Customer Reviews

Vastu Living: Creating a Home for the Soul

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

While I enjoyed reading this book, I feel it suffered from several deep flaws. The author apparently loves India and is fascinated by it, but seems to have conducted research by following her nose rather than vigorous investigation. Her introduction implies that the bulk of the book is based on conversations with one or two people whom her friends told her were knowledgable. Unfortunately, the statements she makes about Vastu guidelines and even Ayurvedic medicine guidelines (which she spends a chapter on) are inconsistent with other books on the subject, and I can only conclude that this is due to her ad-hoc investigative work. A comment she made about Western science might work for illustrative purposes here: at one point she states that "all scientists accept that the world is made of five basic substances--earth, air, fire, water, and spirit." Clearly her 'insight' into Western science is flawed, as scientists disavowed that notion long ago, and my impression from comparing this book to more authoritative sources on Vastu, Ayurveda, and Yoga, is that her research into those subjects is just as "off." (Vastu and Ayurveda propose that earth, air, fire, water and spirit are key substances, but that's certainly not the position of Western studies.)

Despite those flaws, it was an enjoyable read and I found myself looking forward to the final chapter titled "Appeasing the Gods - Appeasing Your Soul" which she said would give us tips for restoring balance, even when you've committed a cardinal Vastu sin, such as having a kitchen in the southwest corner of your house. Unfortunately, this chapter consisted of two parts. The first, which said to simply "choose an appropriate color" to remedy the problem, listed the colors of the rainbow without indicating which to use when, other than a "choose what feels good to you" approach (in which case the book is completely irrelevant--if that's what you're going to do anyway, there's no point in reading the book). The rest of the chapter was acceptable from certain points of view--she talks about the Indian gods and how to make an offering to them in order to balance the energies--and while that is appropriate for certain people, I personally do not want to make offerings to a god who committed incest with his daughter (according to the author). While I understand some people's inclination to do so, he is not part of my personal spirituality, and I feel that her book presented no other options than to make offerings to placate these gods who are not mine, or simply "pick a nice color that makes you feel good."

If you're planning to build a new house, this book is probably as helpful for you as most others (unless you're bothered by the fact that most experts in other books disagree with her), and if you're into the Hindu religion, I think it could be quite helpful for you. But if you're looking for a way to bring peace into your not-ready-for-a-complete-remodel house without worshipping Hindu gods, I'd recommend you look elsewhere.

Ms Kathleen Cox has done a commendable task of stringing the pearls of wisdom related to Vastu, Vedas, Yoga, Ayurveda into a beautifully strung necklace. The book will enhance your understanding of Vastu and if applied, make life peaceful and profitable.

This is one book that I have read on Vastu that presents Vastu as an Indian art of space management rather compare it to any other similar art. A very well researched effort and written in a lucid manner. It lays the foundation and then build upon it. Also, it provides solutions when you cannot adhere to the recommendations as does happen in real life.

Kathleen - Thanks for putting the book together.

I bought this after watching an interview with Kathleen M. Cox. Found this book simple to follow and practical. Also highly recomended for those who always wonder in the scientific reason behind certain things. I highly recommend to all.

Kathleen has explained the principles of Vaasthu in a simple and lucid manner. I have been reading a lot about the Vaasthu Shastra (An ancient science of living in your space). I'm happy to see that finally Vaasthu is getting some attention in the west. A lot of people know about Feng Shui but few know about its origination and its link to Vaasthu. This book is surely a must read for any westerner interested in living as per the Vaasthu principles and other people involved the construction business.

Detailed, meticulous and very educational. Concepts regarding Vastu is applied in general as well. Finally Vastu is getting some recognition. I can't wait for more!

I bought this after watching an interview with Kathleen M. Cox. Found this book simple to follow and practical. Also highly recomended for those who always wonder in the scientific reason behind certain things. I highly recommend to all.

...I could almost say "poetic " and usefull. Better than the rest!Well written and simply explained