Difference between Vastu Shastra and FENG SHUI?

Posted on 13/06/2013 I by: Astro Saathi

Vastu and Feng shui, both the ancient arts allows following some basic principles in order to live in harmony and to maintain stability. Vastu is thus older than Feng shui and the basic theory of this ancient Indian philosophy is art of placement.Vastu not only uses the energies but also unifies modern science such as astrology and astronomy while Feng shui is all about balancing the energies to live in harmony.  

Vastu is one of the most ancient sciences of architecture and is composed of specific rules, regulations and directions, set down by sages of the Vedic times. Vastu shastra considers a house to be a living soul, having prana. The word “Vastu” came from Vastu – represent anything existing e.g. house, building etc. Shastra in Sanskrit means Systems or Knowledge.

On the other hand, Feng Shui is an ancient art of Chinese art who gives idea of living in harmony with environment to lead lives of contentment and happiness. In Chinese language “Feng” means “wind” and “Shui” means “water”, implying thereby that the technique involves balancing of the cosmic element water & the cosmic quality “wind” in a system to achieve harmony with the cosmic forces.

It can also be said that Vastu Shastra is based on science while Feng Shui is based on geographical and traditional considerations. Both consist of five elements while Feng Shui has wood and metal instead of space and air. Vastu is more beneficial for people as it brings balance between man and nature by rectifying the geographical errors; Feng Shui propagates the idea of living in tune with environment to bring fortune and success.

Feng Shui is a known science incorporating astronomy, geography and balancing the positive flowing energy in a house to bring fortune. Vastu itself means ‘abode’ and Shastra refers to technique, both combines to form the technique of constructing an abode for proper functioning of way of life.Feng Shui balance positive energy known as yin and yang in a building, Vastu gives the modern scientific ways by imparting definite direction to everything so as to bring happiness, prosperity and success in all spheres of life.