu lines in a wall, centered.

Is there any importance to having a window centered in the room? Or using windows to create a symmetrical look on the outside?

A very important point about exterior door placement is the location of a >window or door exactly opposite the main entry door.

A city friend remarked that it makes it a lot easier for crooks to case the house when you can see from one end to the other like that.

This is line of sight or light placement and allows the energy to flow through the house unrestricted. This word 'energy' has been jumping out at me all course. One part of me wants to assign some subtle, mysterious 'something' that I can't perceive yet to it. But that feels ungrounded.

I can't help but think that this is because of the relative temperatures. Southern India cherishes its breezes but China, being colder, needs to break them up.

Some questions and comments:

1. Why is it that South and Southeast Asians go for these huge, oversized statues? Some huge ones are being built in Bali. They are very UN-harmonious.

ANSWER: I don't know! My impression is that bigger is better with them. I am visiting the equivalent of India's Statue of Liberty this week. Ganapati Sthapati designed and built it out of stone. It's on a rock off the coast of southern tip of India. By the way do you object to the Statue of Liberty? I found it inspiring.

2. You mentioned an article in Sedona Journal. Would you be willing to give me the citation so I can order a copy at the library?

ANSWER: I think it was the June or July issue. I don't have it with me, sorry.

3. Has any Westerner seen these documents? Would it be permissible to translate them? (From my studies in Bali, I know that such treatises are usually carefully guarded.) If so, it may be possible to get someone a grant to do that.

ANSWER:The documents on Vastu Science are all available: Vastu Shastra, Mayamata, works by Mansara. They are a tough read though.

4. RE: slope of the site. My experience is that auspicious slopes and orientations tend to be somewhat local. I.e., sloping down to the east or north makes sense for the region where you are studying. In Bali, whose architectural theories are quite similar, it's best to slope south and west. Would you be willing to ask your teacher about slopes for his temple in the Mid-west?

ANSWER: We'll get to this

5. Soil tests...can you try to get some specific soil information, such as percentage clay, silt, or sand? (You could do this by putting some good soil in a jar, filling the rest of the jar with water, shaking it, letting it settle, then measuring the proportions of kind of soil.) Or what is the feeling to be looking for with the soil tests?

ANSWER: coming soon

6. re: energy grid. (This is exciting to me, because much of the Vastu science fits in with my dowsing/geomancy studies.) Does your teacher recommend putting a structure BETWEEN major energy grid lines on ON them? (Is there a difference for temples versus houses?) I understand they should line up or be one degree off, regardless.

ANSWER; be patient

7. Should we always build parallel/perpendicular to the cardinal N-S-E-W for the site? Or do these grids sometimes vary from the cardinal directions?

ANSWER: Always on the cardinal points with one refinement we'll get to

8. How about during construction? I recently located a house BETWEEN some energy lines, with about one meter space around the building. The construction process has been protracted and painful, so I am worried that the energy lines are being hampered by construction. Does your teacher have any experience or advice here?

ANSWERE: What energy lines are you referring to?

9. I was so happy to read the story of the genesis of the mandala. It is used in Bali, too, with the head also to the Northeast. IS it possible to get a picture of the mandala that your teacher uses? Either as an attachment or by fax. (I would be willing to pay!)

ANSWER: When we get there anyone who wants to pay for the FAX can have a copy.

10. I was interested to read about the direct path for light in the house--the backbone. In Bali that line is always stopped by a little screen, for it is said that evil spirits travel in straight paths. This screen protects inhabitants. I would be very curious to hear your teacher's thoughts on this example.

ANSWER: I'll ASK

11. I am not understanding how you get the modules for the plan. If you work backwards from the height I see how you get 3'-6". Do you just use that module, then for the floor plan?

ANSWER: Coming later

12. How is the mandala subdivided if it's an 8x8 grid?

ANSWER: ditto

more student comments and questions, I have time to answer now but later it may be more delayed. Ahhh! It's evening and it just started raining. What a blessed relief from the heaviness of the humid heat!

Just the east door should be used most by the master and Mistress of the house.

This sounds good. I like the idea of the East entrance....but not for guests if it is near the kitchen. I have a strong preference for guests to enter the living room first and for the kitchen to be quite remote from the front door. The important thing to remember is that we will be responding to time honored and tested patterns that are based on energy distribution and type . Life style preferences are fine , and feeling level is important but try to remain open to the knowledge that will come through on this. Actually, I have found northern light to be a blessing during the Iowa summer.

Theoretically this makes sense to me but it is not the response of my heart in actual activity.

I like the North for meditating, sleeping, and bodywork (where I want the recipient to go into a meditative state and where I must be very receptive and meditative myself). But during the day, it is the South that brings me joy and keeps me in tune with the path of the sun (daily & seasonal) thus making the passage of time a concrete, experiential reality for me.

East is great at dawn but distinctly loses it's appeal later in the morning. West brings the gentle relief & sweetness of the sunset at the end of the day but is not so fascinating for the rest of it. A good southern exposure will keep you in direct touch with the path of the sun dawn through sunset for the majority of the year. North feels more indirect and somewhat cut off from that.

It's just personal preferences and it's good to feel and live with them.

It is possible that this sensitivity is the sign of some great imbalance in my system.

Let's hope not

I have also never lived in a hot climate so I don't know how it would seem to me there.

A cool rain is good

"Fencing a plot with acceptable proportions is also important. is because when vast land is limited by boundary lines it takes a form. That is, formless takes a form. As soon as a form is created, the quality flows or it assumes a quality."

