Vastu Shastra Vs Feng Shui: An Overview

As more and more people are embracing our age-old discipline of Vastu for their Homes,

there does come a question on the difference between Vastu and Feng Shui for Homes.

Both are ancient techniques to bring positivity to our homes but are vastly different. The rituals, the directions, and even the elements differ. So the real question is, which of these should we adopt for our homes?

Before getting onto the key differences, let's explore what Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui really are.

What is Vastu?

Vastu Shastra for Homes is a discipline or design system that uses in-depth knowledge of architecture, the layout of the land, and the directions to create or construct living spaces for us.

Symmetrical designs, foundations, and plans are all composed to devise and perfect harmony with nature so that both interiors and exteriors evoke the necessary tranquility.

As we Indians never differentiated God and Nature, this aligning of spaces according to the way they blend with nature is seen as a Holy or Divine process. Even many of the best architects of the current era hold the traditional discipline in high regard.

What is Feng Shui?

Feng Shui can be said as the Chinese counterpart of Vastu Shastra, yet far from it as well. Feng Shui essentially means "Wind Water" and represents the flow of energy and harmonizing the buildings to be major conductors or elements within this flow.

Feng Shui has been used to design traditional places of spirituality and power, including certain towers, temples, and tombs. Feng Shui is observed according to the presence of wind and water as well as the positions of the stars.

Vastu Shastra Vs Feng Shui - Differences

Here are the major differences between Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui

1. Meaning:

Firstly, the Vastu Shastra and Feng Shiu have totally different meanings. Vastu Shastra is what we call dwelling science but Feng Shui is what is the science of water and air. Even though both of the concepts are based on science, the Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui show two different ways of expressing it.

2. Basics:

Apart from the Geographical differences, Vastu Shastra is definitely older and more advanced than Feng Shui as it has evolved throughout the years to adopt different changes according to the ages. Because of this, Vastu Shastra is seen as rooted in science, and Feng Shui is based on geographical elements and forces

3. Directions:

Perhaps the major difference between these two is the way in which directions are interpreted.

In Vastu, the North is considered very auspicious, whereas, in Feng Shui, it's the South that's considered the hub of positivity.

The North East is yet another major difference as according to Vastu, this side should've Water and water-related elements, whereas, in Feng Shui, this direction is ruled by the Earthern element.

4. Colours:

Vastu Shastra has always favored brighter colors, whereas Feng Shui advocates lighter shades and hues such as beige, cream, etc

5. Objects Used:

Vastu emphasizes Objects that are considered divine such as the Tulsi Plant, vastu pyramid and Ganesha Idol, whereas Feng Shui emphasizes Laughing Buddha, Windchimes, and so on

6. Entrance of the House:

According to Vastu Shastra, the front door should be on the North, East, or North-East Side. Feng shui whereas advocates for the South Side.

7. Bedroom Layout:

According to Bedroom Vastu Shastra, SouthWest is the ideal corner for a bedroom. However, Feng Shui states that the bed should be just diagonally placed from the door.

8. Kitchen:

As per Vaastu, the southeast direction is best for Kitchens, and it should not be situated near a bedroom, pooja room, or bathroom. Feng Shui states that it should be placed in front/opposite of your front door.

And as you can see, there are indeed many differences between Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra, but since Vastu is developed on our terrain, and will be a better fit for channeling positivity to our homes.

So guys, what do you think?

Do share your thoughts in the comment section below!