Ancient wisdom, such as Feng Shui or Vastu, believe that everything is made up of energy. Even things that we may have considered inanimate are made up of moving molecules and have a life force and vibration of their own. Objects also come “alive” because of how we relate to them, i.e. the memories and associations they trigger. These wisdom affirm that all of these objects and materials in our homes interact with our own unique energy—either positively or negatively. When you look at your home from this perspective, you can clearly imagine the importance of surrounding yourself with things that you love, whether they are useful, beautiful, have positive personal meaning, or just make you feel good.
There are certainly many similarities between vastu shastra and feng shui,
1. Both systems are based on the knowledge of the flow of Universal energy called Chi in Chinese culture and Prana in Hindu.
2. Vastu shastra and feng shui are both sacred bodies of knowledge revealing the connection between humans and the dwellings they inhabit. In vastu shastra, as well as in feng shui, the focus is on human's well-being, which can only be achieved when we are in harmony with nature and the flow of Universal energy.
3. Both is based on diagram/maps with 9 compartment each representing 8 cardinal direction and the central point. Vastu Purusha for Vastu shastra and Baghua Map for Feng Shui.
4. In Vastu, each compartment of the diagram is represented by cardinal direction where as in Feng Shui, each compartment in the map represents areas of life such as Helpful People/ guests (North West), Children and Creativity (West), Love and Relationships (South West), Fame and Reputation (South), Wealth and Prosperity (South East), Family & Health (East), Knowledge and Self-Cultivation (North East) , and Career (North).
5. The center of the home is of utmost importance in both Vastu as well as feng shui. It's called the yin-yang point in Feng Shui from which all other bagua energies originate from. And it's called "Brahma sthana" in Vastu shastra. The center should always be kept clean and happy, with good, fresh energy. 6. The design of the front door is very important in both feng shui and vastu shastra, as it is through the main door that the dwelling absorbs most of its Universal energy nourishment.
7. No matter which culture you look at, the kitchen always very important part in the overall design of a home. Whether in Vastu or in feng shui, the state of your kitchen is directly related to the state your health, wealth and happiness. It is important to know how to create good energy in your kitchen, as well as how to sustain it at all times. Vastu as well as Feng shui advises against having a bathroom above or adjacent to your kitchen, or a bathroom door facing your kitchen. It is also undesirable to see the kitchen as soon as you enter the home. Best colors for the kitchen would depend on its direction, but generally warm, clean colors will create best energy in your kitchen.
8. Both these ancient wisdoms are based on the harmony of 5 elements, though they aren't the same. Vastu shastra considers "Five basic elements - Panch Mahabhoota" where as in Feng shui, each compartment of baghua map represented it's element.
9. Your bedroom is one of the most important rooms in the house, no doubt about it. Bedroom is ideally positioned in the South-west direction and bed positioning is very important for in both Vastu & feng shui. Bedroom elements like doors, windows, art and decor are always taken into consideration when creating a good bedroom, and items such as an aquarium or a mirror facing a bed are best avoided.
10. North East is considered to be the most auspicious direction and is linked to activities related to knowledge, self-cultivation and spirituality.