If it is rectangular the long side is to be oriented on the north/south axis.

This makes no sense to me for Iowa and has been a major Sthapatya veda concern for all the other ecologically oriented people I know.

Solar gain dictates that the long end of a rectangular house face south. This is an engineering decision.

"The long axis of a solar home should run east to west, presenting as much surface area to the sun as possible... If the home faces true south, you will get the maximum solar benefit, but as you rotate your home off true south the solar benefit is reduced...the reduction in solar benefit increases exponentially as you rotate the home's orientation away from true south."

"Ideally, the north side of the site will provide a windbreak, with evergreen trees and a protective hillside. These natural features will protect the home from the harsher northerly winds and weather. Deciduous trees on the E,S & W will shade the home in summer, yet drop their leaves in winter, allowing sunlight to reach the home."

The Passive Solar House, James Kachadorian

This makes orienting the long side on the N/S axis sound seriously hot-climate biased to me. When I see these homes in Iowa I wonder what "Laws of Nature" we are talking about getting in tune with. Surely there should be a direct connection between working with the Devic levels and the climate they produce locally, yes? (This is a VERY HUGE question for me.)

I have found that there is plenty of opportunity for solar gain in a square or rectangular (N/S biased) house. There is much energy that comes in from the east and west as well as the south. The solar guys can toy with fanaticism at times. But look who's talking!!

Yikes, I'm actually getting rain on my computer screen!!!! About cupolas, I see them in Iowa- but always on barns (where venting interior heat is a problem all year round for enclosed livestock) but not on homes (where venting interior heat is only a problem in the summer. I am not fully knowledgeable about this. I have never lived with one. But this observation has caused me to question their practicality here on a physical level.

I'll ask about cupolas. I'm pretty sure they have something to do with crowning the building.

Luminous space you say is filled with luminous substance (vastu) consisting of Paramanus which are square and cubical. According to the writings of Alice Bailey (A Treatise on the Seven Rays, vol. III, p. 479) I quote "the present pattern of squares is the major construction of the web of light which is called the etheric body of the planet. The effort on earth today (as seen by the Planetary Logos) is to bring about a transformation of the web of the planet and thus slowly change the existing squares into triangles." I understand that this may be a difficult concept to grasp, yet it makes me wonder about the paramanu concept and how it fits in with the square to triangle transformation mentioned above. Does it you? Have you any thoughts on this?

Do Northern & Southern India agree on what constitutes the Sthapatya vedic literature or is there some disagreement?

Is it generally (all over India) agreed that Vastu Science originated in Southern India? 9-12-99

In answer to this question I will give you the transcription of a recent conversation I had with Sthapati. (After an initial question or two he did all the talking!) "The four Vedas are not independent Vedas. They are all collected materials. That's why we call it 'collected' Vedas. Rig Veda Sanghita(spelling, sorry) , the word 'sanghita' means 'collected'. So there was Vedic knowledge in the pre-Vedic period. Because of deluge (earth changing floods and continental drift) it was separated. The old knowledge got dissipated . Later on, before the second deluge occurred, all these were collected and codified. Codified in what is called the four Vedas now. While codifying a lot of things were there but they were not able to understand because these things were scientific. All scientific things were dropped! Non-scientific and religious things they collected and codified for the four Vedas. So whatever scientific material from those days they didn't keep. "Even today there are some scholars that say that Vastu Science is pseudo-science. They aren't able to understand the science of it. And these things don't exist in the Vedas. Some statements here or there will occur. For instance, there is a statement in the Veda 'The greatness of sculpture lies in its being scientific.' But no one has interpreted how sculpture is scientific, no one has said so far. "All the technical material is held by a group of people: the Sthapatis. That is why it is called Sthapatya Veda. So we fought with the Brahmans in the early days saying, 'We are the superior people. We have got this kind of knowledge. Please get away!' At that time we were very powerful. Nobody came close to us. Now we are very small. Minority. Today they say, 'You have got technical knowledge but we have got the wisdom.' We say 'Where is your wisdom? How do you use it?' "The Brahmins say they came from outside India by the Kyber Pass some 3500 years ago. From the north they migrated south. About 2500 years ago they settled here in the south. So they learned all these things. Only during that period were they able to collect this material for the Vedas. Even today northerners come to the south, stay here, learn the culture here, and then go back. And if you go toward the north, you find the strong culture that is pervading South India is very much diluted. All the Shastras, all the Vedas, all the science, everything, existed only here in the South.

(Question: Did the shilpis used to conduct the temple rituals?)

The ancient rituals were originally very simple. Merely prayer to God. Not these kind of rituals: putting dress, ornament and festivals. All these did not take place in ancient period, There was contact between God and man. Not an intermediary.

Here are some questions from a student:

Thanks for Lessons 9 & 10. Very interesting. Even mindboggling in some places.

From Lesson 9: Car dust, sesame seeds, paddy grains & angulas (finger measures) do not sound very exacting to me. All these things come in a variety of sizes....which vary with humidity & temperature even. What kind of standards have actually been preserved- and how have they been preserved- in Vastu science to insure that everyone is using the very same measuring units? Or is relative proportion the only important thing here?

Answer: The actual measure that the Sthapatis use is the Hasta of 2'-9" this is their basic unit of measure. Also the angula is the smallest unit they use as far as I have seen = 1 3/8". Relative proportion, rhythm is the most important. SThapati once said to me: one unit is one unit, whether it be one universe long or one inch, it's just a rhythmic measure.

