Vastu, which means “science of space” in Sanskrit, is a sister science to Yoga, Jyotish and Ayurveda, and is the precursor to Feng Shui. The ancient Shastras are the books of rules of the Vedic sciences and the Vastu Shatra is the text that explains the principles of design, layout and spatial arrangement. Vastu integrates architecture with Nature for temples as well as homes and public areas. The notion is that peace and prosperity are established in a dwelling that is in alignment with solar and geomagnetic forces. The Vastu Purusha Mandala (a grid of 81 squares) is the architectural blueprint that synthesizes the effects of the directions, the planets, the five elements and the chakras for the most auspicious results.

Here are some basic tips that most people can employ in their living spaces:

1. All doors should open inward

2. Sleep with the headboard to the South, several inches away from the wall.

3. Remove clutter from under the bed.

4. The center of the home should be clear and open.

5. The meditation area should be in the Northeast section of the home.

Major structural (and therefore unrealistic) changes to the home might be needed to follow more of the many guidelines.

It is interesting to note that the main axis of the mandala runs upper right to lower left. This is the same orientation of the Gemini/Sagittarius axis in an astrological chart that runs through the plane of the galaxy. The chakras of the human body are presented in a fashion that follows this axis as well. Other aspects of the blueprint account for the planets and elements. The Vedic sciences, Vastu, Jyotish and Ayurveda, are sisters indeed.

As a culture, we are obsessed with looking young.  We dye our hair, whiten our teeth, use botox, have surgeries!  – all attempts to hide the signs of our encroaching age.  However, what we are truly seeking is not to look younger, but to feel younger.   We want to be vibrant and healthy, strong and confident,  vigorous and purposeful.  These states, yoga and Ayurveda say, are our birthright.  Our bodies and minds are capable of youthful resilience at every age.

Ayurveda, the sister-science to yoga and the traditional medical system of India, insists we  can retain our vigor if we are willing to pay attention to the way we live.  As we age, we can get stuck in old, unhealthy habits, that cause us to accumulate toxins, and sap our energy.  In this state, it is easy to surrender to the societal belief that “withering with age” is inevitable.  But Ayurveda doesn’t accept this verdict.  Instead, it recommends that we rejuvenate ourselves by dropping the habits that siphon off our energy in favor of habits that support the body’s natural intelligence and healing capacity.  Perhaps we stop overstimulating ourselves with caffeine and electronic media (constantly!).  Perhaps we take more seriously our nutrition and exercise requirements.

Modern medicine is beginning to see the value in Ayurveda’s approach.  There is mounting evidence that diet, lifestyle, sleep and stress reduction are our fountains of youth!   These basics help keep our nervous and endocrine (hormone) systems in balance, which then support the rest of our systems in staying healthy.   Science is also studying the importance of our microbiome and digestive capacity – and its far-reaching effects on every other system, including our minds.   Dementia is an epidemic – but studies are showing that mild cognitive impairment can be reversed with a lifestyle approach that includes daily relaxation/yoga practices, whole foods diet, and regular aerobic exercise – and in some cases, some basic supplements as needed (Vitamin D, turmeric, CoQ10, anti-oxidants, probiotics).  [https://www.alzheimersweekly.com/2014/10/25-ways-to-mend-memory.html]

Modern medicine agrees with Yoga and Ayurveda about another approach to well-being: meditation. Multiple scientific studies show that meditation is good for our brains and our peace of mind (yay!) – but science tends to sidestep the why of that.  Ayurveda and Yoga are more able to address the spiritual effects of meditation, and how it helps us connect to a deeper dimension of our selves.   They tell us that awareness of this part – our true nature – taps us into an immense, inexhaustible  well of energy, vibrancy, intuitive wisdom, and joy.  The catch is that it takes determination  – and regular practice! – to establish and maintain that connection.  But over time, with consistency, the fruits of our practice become more and more evident.  We become clear, purposeful, compassionate, vibrant and joyful.  Even post-retirement!

The external world makes demands on our energy and time.  And it is easy to keep our vision focused outward – and spend all our energy there.   But ultimately, the internal world gives us more return on our investment.   It is there, at the core of our being that we abide—ageless, limitless, and eternally vital.  If this is to be an experience rather than an act of faith, we must turn our attention inward and meet ourselves there at the center of all that is. That is the purpose of life and the gift of meditation.

