< previous page page_51 next page >

Page 51
Since many of the vulnerable points, or marmas, of the vastu purusha are inside or near the Brahmasthana, try to keep this part of the building open or at least restrict construction to a minimum in this area. An open center reduces the possibility of hurting the cosmic spirit and also permits the free flow of spiritual vibrations throughout the entire building. The principle of an open center or Brahmasthana should also be mirrored in each room so that the spiritual energies can collect and radiate out vibrations into each individual space as well, thereby creating the same beneficial effect.

IF AN ELEMENT is introduced into a space belonging to another element, and there is no reasonable way to undo the problem, the harmony between the two elements will be disturbed. For example, water may be dominant in a space belonging to fire. Often this is unavoidable. (We rarely have the option of changing the location of our kitchen or bathroom, for instance, unless we are designing our homes from scratch.) To restore the harmony between the two elements, you can make an appeasement: introduce a calming deity, a symbol of the deity, or a prescribed combination of colors to restore the harmony. This, in turn, shows respect to the trespassing element and to the element that presides over the violated space.
The Cardinal Directions
The cardinal directionsnorth, south, east, westalso play an important role in vastu and are factored into the construction and interior design of all buildings. The cardinal directions and their significance reveal the importance of balance, not just in the physical world but in the world of moral order. Good and bad. Light and dark. Sunrise and sunset. Enlightenment and ignorance.
Countless dualities exist in our world and their presence serves an important purpose. To understand this, think about how we would appreciate the joy of light without experiencing darkness? How would we respect enlightenment without knowing the frustration of ignorance? We compare sweet

 
< previous page page_51 next page >