From Lesson 10:

True East I can understand creating harmony. But deflected one or two degrees for dwellings seems more than a little odd. Wouldn't it sound 'off' in music to be just slightly off the beat? How does this little deflection work exactly?

Answer: I'll ask as soon as I can. I didn't question this. Sthapati said that true east will have a very spiritual influence but is not as conducive for fostering material well being. You want to just meditate all the time and not live in the world. He said true east was for enlightened yogis. Do you know if Maharishi Sthapatya Veda is building according to the deflection? Jeffrey says he thinks they are right on true east.

Answer: At Earl Kaplan's house we deflected the true east direction. Can't answer for the rest.

And, speaking of dwellings- how many dwellings have you actually seen over in India that have been built according to Vastu Science? Are they old or more recent? Just for the Brahmins or for the wealthy or for all classes?

Answer: Not many. I hear in Kerala there are some pure vaastu buildings. I'm going to try to get there. The buildings you do find are older. The new architects haven't been that interested or think they already know vaastu principle and they slaughter the building. Can't answer the last question.

Mention was made in an earlier lesson that the Sthapatis build the temples (all of them? ) for the Brahmins. Have they also actually been building their houses, schools, and other secular buildings all along as well?

Answer: All of the old temples were built by Sthapatis as far as I know. If you want a temple you go to a Sthapati. It's like if you want your tonsils out you go to a surgeon. Ganapati Sthapati has done many secular buildings and house according to vaastu.

Some questions and comments:

1. Why is it that South and Southeast Asians go for these huge, oversized statues? Some huge ones are being built in Bali. They are very UN-harmonious.

2. You mentioned an article in SEdona JOurnal. Would you be willing to give me the citation so I can order a copy at the library?

5. Soil tests...can you try to get some specific soil information, such as percentage clay, silts, or sand? (You could do this by putting some good soil in a jar, filling the rest of the jar with water, shaking it, and letting it settle, then measuring the proportions of kind of soil.) Or what is the feeling to be looking for with the soil tests?

7. Should we always build parallel/perpendicular to the cardinal N-S-E-W for the site? Or do these grids sometimes vary from the cardinal directions?

11. I am not understanding how you get the modules for the plan. If you work backwards from the height I see how you get 3'-6". Do you just use that module, then for the floor plan?

12. How is the mandala subdivided if it's an 8x8 grid?

IN KERALA (A STATE IN THE SOUTHWEST) THE STHAPATI'S NEVER MADE THE TRANSITION

How fascinating! This transition business must have quite a story attached to it. Any details?

DID YOU KNOW THAT IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE WHEN YOU FLUSH THE TOILET THE WATER SWIRLS IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION TO THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE? ( OR SO I HAVE BEEN TOLD)

Yes. This is true. Water swirls down drains in the opposite direction down under. I have eyewitness reports from several friends who have lived there.

Regarding the VP mandala-

Does everyone agree on the arrangements of the devas in this or are there several versions?

Would it be possible to get a list of all the devas of the VP Mandala and the associations/properties of each that give them their special importance for architecture? (I know this is a variation on a previous question but I thought to just add it to fill out all of what I want to know here.)

If room functions & door positions change south of the equator, I would assume the layout of the devas in the VP Mandala also changes? Could you ask Sthapati to say a little about this?

THE SECULAR BUILDINGS CAN BE ROTATED 1 TO AS MUCH AS 10 DEGREES TOWARDS THE NORTH OFF OF TRUE EAST. THE INFLUENCE OF THIS IS MORE MATERIAL PROSPERITY.

Is the amount of rotation within the 10 degrees totally arbitrary or are there guiding principles as to how much rotation for which type of person or situation or whatever? Who decides how much rotation there should be & how do they decide that?

Exactly how does this rotation affect material prosperity? Does more rotation create a stronger effect?

Does this rotation towards the north bring in more material prosperity automatically by virtue of simple vibrational attraction to material prosperity or does it create more desire in a person to actively work out in the world for their material prosperity? Or something else?

Is there a little implied conflict here between personal spiritual development and personal material prosperity or is this just a life-style support difference between the recluse & householder ways of living?

1. You have explained that Shiva is the Mahadeva associated with the element of Akasha (space) and that sculptures of Shiva are (therefore?) made of metal; also that Vishnu is the Mahadeva of Earth element and his sculptures are made of stone. What are the Mahadevas associated with Air, Fire and water and what substances would be used to represent their energies in a building?

Are there particular substances (i.e. materials) associated with all of the devas in the Vaastu Purusha Mandala, and should they be incorporated in a building? Can you give us a list of the energetics of these various Devas, to provide a better understanding of placements & functions according to the mandala?

2. I have heard that time is speeding up (at least on our planet) during this period (of transition). The Earth's magnetic field has also greatly decreased. Would these changes produce a change in a system of measurement based on "time" intervals?

3. I have seen that the square building layout can be elongated in a north-south direction, but I have yet to understand WHY it can be that way and not east-west. Is this to allow the first rays of the sun to permeate the full depth of the house east to west or is there a more esoteric (philosophical) reason? Could you please have Sthapati elaborate on this so we can understand the principles involved (obviously with reference to cold climates). Are the sun's rays malefic at mid-day even when providing warmth in the winter? Overhangs could keep them out in summer...