The dualistic theory of creation or causation is called Sankhya Philosophy and it appears in texts as ancient as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. Its founder was the sage Kapila who is considered by scholars to be older than Buddha. It is also the theory of creation recognized by both Yoga and Ayurveda.

Sankhya means “empirical” or “number.” It explains creation in a manner where the implicit becomes explicit and where there exists neither production nor destruction. All of creation stems from the two facets of Sankhya: Purusha and Prakriti. Purusha is pure consciousness, the soul, Self, or knower. It is not substance, rather essence, beyond time and activity. Prakriti is matter and Nature. It is the power of manifestation in all objects and holds all three Gunas in equilibrium.

Modern science affirms Sankhya Philosophy. The First Law of Thermodynamics states that energy can be transformed, but neither created nor destroyed. Einstein’s equation E=mc² explains that matter and energy are interchangeable. Energy is stored in matter and matter can be converted to energy. The constant speed of light (3 x 108 m/s) is the factor c. Moreover, the dualism of the Particle-Wave Theory holds that light behaves like a wave and a particle at the same time.

In short, both the ancient philosophy and modern science contend that there is no difference between the energy that grows a walnut and the walnut itself. All of existence is two things at once.

The Wood Gatherer by Jules Bastian LePage

Our investigation of the four Purusharthas, or aims of life in the Vedic tradition, concludes with Moksha, which means release, liberation or self-realization. The harmonious interactions of the first three aims, Dharma, Artha and Kama, are the essential steps that lead to Moksha. Moksha is the inner realization that the individual is the same as the Higher Self that dwells in all. The balanced expression of the four Purusharthas creates a deep fulfillment of purpose for any individual lifetime.

Paramhansa Yogananda taught that, “You must long for freedom as the drowning man longs for air.” But freedom from what? Ideally, we long for freedom from our own ignorance, fear, anger, doubt, confusion and attachments. With effort we overcome obstacles, the slavery of the senses, the bondage of karma, and the illusory nature of the world. The ultimate goal is to cease to seek happiness outside of ourselves.

According to Vedic Astrology, three houses are Moksha houses. In an individual birth chart the fourth house is the house of home. Influences on this house will show how one experiences the place within where true inner peace dwells. The eighth house is the house of change. Here we can see how unforeseen challenges and catastrophe become fodder for self-transformation. The twelfth and final house is the house of loss. The ease with which an individual can surrender and let go can be seen here. Painfully few actually reach the state of enlightenment, but we can all aspire to make progress with the time we have left here on Earth.

Running Along the Beach by Joaquin Sorolla

As our investigation of the Purusharthas continues, we come to the third aim, Kama, which means longing, wish, or desire. Kama pertains to the enjoyment of life and needs to be in balance with Dharma (duty) and Artha (means) if we are to experience the final aim, Moksha or liberation. It should not be the central focus of life. Proper expression of pleasure of the senses occurs when it is in harmony with the mind and spirit. The goal is to satisfy our desires and be freed from them, rather than to become increasingly snarled up in indulgence.

The Noble Truths, however, state that desire is the cause of all suffering. We can evaluate which desires cause pain and why, after which we can attempt to use the strong force of desire productively. With the help of contemplation and skillful action, we watch our desires evolve into something that supports dharma, artha and our spiritual practice in general. As we transform, so do our desires. We become capable of seeing the beauty and joy in everything, even hardship. Eventually we mature and wish to be of service to others.

According to Vedic Astrology, three houses correspond to Kama. The third house of ego and personal interests shows where self-will grows into skillful action. The seventh house of relationships with others demonstrates how codependency evolves into cooperation. Finally, the eleventh house of gains indicates how blind ambition becomes service to others. Influences on these houses in an individual birth chart reveal how much self-created misery we might experience before we bring awareness to it.

Next time we will consider the final aim, Moksha.

In Yogic philosophy, when the intention of the heart and intention of the mind merge with resolve and determination in search of Truth, we have what is called Sankalpa in Sanskrit, or solemn vow.   “Kalpa” means vow and “san” means truth.  It refers to the vow we take that supports the discovery of the inextinguishable Light within us.  Here the heart and mind are harnessed with willpower turned inward to do what is right for our sadhana, or spiritual practice.  With this directed energy that is always available whether we realize it or not, we become a disciplined yogi.

