Vaastu Shastra
- the science of structure.
Vaastu is more than a myth. It is a traditional theory of architecture outlining guidelines for building design. The traditional practitioners of Vaastu were called 'Vaastu Shastris' whose area of knowledge extended from philosophy to astronomy. The theory of Vaastu is permanent and not bound by any time barrier. It suggests ways in which we can live in tune with the laws of nature.

Feng Shui
- the art of creating wealth, prosperity and harmony.
Feng Shui (pronounced "fong shway") is a 3,000-year-old Chinese philosophy and art. Based on the laws of nature, its theories offer us a way of understanding the relationship between humans and their environment: its about how everything is connected and affects our well-being. "Chi" (pronounced `CHEE' or `Qi') is the cosmic energy which moves around us all the time. Like both wind and water, the energy is also subjected to blockage. Feng Shui (pronounced Fung Shway), meaning wind and water (in Chinese), involves arranging the interiors and exteriors of the house in such a way that "Chi" has a harmonious flow. "Chi" is similar to what is known in Hinduism as "Prana" or "Shakthi." 

How do both these systems help us ?
 At the basic level, both deal with the flow of energy, positioning of rooms, doors and windows. Vaasthu speaks of air, ether, water, earth and cosmos. Feng Shui talks of water, wood, fire, earth and metal. 

Feng Shui and Vaasthu bring harmony to place of dwelling and helps throw out the negative energy from the area.

Why Feng Shui, since we already have our own "Vaasthu," some may ask. 
Experts say that the latter focuses on the flow of magnetic lines of forces and orienting structures in accordance with the flow. It has semblance to the principles of quantum physics, emphasizing that "everything vibrates & pulsates." 

The elements of Feng Shui can be related to the buildings we live in. 

Water in toilet and kitchen, wood in doors, windows and furniture, fire in the kitchen, earth in cement, bricks and flooring materials and metals in grills. Surendran explains that because each has a specific wavelength and field, adding or removing a few things in the home ensures a balance of energy flow and level. 

Feng Shui can also be used to neutralize negative energies without demolishing the house. 

"Culturally, Feng Shui and Vaasthu originate from different backgrounds but both follow the laws of nature and share common elements. 

Both have the primary objective of harmonizing the place of dwelling.

Feng Shui can be adapted in fashion designing, corporate stationary, logos, dance studios, marriage halls and so on. A misconception about Feng Shui is that its use is confined to the rich. However, it really does not cost anything to follow some basic rules like keeping the space clutter-free, organizing the interiors and the space in a living room, adding the right colors to the décor etc. 

Feng-Shui is a tool to fine-tune your home and make it vibrant, with the occupants generating a feeling of contentment and harmony to bring out the best in every individual and make them "think better, work better and live better." 

Satyan