4. Since the disciples of Mayan went to various parts of the Earth, does this suggest that the Mesoamerican Mayan culture utilized the same constructs of design and building? 5. Is there a need or logic about placing a house in the center of the

larger "fenced" or walled vaastu? Could it be anywhere within? What could be the layout for a small farm compound, for instance? Where would gardens and orchards are? Greenhouses? Guest houses? Storage to the NorthWest? In other words, how do these energetics move out from the house?

Can there be a Brahmasthan of the site which is not of the house itself?

I was very struck by the strong ecological bent of the material dealing with the 'gross' aspects of Sthapatya veda- putting the home in an area that has good soil, available water, etc. Planting suitable trees around the home, etc. Do you know if there is any interest in Permaculture in India? And if the ecology-types have had any comments on Sthapatya Veda? Does "Vaastu Purusha" ever have articles from bonafide ecology experts on these topics? Can one get back issues?

Also, with the Native American Medicine Wheels- there is a connection between where the various forces of Nature are said to reside on the wheel (for example, the thunder beings in the West and purification forces in the North) etc.) and how the people physically experienced the seasons, times of day and gross weather patterns (rain coming more often from the west than any other direction and the cold winds of winter which purify the land coming from the North). Can you ask SThapati (or maybe you know) if there is a similar connection between the seasons, times of the day, climactic & geographical facts of Southern India and the placement of the gods in the V P Mandala?

If not, what IS his take on the rationale for how the gods come to reside in those particular placements in the VP Mandala?

The south west corner of the plot is more sacred and durable.

How come?

"EARTH" (ELEMENT) ENERGY IN THE SOUTHWEST QUADRANT OF THE SITE.

OK, I can 'get' the durable part. But what do we mean by 'more sacred'?

Why should the Earth Element be more sacred than the other elements?

Is it only considered more sacred with respect to the building arts or is it simply considered more sacred than all the other elements period?

What is the purpose of the kalashes?

Are the private sthapati-designed homes you are seeing in India equipped with these?

The house is a being: feet, legs, torso, neck, head and top of head. Kalash is the top piece of the house. it completes the form. Yes kalashes are here on private houses, in many forms.

Q. Is the perimeter taken before the exterior is added or after or to put it another way is the VPM perimeter calculation done first and then the exterior wall added? My instinct tells me before the exterior wall, however as you can see

I am not sure on this.

Answer: The perimeter of the VPM is the dimension that you do you calculations with. You adjust the perimeter of the VPM according to the Ayadi calculations for the individuals of the house. The exterior walls are best placed with their centerline on the VPM perimeter. The actual building perimeter will be different if you have extensions that expand outside the VPM (always with regard to the grid) but you only consider the VPM perimeter for Ayadi and that creates the final grid (and module) that spreads over the whole site. The VPM is the "mother"grid pattern for the whole site.

Here's a new point that I came to in this last seminar. The Earth has an energy grid and the house has an energy grid. When we place the VPM grid based house on the Earth grid the house comes in congruence with the Earth's grid and the energy of the Earth floods into the house. The question for me was: How do you know if you are aligned with the Earth's grid, you can't see the grid? Sthapati would always answer by saying that as long as the orientation (North/south/east/west) is correct the resonance is spontaneous. What I have realized now (Sthapati hasn't said it in these words) is that the resonance occurs not because of a two dimensional congruent relationship between the house grid and the Earth grid (Sthapati said nothing 2d exists, only 3d can exist), but because of a 3 dimensional resonance: If you made a huge tuning fork, 6 feet tall, of the "C" note and a small tuning fork, 6 inches tall of the "C" note, they would still resonate with each other because their 3d geometry is the same (just different scale, Sthapati told me the numbers are the most important not scale, one universe or one grain of sand: one is one) The house vibrates with Earthly energy because of a 3 dimensional resonance: the VPM is not just a 2 dimensional grid it is a 3 dimensional object.

Q. I have done a floor plan of a house on Cad. Can I send it to you for a critique?

Answer: Try to send it. I may not be able to download it. Can you FAX it. If so FAX it to USA number and I'll look at it when I get back (around Jan. 1) I'm traveling until then. 515-472-2157.

Q. My module is 3'-6"x5'-5". I get 58 hastas. The remainder of 58 divided by 8/27 is 5. Would this make the house's birthstar Pooram?

Answer: No. you move vertically down the chart. It would be Mrugasirsha (the Tamil word) I'll give you more info when I get a USA chart.

Q. I cannot figure out the suitability of the tenant's birthstar with the house's Ayadi Nakshatra. This may be because the Paryaaya table came through with 1-9 only. 10-18 & 19-27 are blank. What are the rest?

Answer: Coming soon, I'm VERY sorry, it must be frustrating to have partial knowledge.

Q. How do you determine the birthstar of the tenants?

Answer: I ask a Joytish consultant (Indian astrologer) to tell me the Lunar Nakshatra of the person. Soon I will offer this service.

Q. When do you get back to the States?

Answer : Dec. 19 , but traveling until Jan. 1, The south west corner of the plot is more sacred and durable.

How come?

EARTH" (ELEMENT) ENERGY IN THE SOUTHWEST QUADRANT OF THE SITE.

OK, I can 'get' the durable part. But what do we mean by 'more sacred'?

Why should the Earth Element be more sacred than the other elements?

Is it only considered more sacred with respect to the building arts or is it simply considered more sacred than all the other elements period? did I answer this already? water in and out at northeast, electric in at southeast, gas: no ancient precedent so please yourself. I would bring it in at southeast if it's easy. MB

Has Sthapati talked any about utilities and how they come into the building?

Are they winding electrical wires and water pipes, etc. around the buildings there to get them coming in from specific directions?