According to Jyotish , sacred Astronomy, Mars is the General of the planetary army and the defender of dharma or duty.  He is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu who sustains the Universe and is the aspect of consciousness that allows for strength, courage, determination, and willpower.  Mars, Kuja in Sanskrit, provides the octane for sankalpa.  His relative strength by transit in the sky will affect the ease with which we might follow through on our vow.  On Jan 16^th of this year, 2018, Mars entered Scorpio (a sign it rules) and it will be the strongest planet in the sky for 10 months, as it then passes through Sagittarius (a fire sign) and then Capricorn (its exalted or strongest placement).  We have now the opportunity to be supported by the Vedic sky to, with determined effort, first face emotional weaknesses, then find inspired initiative, and finally do the hard work necessary for our spiritual evolution.  Consider that which makes you weak.  Fear, confusion, attachment, anger, pain, loneliness, depression and addiction lead the pack for most of us.  2018 could be a supremely productive year for those who are willing to take action to do what is right and for those who are willing to be changed at depth.

Fire, or Agni in Sanskrit, is one of the five basic elements of creation. It dominates the Pitta dosha of Ayurveda. Agni allows for heat, light, color and vision and is essential for combustion, cooking and our ability to digest food. When the element of fire within us is unsupervised, it will lead to mental frustration and irritability. Anger, aggression, fury, and rage can easily follow. It is the root cause of most combativeness. Agni also expresses as enthusiasm and desire. Its power can be used to satisfy one’s own needs and wants, or it can be used for the benefit of all. In its highest expression, however, Agni is the source of self-discipline, purification and transformation.

The Vedic fire ceremony is an instrument that harnesses this sattvic quality of Agni. The Vedic fire ritual, known as Homa, Puja or Yajna, is considered sacred. This ancient ritual is performed at precise times depending on celestial events. Daily sunrises and sunsets, monthly lunation cycles or major planetary transits are used as guides for timing. In mundane life they are used in celebration of birth, marriage or death. A “kunda”, a square pit that faces all four directions, is used to contain the fire. Practitioners offer into it gifts of grains, ghee, herbs and seeds as specific mantras are repeated. The sacred fire coupled with prayerful intention removes fear, spreads joy, burns karma, purifies the environment and creates conditions for peace and prosperity. The fire ceremony is among the most powerful of spiritual practices because it beckons the burning up of the ignorance, delusion and obstacles that keep us from the success of knowing our own divinity.

In Vedic Astrology, Rahu and Ketu are the important Lunar Nodes. Unlike the seven visible planets, Grahas in Sanskrit, they are massless yet potent mathematical points in space, sometimes referred to as the shadow planets. Our solar system is structured such that it takes approximately 365 days for the Earth to orbit the Sun and approximately 28 days for the Moon to orbit the Earth. These two orbital paths are independent of one another. Twice a year, however, the paths intersect creating solar and lunar eclipses. For a short time, the Sun or Moon is overtaken by the darkness of one of the nodes. Rahu is the ascending point where the Moon’s orbit cuts through the Earth’s orbit. Ketu is the descending point. They are always opposite each other in the sky or birth chart, and the main force of karma and desire can be seen along its axis. Their function in Vedic Astrology is better understood if we familiarize ourselves with its associated myth.

The story is told in the ancient Puranic texts of the time before creation. After a long and horrible war, the gods and demons cooperated to churn the galactic material called the Milk Ocean. This activity created Amrita, a nectar of immortality intended for the gods alone. One of the demons, however, sitting between the Sun and Moon, managed to take a sip. Lord Vishnu, the sustainer of the Universe, quickly decapitated him. Rahu is the head of the serpent demon without the body. Ketu is the tail without the head. As they were now immortal, Lord Vishnu needed to find a spot for them, so he placed them in two specific points in the sky. By eclipsing the Sun and Moon twice a year they can create confusion and exact revenge.

