Difference between Vaastu and Fengshui

Vastu shastra and fengshui are both terms that thrown around a lot these days.

It is hard to come across someone who hasn’t heard these terms.

But just as common as these terms are, so is the misconception spread about them. Both Vastu and FengShui are ancient arts that deal with the construction of dwellings.

Their purpose was to reveal the connection between humans and the dwellings live in.

The ultimate goal was to achieve a balance with the basic elements.

The basic idea is that a person can lead a healthy and prosperous life only if the person is living in accordance with nature and the universal energy.

Since both the studies aim to do the same thing and the underlying principle is the same, they tend to be very similar.

Although there are notable differences but these tend to stem from the fact that they both originated in very different geographical locations.

Vastu shastra is said to have originated in India in or around the Vedic period.

People want their houses to be Vastu and Feng-Shui compliant.

At times achieving this feat can be a challenge since they're a few points in which both the studies take quite opposite stands, thus leading to a contradiction.

Ultimately it is suggested that one should follow what seems right for them. Let us now look at some of the differences between Feng-Shui and Vastu.

·         Vastu is considered to be more impactful if it is considered right from the outset of construction.

Whereas Feng-shui is more popular for changes which can be made in an existing structure.

But ultimately both the studies help one in improving the energy flow in their chosen space.

  ·         Vastu states that the front door should be in the North or East direction whereas Feng-Shui says that the front door should be in the South.

This difference is something that most likely stems from the location and environment difference for which the respective were made.

Thus, it would be ideal to consider the most optimum orientation for your dwelling with respect to your location and environment instead of following a thumb-rule.

 ·         Both the studies claim that the front door should be free of all obstructions. This could be stipulated to ensure a free passage which would be very important in need of emergency evacuation.

This also seems to be the reason behind Vastu stating the width of the door to be large.

The front door should be on a higher level or at the very least equal level to the road.

 ·         There are eight directions which are considered in both the studies but in Vastu there is a chart which is used to plan the houses.

In Feng shui the concept of Bagua is utilized, which is similar to what is done in Vastu.

Though the factors based on which the houses are thus planned in both systems are different.

·         For the kitchen Vastu recommends the avoidance of black color.

In fact, it could also be said that the usage of black for kitchen walls is prohibited.

This seems to be the case because the kitchen used to house the Chula for the preparation of food.

The heat is absorbed by black color and thus choosing black would make kitchen unbearable to work and cook in.

Also, since food was made in the kitchen it had to have the highest standards of cleanliness and lighter colors are easier for the detection of dust etc.

As per Feng Shui, one can use any color depending on the direction of the kitchen.