It is in the early writings of the richis (sages) of ancient India that we discover Vastu Shashtra, the sacred science of architecture, one of 64 arts of life defined by the Vedas, a complete encyclopedia on the order of nature and its divine laws. The source of this science is the Sthāpatya Veda, the fourth Veda, about 5,000 years old. This science is part of the 5 Upavedas (applied Vedic disciplines). It was Mahamuni Mayan at that time, an architect and a great richi of Southern India, who started to teach and practice Vastu Shashtra.

 

The principles of Vastu can be found in all ancient constructions, especially places of worship, whatever the times, the geography, and the beliefs, proving again and again the universality of the laws of Nature. Still very much practiced in the East in homes and workplaces, Vastu has been making its way to the West for a few years, especially in the United States, and is just now  beginning to be known in Europe.

 

Vastu is sometimes referred to as "Indian Feng Shui". But in reality Feng Shui was born from Vastu Shashtra when it spread to China, then to Japan, with the Buddhist influence. That is why there are  some similarities, especially in the use of the five elements.