The misunderstanding of our true nature allows us to exist under the illusion that we are separate from the universal law of creation. According to Vedic wisdom, each planet is an expression of our own divine consciousness. The nodes bring together Earth (body), Sun (soul) and Moon (mind), making them among the most influential in Astrology. In the planetary cabinet, Rahu is the advancing army. He has a voracious appetite without, however, the ability to digest. He is responsible for obsessions and desires that push us to our limits. Wherever Rahu is there is inexperience. Ketu is the occupying army. He governs things we have learned very well. He withdraws and leads us out. He can confer contempt or wisdom, then non-attachment, and ultimately moksha or liberation. In an individual birth chart or by transit in the sky, the Rahu/Ketu axis tells us what we absolutely must do so we may be freed from worldly desire. The nodal axis travels slowly, changing zodiac signs once every year and a half. But wherever they are, Rahu and Ketu create confusion. Rahu’s domain is the confusion of ignorance; Ketu’s territory is the confusion of certainty. The study and understanding of Vedic Astrology is itself a spiritual practice which naturally engenders reverence for its inherent guidance and wisdom.

Since ancient times Ayurveda and Jyotish have been practiced together. The five basic elements of creation (space, air, fire, water and earth) give rise to the doshas of Ayurveda–Kapha, Pitta and Vata. Disturbances in diet, weather and other factors create disturbances in the ayurvedic constitution of an individual and frequently result in ill-health. The planets and zodiac signs of Jyotish have associated doshas as well. Saturn and Gemini correspond to Vata, for example, and the Sun and Aires are classified as Pitta. Furthermore, each sign relates to a chakra and part of the body. An individual birth chart can reveal much about someone’s natural ayurvedic constitution. Planetary transits through the sky and planetary cycles can also create disturbances that affect an individual. As such, ayurvedic constitution and potential timing for health and disease can be gleaned through understanding Jyotish. Both disciplines offer helpful corrective measures and, in this way, Medicine and Astrology are linked. And, not surprisingly, some ayurvedic experts are also astrologers.

Take, as an example, someone with a Gemini Ascendant. The rising sign in Jyotish indicates the physical body and Gemini is a vata sign. The ruling planet then is Mercury which is also classified as vata. If Mercury is found in Libra, another air sign, an astrologer can safely assume there will be a strong vatic influence on the ayurvedic constitution. Much needed balance might be found if the Moon (mind) is in Pisces, a water sign, and Sun (vision) is in Virgo, an earth sign. When Mars, a fire planet, transits Leo, a fire sign (as is the case in the sky right now) more influences develop. For a Gemini ascendant, Mars rules the 6th house of disease, in fact, and temporary pittic disturbances would be likely. Rashes, digestive trouble, bleeding and headaches could be expected and actions could be taken to ameliorate discomfort, or at least, not to aggravate it. Understanding Ayurveda and Jyotish together can help us take responsibility for ourselves, let go of useless tendencies and avoid settling into a rut of painful experiences. The Yoga Sutras remind us that “pain that is not yet manifested is to be avoided.”

Our Sun, Surya in Sanskrit, is the 4.5 billion year old yellow dwarf star at the center of our solar system. It is an almost perfect sphere of gas (mostly Hydrogen and Helium) 860,000 miles in diameter and 92,000,000 miles away from Earth. Its size /distance ratio is the sacred 108. Surya burns at an average 11,000 degrees Fahrenheit and its mass is 330,000 times that of Earth. Light emitted from the surface takes 8 minutes to travel to Earth and this energy allows for all life forms to exist on our planet. The other planets in our solar system can be seen only because they reflect the light of the Sun.

According to Vedic Astrology texts, the planets are the incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the sustainer. Surya is the Para Atman or the Supreme Self; it is the singular Inner Light or Spirit. He is the sattvic king of the planets and he rules Sundays and the zodiac sign of Leo. His associated color is red and gem is ruby. In so far as the inner and outer zodiac are inseparable, the Sun corresponds to the third eye chakra. Surya fortifies and vitalizes us, conferring self-confidence, consistent vision and dignity. His job is to purify anything that does not serve our highest Self. He is benevolent but firm.

Although the Earth revolves around the stationary Sun, from our vantage point Surya appears to move along the 360 degree path in the sky that is called the ecliptic and its strength, therefore, is always in relative flux. This also means that in an individual birth chart, the sacred mandala of karma, the possible combinations for positions of Surya and the sign of Leo are enormous. Knowledge of these locations assists in determining where and how much personal power lies within any of us. Even without this information, we can grasp the impact and miracle of the Sun. Deepening our sadhana by including Salute to the Sun into our daily hatha practice cannot fail us, nor can introducing the Sun mantra into our daily meditation. Om Sum Suryaya Namaha. We become aware of the simple truth: As above, so below.