Significance of Vastu
Synonyms: Feng shui, Architecture, Spatial design, Layout, Environment, Arrangement, Geomancy, Spatial arrangement, Energy flow
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Vastu'
In Buddhism, Vastu, linked with Tathata and Arya, is a significant ontological term describing Citta. It is sometimes used synonymously with Tathata, representing ultimate reality.
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) Vastu denotes an entity, and the absence of a vastu of suffering is highlighted when explaining suffering as emptiness.[1]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Vastu refers to existent things or phenomena that are visible through the divine eye of a worldly person, but not their karmic origins.[2] (2) Vastu refers to three things that inevitably bring retribution: generosity, morality, and meditation.[3]
From: Lankavatara Sutra
(1) Vastu is found coupled with Tathata and Arya, being the most significant ontological term used to describe Citta, sometimes synonymously used with Tathata.[4]
Hindu concept of 'Vastu'
Vastu in Hinduism encompasses various interpretations, including architecture, the essence of music, the physical components of spaces, and the spiritual presiding spirit of locations, all highlighting the harmony between structure and environment.
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) This refers to architecture, an important aspect of ancient Indian texts, with vast knowledge of sculpture, iconography and painting, requiring more than a casual reference to fully understand.[5] (2) Vastu is identified as the planned site of a building, primarily square in shape, which is considered the fundamental form of Hindu architecture according to the provided information.[6] (3) The essence of planning within architecture, an important concept in understanding the integration of human and cosmic elements.[7] (4) A term encompassing the science and practice of architecture as expounded in the Mayamata, which includes multiple elements like Bhumi, Prasada, Yana, and Shayana.[8] (5) The central location in a dwelling site that holds particular ritual importance in the context of architecture.[9]
From: Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
(1) Whatever is planned, made, measured or constructed.[10]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Vastu denotes a substance or entity, and it is employed to refer to the pure, spiritual, conscious reality which is identified as Brahman.[11] (2) It refers to the transcendental object, specifically related to the influence of chanting the mantra, according to the provided text.[12] (3) to the substantial item[13]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) Vastu refers to the pure identity of a living entity when one becomes established in the mood of prema and eternal service to Shri Krishna, leading to entry into His spiritual abode.[14]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) It is a section or part of a musical composition that ends in specific notes.[15] (2) This is the subject matter, which is translated into a dance, and it is also used in songs and the Chandaka songs.[16] (3) The different forms or components in the composition of songs which can affect their classification.[17]
From: Bhesajjakkhandhaka (Chapter on Medicine)
(1) Vastu is an alternative name for the Skandhaka, which is recognized as one of the two major components present in all of the currently existing Vinaya Pitakas, detailing rules beyond the basic set.[18] (2) This term is used by the Mulasarvastivada Vinaya to cover sections equivalent to the Khandhaka/Skandhaka in other Vinayas.[19]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Vastu refers to the sacrificial site where a god was left behind, and it also signifies a remainder or a part of the sacrifice left after oblations have been made.[20]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) Refers to the house or dwelling constructed for the purpose of conducting Shraddha rituals.[21]
From: Kautilya Arthashastra
(1) Refers to houses, fields, gardens, buildings, lakes, and tanks.[22]
Jain concept of 'Vastu'
In Jainism, Vastu relates to dwellings and residences. It is one of the few things in Jain philosophy for which limitations can be exceeded.
From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)
(1) This is habitation or place of residence, one of the items for which limits can be exceeded.[23]
The concept of Vastu in local and regional sources
Vastu, in ancient texts, broadly encompasses engineering and town planning practices, according to regional sources. It's not just about architecture but also holistic design.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) It is a subject that peeps in at every point, along with Silpa, flora, fauna, and others.[24] (2) This word was employed in a broader context to include Engineering and Town planning practices in ancient texts.[25]