In rereading the article what did you mean by 'rhythm bound forms'?

Rhythm bound forms are forms that are designed with mathematical sequences evident. The glue of coherence is the regular expressed rhythm of elements.

The side of the module you use for height, if the module is rectangular, can be either, but I prefer the width to the length. See answers below:

I have to get started in the Ayadi calculation for the house I am designing and I need to know what you need to find the lunar birth star of the occupants. Also need to know what you will charge for this service. As soon as I have tied down the perimeter calculation and fine tuned the plan I can send you the floor plan to critique. Which side of the module do I use for the height. I want to know if you think that software program is a good one and if you recommend I get it. I understand you are still recovering and wait to hear from you when it fits your schedule.

Questions:

1. To repeat from 'Questions re: L 15' I should set the center of the exterior wall on the VPM perimeter. EXTERIOR WALLS CAN BE ON CENTER LINE OF GRID PERIMETER OR INSIDE OR OUTSIDE, I PREFER CENTERLINE. This means I will have to increase the size of the module because I have already set the inside of the wall to the VPM perimeter if I do not want to decrease the inside dimensions any further. Is this correct?

YES

I understand that I may still need to adjust the perimeter once I know the occupant's birthstar and figure that in.

2. Does it matter what side of the VPM you use to determine the exterior wall thickness?

NO. YOU CAN GO WITH STANDARD THICKNESS IF YOU LIKE. TRY TO MAKE THEM CLOSE TO 1/32 OR 1/64 BUT DON'T FRET ABOUT IT. TRY TO MAKE ALL THE WALLS THE SAME THICKNESS IF POSSIBLE, THIS IS BEST, OR AT LEAST THE EXTERIOR WALLS AND THE MAIN INTERIOR WALLS WHICH WOULD BE THE TIC TAC TOE GRID THAT DIVIDES THE MOTHER STRUCTURE INTO 9 EQUAL PARTS.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT, IT'S NOT CRITICAL, IT'S A REFINEMENT THAT WOULD BE NICE TO USE BUT NOT NECESSARY.

Question #1: How do you feel (and Dr. Ganapati) about the use of synthetic materials as an energy signature vibration in construction?

VAASTU ARCHITECTURE FAVORS NATURAL MATERIALS: WOOD, STONE, CLAY/EARTH. THESE MATERIALS ARE MAGNETICALLY VIBRANT WITH THE EARTH ENERGY AND MAKE FOR A MORE ENERGETICALLY VIBRANT BUILDING, HOWEVER, THE GEOMETRY OF THE BUILDING IN PARAMOUNT AND MATERIALS CAN BE COMPROMISED TO AN EXTENT.

I know from my own personal experiments and that of others (not in the construction fields) that surrounding the physical body with synthetic vapor barriers such as Styrofoam and plastic, lowers, sometimes dramatically, the energy field of the human body. This is demonstrable, many times, by just placing a plastic bag over the head (not the face) of an individual. This is scientifically measurable, using quite simple methods, such as kinesiology.

GOOD IDEA, I'LLL CHECK IT OUT.

I believe that this is because these synthetic materials block natural magnetic and cosmic radiation and e ner gy.

If these materials have such a profound effect on the human structure, of substantially lowering the energy field (the amount of energy immediately available to the body), I am certain that it similarly affects any structure, which it surrounds. But I would like to get a balance of view from you and if possible from Dr. Ganapati, because the correct answer to this question in particular is one that is very important to me right now.

Question #2: Some persons and builders (such as in the Green Building Assoc., which I strongly support, [I met and visited with Doug Seiter

GIVE HIM A COPY OF MY LESSON ONE IF YOU CAN.

the other day-great guy]) want to use only recycled lumber in building.

I'VE HEARD IT'S BEST NOT TO USE MATERIALS FROM OLD BUILDINGS. THEY MAY CARRY THE VIBRATION OF THE PREVIOUS ENERGIES AND MAY NOT ALWAYS BE GOOD, ENERGETICALLY. This I don't mind and support. What I don't like is recommendations to use prefabricated and pressed lumber products because of the toxic adhesives and their effects, which last for many years.

MATERIALS WERE LESS IMPORTANT THAN THE GEOMETRY IN MY TRAINING, BUT I PERSONALLY FEEL THEY OFFER THE BUILDER AN OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE A MORE VIBRANTLY SOOTHING BUILDING.

Also I believe, tentatively, that second growth harvestable, planned tree cutting in the correct environments, such as environmentally sound tree farms, is a part of sustainable agriculture. And natural wood is such a beautiful and highly energized material to include in our construction along with a wide variety of other natural building materials. YES I am totally opposed to the cutting of virgin and ancient timber.

YES, OPPOSED, BUT IT IS POSSIBLE TO IMAGINE, UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, CUTTING A TREE DOWN WITH HONOR AND USING IT TO BUILD A SACRED SPACE.

How do you feel about these issues? I would like to get more balanced and intelligent perspectives and you give me the feeling having both. Also, the more valid information I can get on these subjects, the happier I am.

I want you to know that I am never being controversial but desire to communicate, share and learn. Thanks. I totally agree about used lumber containing energy that may be negative. I, personally, believe that such lumber can be stacked properly in a sacred place (a blessed place) in the sun for 30 to 90 days and transmuted and purged of negative energies through prayer and meditation. This may not always be worthwhile and may not be nearly as applicable in India as in America where so much demolition is continually taking place. I wonder how traditional Vastu masters would work with this idea?

