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sense of wholeness to the principle that we must respect and preserve all creation. As with the links in a mesh chain, let one link break and the chain breaks. When the chain breaks, we all suffer as a result.
Historically, the practice of vastu showed a profound and unlimited respect for all matter. If timber was required in the construction of a building, each chosen tree was sanctified. Creatures inhabiting a tree were entreated to leave so that no harm would come to them. The ax was washed before it was used. A text on vastu even describes an ancient rule that each fallen tree should be sheltered for six months so that it could heal from its wounds. Only then could the tree be used for construction. Stones themselves and any life form that were disturbed in the removal of stones received the same respect, reverence, and careful handling.5
The Vedic philosophy and vastu hold that every form within the universe is nothing less than a manifestation of the different aspects of the Supreme Creator. Our respect and reverence for everything that exists is reinforced by our acknowledgment that the essence of all matter is connected to the Supreme Creative Force.
It follows, then, that not only should we respect our environment and revere the beauty in its creation, but we should also respect ourselves and treat the outer body and the inner self with care and kindness. Our soul, or atma, is no exception. It is important to understand that the goal of seeking inner peace, even while we are going through our cycle of existence, is to recognize the true self so that it can merge with That.
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The Essence of Everything Is Part of That
And how does this fourth beliefthat the essence of everything is part of Thatrelate to vastu? Vastu's primary objective in the creation of buildings intended for our personal use (as opposed to the creation of temples that
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5 Dr. Balagopal T. S. Prahbu and Dr. A. Achyuthan, Vatavidyapravesi: A Textbook of Vastuvidya (Calicut: Vastuvidyapratisthanam, 1996).

 
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