Vaastu Shastra – How Are You Living?
I’ve mentioned in previous issues that our environment directly influences up to 1/3 of the luck and opportunities that come our way. However, our destiny and fortune are affected by factors other than our homes – our destiny and our own actions also play a role in what we attract in our lives.
That’s why how we live in a home is just as important as the home we live in which is why Vaastu Shastra (Indian Feng Shui) gives us guidelines for living a life of balance. Vaastu means “abode” and Shastra means “knowledge.” Vaastu comes from the same vedic wisdom as yoga, meditation, and ayurveda.
If our heaven luck or destiny is against our favor or we’re experiencing bad karma, then we need to use our man luck and the virtues within us to minimize the impact. The things we do today contribute to our destiny tomorrow. Vaastu advises us of 10 daily observances for creating good karma and leading a positive life; as you sow so shall you reap
1. Non-violence through compassion (Ahimsa) This means abstaining from causing any pain or harm whatsoever to any living creature, either by thought, word, or deed. Non-injury requires a harmless mind, mouth, and hand.
2. Honesty and truthfulness (Satya) To always speak the truth even though it may be unpalatable. The old adage “the truth shall set you free” is universally applicable to all and unchangeable.
3. Non-stealing (Astheya) We should never encroach upon another person’s property or possessions.
4. Control of the senses (Brahmacarya) Keep focus on your goal and path by being fixed in your higher self recognizing that the lower urges and outside influences are not in your long term best interest. These two forces simply tantalize us with promises of a quick fix but ultimately leave us feeling empty, frustrated and waste our minutes, days and years.
5. Selflessness (Aparigraha) According to Websters, selflessness means having little or no concern for oneself, especially with regard to fame, position or money. It’s easy then to think, who’s going to look out for me but when you give you actually receive so much more.
6. Cleanliness (Sauca) This means we should be clean both internally and externally. Our mind, heart, intelligence, body, clothes, home, place of work, place of worship, and even our personal and business dealings – all should be clean. “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” may be a homely proverb but it has deep wisdom for those interested in spiritual life.
7. Contentment with what you have been given (Santosha) The mind is always hankering and lamenting for our objects of desire. The way to remain satisfied and peaceful is to practice gratitude in every aspect of our life and to constantly think of the welfare of others. (Whenever you find yourself complaining, thinking your cup to be only half empty, take a moment to pause and count your blessings and you will find that “your cup runneth over”.)
8. Austerity (Tapas) Sometimes we have to enforce self-restraint or undergo some type of strict discipline to achieve a higher goal of happiness. In order to win a gold medal, you have to put in the practice.
9. Study of Spiritual Truths (Swadhyaya) The ancient texts emphatically urge that the human race use their intelligence to distinguish spirit from matter, ie. the eternal from the temporary.
10. Surrender to the will of the divine (Ishwara pranidhana) Knowing that there is a loving higher power or divine force that exists, frees you from the weight of life’s burden. Realize that we are not the ultimate controllers of our situation and although an event may seem like a setback now, ultimately it is for our benefit. An example is that diamonds are formed under great pressure that makes a worthless piece of carbon into a most valuable gem. The trick is to receive the lesson in that way and understand that in the greater scheme of life, everything is as it should be. Don’t worry, if you’re having problems with this one – it takes lifetimes to surrender and get this right.
We all have such busy lives, it can be overwhelming to think of adding even one new “to do” to our schedule. But far from adding to your stress, following or even simply being mindful of these 10 daily observances can fill you with peace even on the most chaotic or challenging day. Using these observances to keep your life in balance is like depositing great sums into your spiritual bank account. Peace attracts more peace, contentment attracts more contentment, compassion attracts more compassion: you truly can transform every day into a sacred day – a holy day! And as you do, you create an internal energy — “man luck” — that is so powerfully positive it can defuse even bad “heaven luck” or karma.
This holiday, invite peace and compassion into your heart. Combine this with harmonious “earth luck” and you – and everyone you invite into your home – can enjoy a surge of energy that helps attract prosperity all year long.
(c) 2012 Rupal Mehta Turner
About the author: Feng Shui and Vaastu Expert Rupal Mehta Turner publishes “The Prosperity Report,” a biweekly ezine that reveals Feng Shui and Vaastu secrets for a thriving business and personal life. If you’re ready to improve your finances, health and relationships by using the forces in your environment, get your FR*EE tips now at http://www.ClassicalFengshui.com. You can also sign up for your FR*EE “How Are You Living?” Report at www.tinyurl.com/infiniteabundance
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