by Ruth Diab Lederer
The science of Vedic architecture (Vaastu) is a rich tradition that has helped create beautiful, life-affirming and harmonizing structures throughout the world for centuries. In our times, the late Sri Ganpathi Sthapati was the primary source of this tradition and is the nationally-recognized Sthapati, or Vaastu expert. If you are seeking to learn more about the benefits of Vaastu, these resources are excellent starting points for beginning a personal exploration into this ancient architectural science.
Books
“The Fabric of the Universe” by Jessie Mercay $19.95, available as a PDF by email, aumcourses@aumscience.com.
The most comprehensive introduction to the philosophy of Vaastu, this book reveals the core concepts on which the the system was conceived. These include the idea that space is consciousness and that the material world is a function of time and energy. They are key to knowing how Vaastu can be used to improve our lives.
“Vastu Architecture: Design Theory and Application for Everyday Life” by Michael Borden $34.99, amazon.com
Borden’s experience as an architect is evident in the design and approachability in this treasure of a book. He provides a number of architecturalplans with a variety of options and does a thorough job of introducing the design options within the Vaastu system. He also recommends professional advice before building. While the execution of a Vaastu design is simple— alignment to true north, constructed with precision and used as designed (i.e. cooking in the kitchen, sleeping in the bedrooms, etc.)—the details of choosing the size of the structure to build, selecting the best site for the structure and refining the interior design—truly define Vaastu.
Workshops
The Cornerstone Series in Mayonic Science and Technology
An in-depth study of the secrets behind Vastu Science, Building Architecture of Sthapatya Veda, Traditional Indian and Sacred World Architecture, aumscience.com.
Jessie Mercay offers the most comprehensive Vaastu workshop through the American University of Mayonic Science and Technology, the foremost center for Vaastu study in the Americas. Taught at the university’s campus in Patagonia, Arizona, students are able to study, rest and meditate in pure Vaastu structures during the in-residence session. The workshop is offered every summer and may be taken as a two-week or five-week in-residence class. Either prepares a student to pursue the two-year formal certification program that culminates in becoming a Certified Architect, Builder or Consultant, based on the student’s background. Students read and discuss classical Vaastu literature, create Vaastu design projects and take a university-guided tour of significant architecture in India.
Websites
Michael Borden, principal of Vastu Vedic Design, offers an overview of the design topics of Vaastu, a variety of plans, as well as a gallery of beautifully designed residential and commercial projects.
Borden is a practicing architect whose portfolio contains a variety of Vaastu structures, with projects around the world. He is on the board of the American University of Mayonic Science and Technology.
Attractions
Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago
10915 Lemont Rd, Lemont, Illinois.
Phone: 630-972-0300, htgc.org
After years of planning, the Hindu community engaged Sri Ganpathi Sthapati, the nationallyrecognized Vaastu expert and primary source of this tradition, to design and supervise the construction of their temple, which was completed in summer 1986. The campus includes three temples and a meditation center.
Tours are available for groups of five or more by reservation.
Sri Somesvara Temple
95 Mount Soma Blvd, Clyde, North Carolina.
Phone: 828-476-4073, srisomesvara.org
Conceived by author and spiritual teacher Michael Mamas, the Mount Soma community is intended to promote enlightenment in the world. Set on 360 acres, the development opened in summer 2011 and will ultimately contain a university, a business center and a wellness center.
Vaastu concepts are used in all buildings. Tours are available by reservation.
Ruth Diab Lederer is the principal of Vaastu Partners LLC. Contact her at ruth@vaastupartners.com for more information about Vaastu.
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