Vastu Shastra: Home improvement

Eating chocolate makes you happy. Or so modern science would have us believe. But the ancient Indian science of vastu shastra differs.

"Be observant. Live in the moment and your woes will be behind you," said vastu consultant Dr Somesh K. Sharma, who was in town recently to dispense his expertise. "Many people believe that you have to break down walls or redo portions of your house to attract positive energy. But that’s not true. A few simple adjustments will do the trick."

No religious link

Being a science which has its roots in India, does it mean it has Vedic or Hindu connections? "No. Vastu is not linked to any religion. It’s based on the five natural elements – water, earth, fire, air and space – which harness the positive energies of the universe."

Many people assume that vastu shastra and feng shui are the same. "Both are beneficial, but their principles are different. Feng shui uses symbols while we use elements."

And what does vastu hold for Dubai? "The city is surrounded by water which is a good thing because water brings in positive energy and helps growth.

"In about three to five years there will be even more growth in the realty business.

"This will attract more people to the city."

Health benefits

So how does vastu benefit the common man? "Monetary benefits is only one of the many positive aspects of vastu. Not just the home, the science can even bring about improvement in your health by making your food more nutritious."

Dr Sharma’s job isn’t just confined to selecting a location for a new home or business.

His expertise is routinely used by corporates such as TV channels Star News and Aaj Tak.

Bringing harmony

"Vastu brings harmony which is important for establishments with huge staff," he said.

The vastu expert is also consulted on the location and timings of major events. His advice was sought during the Indian International Film Academy awards (IIFA) in Bangkok. He also helped out with the Atif Aslam concert in the UK earlier this year. Recently Dr Sharma did a feature on vastu on BBC radio but now he’s planning a TV show titled Way of Life, which will be aired on MATV in the UK.

Tips for better living

• Do use a compass to determine the correct polarity of the Earth’s magnetic field.
• Use mirrors to repel negative energy. For health benefits, put one in your dining area towards the east.
• Shoes should always be placed in a rack near the entrance or in the corridor.
• Face east when cooking; it enhances the nutritional value of food.
• Your head should be towards the south when sleeping and never towards the north as it inhibits the flow of blood.
• Money should ideally be kept in a safe or a separate drawer in a cupboard opening to the north or east.
• North-east is the best direction for studies. Kids should always face east while studying.
• A bathroom in the north-east is not good. To neutralise the ill effects put rock salt in a bowl and place a crystal on top.
• Place crystals in various corners of the house to attract positive energy.
• Place a globe on your right at your work desk. This helps you communicate better with people from around the world.
• It’s auspicious to own property with water on its north or north-eastern borders. The main door should face east.