I'VE ONLY HEARD IT'S BEST NO TO USE MATERIALS FROM OTHER BUILDINGS. STHAPATI IS VERY CLEAR ON THE POINT THAT EVEN WHEN YOU RENOVATE OR ADD TO AN EXISTING BUILIDNG (ESPESCIALLY A TEMPLE) THAT YOU ARE DISTURBING THE ENERGY OF THE BUILDING AND IT COULD BE EVEN DANGEROUS TO THE HEALTH OF THE PERSON INITIATING THE WORK. FOR EXAMPLE, AT A TEMPLE RENOVATION IT IS TYPICAL TO CHOOSE AN OLDER MEMBER OF THE TEMPLE COMMUNITY TO HEAD THE PROJECT BECAUSE THEY BELIEVE THEIR LIFE COULD BE ADVERSLY EFFECTED BY CAUSING THE DISTURBANCE OF THE TEMPLE ENERGY.

I also believe that very few people on the planet are aware of another fact. That the manner, lack of universal awareness, and motivation (such as materialistic greed) in which molecules are forced together to form many synthetic materials actually creates intrinsic negative energies similar as an idea to the negative energies in used lumber. Except being intrinsic may be harder to transmute. I have a couple long time friends in the scientific community in New Zealand

(CAN YOU PUT ME IN TOUCH WITHTHEM?) who have done extensive scientific testing along these lines, sometimes finding synthetic substances (I don't mean poisons, just synthetics commonly used in our daily lives) extremely negative in their effect on the human energy field. (Note: "ENERGY FIELD". An invaluable area of science which as yet receives little attention in the western world.) This varies widely, of course. Molecules are close to the basis of "life in form"and as such are very sacred. I believe that we (including especially the scientific community) need to become aware on a whole new level and honor the natural vibration and way in which the molecular level of consciousness naturally and harmoniously desires to dance and unite. Then we might begin to even create new substances, which would be of a very high-energy vibration. And like you have said to honor the Vaastu Vedic "form" which, I agree, seems to be a most important key to harmonious, living form. Well, I mustn't take any more of your time, right now. I am sharing ideas, which are an intrinsic part of my life. And I continually desire to learn more about each of them. Are you going to China to learn about their methods of sacred and energetic construction? (NO, I'M WORKING ON A LARGE FACTORY PROJECT ALL ACCORDING TO VAASTU PRINCIPLES) I want to be able to learn all I can! And would be happy to pay you in order to learn more even beyond this seminar.

(IT'S POSSIBLE THAT I WILL HAVE A PHASE 2 OF LEARNING)

ARE YOU GOING TO FORM A VAASTU VEDIC FOUNDATION IN AMERICA? I WOULD TOTALLY SUPPORT THIS AND WOULD LIKE TO BE A PART OF IT FROM THE BEGINNING AND A LOYAL MEMBER. LET ME KNOW, PLEASE. I THINK THAT YOU SHOULD BE THE PRIMARY FOUNDER, WITH ALL YOUR WORK, EFFORTS, RESEARCH AND INTEGRITY, OF SUCH A MOVEMENT AND FOUNDATION. DOUG SEITER TOLD ME THAT WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND TEACHING (AND I AM BECOMING A PART OF) IS THE "FUTURE WAVE OF BUILDING IN AMERICA". VERY CLOSE TO HIS EXACT WORDS TO ME. HE SAID THAT "GREEN BUILDING IS LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR THIS FUTURE WAVE". SOUNDS GREAT: YES, WE CAN HAVE A BRANCH OF THE FOUNDATION INTHE WEST, GOOD IDEA.

comment from a seminar participant:

I totally agree about used lumber containing energy that may be negative. I, personally, believe that such lumber can be stacked properly in a sacred place (a blessed place) in the sun for 30 to 90 days and transmuted and purged of negative energies through prayer and meditation. This may not always be worthwhile and may not be nearly as applicable in India as in America where so much demolition is continually taking place. I wonder how traditional Vastu masters would work with this idea? I also believe that very few people on the planet are aware of another fact. That the manner, lack of universal awareness, and motivation (such as materialistic greed) in which molecules are forced together to form many synthetic materials actually creates intrinsic negative energies similar as an idea to the negative energies in used lumber. Except being intrinsic may be harder to transmute. I have a couple long time friends in the scientific community in New Zealand who have done extensive scientific testing along these lines, sometimes finding synthetic substances (I don't mean poisons, just synthetics commonly used in our daily lives) extremely negative in their effect on the human energy field. (Note: "ENERGY FIELD". An invaluable area of science which as yet receives little attention in the western world.) This varies widely, of course. Molecules are close to the basis of "life in form"and as such are very sacred. I believe that we (including especially the scientific community) need to become aware on a whole new level and honor the natural vibration and way in which the molecular level of consciousness naturally and harmoniously desires to dance and unite. Then we might begin to even create new substances, which would be of a very high-energy vibration. And like you have said to honor the Vaastu Vedic "form" which, I agree, seems to be a most important key to harmonious, living form. Well, I mustn't take any more of your time, right now. I am sharing ideas, which are an intrinsic part of my life. And I continually desire to learn more about each of them.

Are you going to China to learn about their methods of sacred and energetic construction? I want to be able to learn all I can! And would be happy to pay you in order to learn more even beyond this seminar.

