The Vaastu tradition works on the fundamental premise that the earth or soil is a living organism, out of which other living creatures and organic forms emerge. The life force contained within the earth is called vastu by the tradition. All objects that occupy the earth are also like the life force, placed on a plane. This plane is called Vaastu. The earth is both a vastu and a Vaastu since it is a substance as well as a support. Vaastu is also explained as the living space (vas means 'to be' or 'to live').

The life energy is known as vaastu purusha. The human organism contains an energy that is known as the ivatman. The energy that lies in its unmanifested state in all universal space is known as paramatman. This name denotes the live energy residing in every particle of universal space.

Space, Time and Energy are traditionally perceived as existing in their free, unlimited state. The disciplining of these three absolutes has been carried out through the application of rhythm and order.

The Vaastu Shastras have not only devised an order pertaining to the creation of manifested space, but have also ascertained a definitive link between time cycles and the life of a person. Both the inner and the outer states of being have been taken into consideration in all aspects of human existence, be it with regard to the placing of a dwelling, an image, or the size and position of any object within the matrix of the human society.

Ten Commandments Of Vaastu

These fundamental principles apply to all buildings, public and residential.

• Locate the building in such a way in the plot that there is open space on all sides. There should be more space on the North and East than South.

• The building should be higher on the South and West and the overhead water tank can also be placed in South or West.

• In multi-storied buildings, the terrace should be towards the North or East. Similarly, balconies and verandas should be in the North or East. The level of the veranda roof should be lower than the normal roof level.

• The compound walls of South and West should be thicker and higher than North and East.

• The gate should be in the North-east direction, if the road is either North or East. In a South-facing house, the gate should be in the South or South-East not South-West.

• Outhouses and car garages should be built in the South-east or North-west and they should not touch the west or east walls of the house. Also, their height should be lower than the main house. Septic tanks can also be placed in the same direction. If a water tank is to be placed in the North-east, it must also be below ground level.

• The master bedroom should be in the South-west of the house. The staircase should also be in the South-west because of its' weight and height.

• The kitchen should be in the South-east.

• The bathroom should be in the East, if this is not convenient, try South-east or North-west.

• The number of doors and windows should be odd and not even.