Vastu Living: Creating a Home for the Soul [Paperback]

Kathleen Cox (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 3, 2000

Feng shui, the ancient Chinese art and science of finding harmony with nature, has become widely adopted in the West. Like Buddhism, which migrated from India eastward, feng shui is recognized by Eastern scholars as having originated not in China but in India, where it is referred to as Vastu Shastra, or the science of architecture. In Vastu Living, Kathleen Cox introduces readers to the art, science, and practice of vastu. Cox explains vastu's origins in the Vedas, its relationship to the Hindu gods, its principles and guidelines, and its traditional uses. Vastu Living shows readers how to practice vastu at home and in the workplace--from understanding its teachings on room layout and furniture placement to bringing the divine into every dimension of one's environment.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Much like the Chinese feng shui, Indian vastu is an ancient practice of spiritual philosophy and science. By analyzing the orientation of your home and placing your furnishings in an arrangement that best fits your constitution, you can introduce more harmony and tranquility to your life. Vastu Living is designed to help you discover which primary element you most identify with (fire, air, earth, or water) and to create a living or working space that will both inspire and calm you. Author Kathleen Cox, a longtime proponent of vastu and an expert on Indian culture, says "an orderly and harmonious space leads to an orderly and harmonious inner life, which is so necessary for the good health of the body, mind, and soul--and by extension, of everything that exists around us."

In the first half of the book, Cox explains the key concepts of vastu, including descriptions of Indian deities, the elements from which the universe was created, and the positive and negative forces that are in everyone's lives. "Unless our home is conducive to inward thinking," Cox says, "we can never really find an everlasting inner peace." The second half of the book tackles the practicalities of applying vastu to your home and office. Diagrams are included to help you map your space and to consider how to rearrange your furniture (or even swap entire rooms) for an optimal flow of energy and a content soul. Cox quietly and convincingly champions this blend of spirituality and efficiency. Well written and thoughtful, Vastu Living is an excellent introduction to millenniums-old Indian wisdom. --Dana Van Nest

From Library Journal

Vastu, based on the Hindu Veda texts, is the ancient Hindu system for "organizing the spaces in which we live and work for optimum harmony"Da system from which Feng Shui is often said to derive. The book is divided into two parts, with the first part explaining the principles that make up Vastu and the second describing how to incorporate its principles to create a harmonious environment in the home or office. Purchase if there is an interest in a holistic, spiritual approach to interior design.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (July 3, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569246440
• ISBN-13: 978-1569246443
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #547,065 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally someone understands the essence of Vastu, November 15, 2002

By 

Rahul S. (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vastu Living: Creating a Home for the Soul (Paperback)

I've taught Vedic texts in the West for many years. The author presents a cogent, wise, and clearly stated introduction not only to vastu but to the Vedic holistic philosophy. I actually include the title in my students reading list. The author's update of vastu, connecting it to ayurveda, is a wise decision and makes good sense. Vastu is connected to all the other Vedic disciplines and practicing yoga, ayurveda and now vastu can enhance the quality of one's life. I've read many of the new books on vastu, but the author's understanding of this subject is refreshing and true to its Vedic source. I look forward to reading the author's new release.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Introduction to Vastu Shastra (Vedic Feng Shui), July 12, 2000

By 

Niomi (San Diego) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vastu Living: Creating a Home for the Soul (Paperback)

Finally someone with a good knowledge base has written an introductory book for Western readers on Vastu Shastra! Thank you, Kathleen, for writing this very helpful book. The information is very useful in creating more harmonious living and working environments. It is also a wonderful companion to studies in Yoga, Ayurveda and Vedic Astrology.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A sophisticated meaningful update of vastu, November 15, 2002

By 

Rahul Srivastava (Austin, Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vastu Living: Creating a Home for the Soul (Paperback)

I've taught the Vedic texts in the West for nearly 15 years. The author's understanding of the Vedic philosophy is wise, clearly stated, and valuable. I actually have my students read the book to get a good grounding in this Eastern system of belief. The author has also presented a worthy update of vastu that appropriately connects the discipline to yoga and ayurveda. The update also shows the true value of vastu and is the only book on the subject that I have read that treats vastu seriously--as a means to increasing your spiritual, physical, and mental health. This is the essence of vastu. I am looking forward to reading the author's latest book on the subject.