There are two questions that I would like to ask now. They do have to do with vastu theory to my mind, at least. So far, Vastu Vedic theory as you explain it makes perfect sense and I just swallow it up. It really stimulates my mind. Question #1: How do you feel (and Dr. Ganapati) about the use of synthetic materials as an energy signature vibration in construction? I know from my own personal experiments and that of others (not in the construction fields) that surrounding the physical body with synthetic vapor barriers such as Styrofoam and plastic, lowers, sometimes dramatically, the energy field of the human body. This is demonstrable, many times, by just placing a plastic bag over the head (not the face) of an individual. This is scientifically measurable, using quite simple methods, such as kinesiology. I believe that this is because these synthetic materials block natural magnetic and cosmic radiation and energy. If these materials have such a profound effect on the human structure, of substantially lowering the energy field (the amount of energy immediately available to the body), I am certain that it similarly affects any structure, which it surrounds. But I would like to get a balance of view from you and if possible from Dr. Ganapati, because the correct answer to this question in particular is one that is very important to me right now.

Question #2: Some persons and builders (such as in the Green Building Assoc., which I strongly support, [I met and visited with Doug Seiter the other day-great guy]) want to use only recycled lumber in building. This I don't mind and support. What I don't like is recommendations to use prefabricated and pressed lumber products because of the toxic adhesives and their effects, which last for many years. Also I believe, tentatively, that second growth harvestable, planned tree cutting in the correct environments, such as environmentally sound tree farms, is a part of sustainable agriculture. And natural wood is such a beautiful and highly energized material to include in our construction along with a wide variety of other natural building materials. I am totally opposed to the cutting of virgin and ancient timber. How do you feel about these issues? I would like to get more balanced and intelligent perspectives and you give me the feeling having both. Also, the more valid information I can get on these subjects, the happier I am.

I. What do you do when the lunar star and the house star are the same? A perimeter measure resulted in 61 hastas. The house star classified as Bharani.

2. What does it mean when the remainder for an aspect is zero.

3. Can you give more information on the positive aspects, for example, what they represent in more detail.

When asked if one could put a fountain or water fall or pond in the brahmasthan:

Sthapati said it's best to have "no such fancies in the mother structure." The water can create energy disturbance, maybe positive maybe not, unpredictable for peacefulness of the home.

For the residential bldgs Iyya was suggesting the western side as the most preferable one. About the placement of a fountain, Iyya has once said to avoid all such fancies within the mother grid but u could place it outside in an appropriate position taking care that it does not interfere with the energy flow, say for e.g. in alignment with a door opening.Have u heard him say a word called KUTTHU? If u know that, this is the thing that u should note while placing a water body.

1. To repeat from 'Questions re: L 15' I should set the center of the exterior wall on the VPM perimeter. This means I will have to increase the size of the module because I have already set the inside of the wall to the VPM perimeter if I do not want to decrease the inside dimensions any further. Is this correct? I understand that I may still need to adjust the perimeter once I know the occupant's birthstar and figure that in.

2. Does it matter what side of the VPM you use to determine the exterior wall thickness?

3. Re: exterior wall thickness still, If my module is say 3'-6" x 5'-5". What do you do with the fractions. Do you round off? What do you do when you are working with a material or wall system in which you do not have the flexibility of changing the width to meet the Ayadi requirements? I'm finding the space requirements to be very challenging. I really do not want a big house for just two people and a cat nor one that is over a story and a half high, but I do need at least one room that closes off for guests and bodywork and one for our bedroom that aren't tiny and cramped. I have not figured out how to do this yet.

Anyhow, I find I don't understand the height business as well as I need to. When we talk about applying the grid (in a simple fraction portion of the length or breadth of the VPM) to the height of the house, I assume that means from the bottom floor of the house (basement if there is one? I know you don't consider this the ideal, but if there is a basement, is that what you consider the base of the house?) to the highest point/peak of the roof? Or to the top of the cupola, if there is one?

Also, I have heard from my friend, Lori, who is building a SV house with Depak here in town that Depak does not consider that the basement (Lori is building a full basement) has to have a Brahmasthan in it because it is below ground. Does this ring any bells with you?

Do you have any idea why the dining room would be placed in the West? I don't understand it from the point of practicality (having to carry food & dirty dishes all the way across the house to and from the kitchen) nor from the point of digestibility (agni being in the SE)

I have QUESTIONS! 1. Must the height of a room or building always be a minimum of three modules? Like 3' modules, then at least 9' high? 5' modules=15' high? Or can height be figured in any other way, say, as in a large building, to avoid excessive height when it is undesirable? THE RULES FOR ELEVATION ARE MAINLY FOR TEMPLE STRUCTURES. I TAKE THE MODULE AND MAKE A CEILING HEIGHT OUT OF IT AND THEN FIND A ROOF HEIGHT WITH. THEN DIVIDE THE ELEVATION INTO 8 PARTS AND LAYOUT ELEMENTS ACCORDING TO THOSE LINES. THE "RULES" ARE NOT HARD AND FAST FOR RESIDENCES, UNLESS YU WANT TO APPLY THEM AS PER TEMPLE BUILDINGS AND THEN YOU GET A VERY UNCONVENTIONAL BUILDING.

2. Is it best to keep ALL walls, including exterior walls centered over the grid lines? YES

3. Do you know what Dr. Ganapati Sthapati means by "REVERSE DANCE"? That is, there may be a valuable symbology here. I would like to know the actual, applicable meaning entailed. WHAT WAS THE CONTEXT?

4. Can the Deivika Padam (Celestial Realm) of the VPM be used as a walk way in a house, or should it be avoided for that purpose? WALK WAY IS APPROPRIATE. P.S. I have QUESTIONS! 1. Must the height of a room or building always be a minimum of three modules? Like 3' modules, then at least 9' high? 5' modules=15' high? Or can height be figured in any other way, say, as in a large building, to avoid excessive height when it is undesirable? THE RULES FOR ELEVATION ARE MAINLY FOR TEMPLE STRUCTURES. I TAKE THE MODULE AND MAKE A CEILING HEIGHT OUT OF IT AND THEN FIND A ROOF HEIGHT WITH. THEN DIVIDE THE ELEVATION INTO 8 PARTS AND LAYOUT ELEMENTS ACCORDING TO THOSE LINES. THE "RULES" ARE NOT HARD AND FAST FOR RESIDENCES, UNLESS YU WANT TO APPLY THEM AS PER TEMPLE BUILDINGS AND THEN YOU GET A VERY UNCONVENTIONAL BUILDING. (so can a ceiling of a home be one, two or three modules high?) YES

(it is in the book, TEMPLES OF SPACE SCIENCE, concerning the cosmic dance of Lord Nataraja being clockwise [to the right] and then changing to the left [counterclockwise] in the Vastu Purusha Mandala. There seems to be a specific reason or science for this; but he didn't explain, in terms that I can understand, at least. I got the gist of it, somewhat; but felt a little confused as to the real and, especially, as to the practical application.

You can not have your columns on the corners of that central module.What if you take the central 3 x 3 module of that 9 modules and place the columns there?

"Mayan,The Vastu vijnani and originator of Vaastu tradition states in his Mayamata that it is space (akasha) itself that is known as linga and which dwells in all things.

Are there 2 Mayans ie. 1. the architect for the demons as well as 2. the other name for Visvakarma, the architect for the devas? THERE WAS ONE HISTORICAL MAYAN. I THINK HE WAS CALLED VISVAKARMA AS AN HONORARY TERM. THAT'S MY IMPRESSION.

He holds that the subtle existence or subtle energy which animates the entire range of things is "Vastu" and all those living beings and cosmic substances in which vastu gets itself installed are denoted by the term "Vaastu". So vaastu is vastu which has some grosser manifestation. But Vaastu Purusha is still a subtle energy, one that is personified but not visible to our gross senses until it gets expressed into material form?

VASTU IS THE ABSOLUTE, THE SOURCE BEYOND THE SUBTLE UNIVERSE, THE INFINATE POTENTIAL. VAASTU IS THE EXPRESSION OF THE UNIVERSE. VASTU PURUSHA, I'LL GET BACK TO YOU ON THIS. I WANT TO ASK STHAAPTI.

You mentioned consciousness is vastu. Vastu then is connected with the spiritual dimension. Is paramanu another name for paramatma, the Supreme Personality of Godhead present in every atom or is it that paramatma is present in paramanu?

I MUST ASK STHAPATI THIS, BUT I WOULD SAY THAT PARAMATMA IS THAT THREAD OF CONCIOUSNESS AT THE CORE OF THE PARAMANU: THE BRAHMA SUTRA.

In the heart cave of the body there is inner space and inside the inner-space there is the vibrant thread of consciousness. It is this thread of consciousness that functions as the string of sarira-vina (bodily instrument) (The structure vibrates with cosmic energy and the bodily Instrument resonates with this vibration) To create and offer the house of supreme bliss, and to enable us to experience that supreme bliss here in this mundane house itself -- these are the prime motives of the Vaastu science.

Mayan, the energetic Seer and Sage was the creator and the first formulator of this great order.

Any connection with the Mayan civilization?

STHAPATI SAYS THAT MAYAN'S DISCIPLES TRAVELED THE WORLD OVER AND INFLUENCED MANY OTHER CIVILIZATIONS. STHAPATI TRAVELED TO SOUTH AMERICA AND CENTRAL AMERICA AND DISCOVERED THAT THE SAME VAASTU PRINCIPLES WERE USED IN THE MAYAN CITIES THERE.

How important is the Kalash, besides being traditional?

I DON'T ALWAYS PUT THEM ON THE BUILDINGS, BUT, THEY ARE ALWAYS ON THE TEMPLES AND MY TEACHER WOULD RECOMMEND. IT'S THE PLACE WHERE THE HOUSE MEETS THE SKY, A SIGNIFICANT PLACE. THE COPPER KALASHES ARE NOT SO BIG AS THE MGC ONES. THEY DON'T STAND OUT THATMUCH.

Would prefer not to have one. If we decide to use the upstairs bedroom (in the NE corner) as the mediation room, would there have to be any dimension changes?

NO DIMENSION CHANGE

Any recommendations for the location of the oil tank?

I WOULDN'T PUT IT ON THE NORTH EAST OR DIRECTLY DIAGONAL TO ANY CORNER OR DIRECTLY OPPOSITE THE MIDDLE OF THE BUILDING IN ANY DIRECTION

We are working on the duct work for the exhaust for the furnace (power vent). If we were to use forced hot air we need to place the ducts.We are going to need ducts for air conditioning anyway. Any ideas for these different ducts?

TRY TO HAVE DUCTS NOT GO THROUGH THE BRAHMASTAN ON ANY LEVEL, IF POSSIBLE

Also we plan on putting in a cistern to collect rainwater from the gutters for outside watering. Does that need a special location?

NORTH EAST CORNER

There is pump system involved that comes into the basement. Any recommendations for outside water spigots for hoses?

NO , PUT THEM ANYWHERE.

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