Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian science of architecture and spatial harmony, offers profound guidance on the orientation and management of outdoor spaces such as backyards. The principles emphasize the interplay of the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—and their influence on the energy flow within a property. According to the provided guidelines, the placement and proportion of open spaces relative to the main structure are critical for attracting positive energy and ensuring the well-being of the inhabitants. The source material highlights that while Western practices may prioritize large open areas for climate reasons, traditional Vastu Shastra for the Indian context advises specific directional precautions to maintain balance and avoid negative impacts on health, prosperity, and social standing.
The core philosophy suggests that nature is composed of these five elements, and when they are out of balance, issues arise. For a backyard to function correctly, the area must be kept tidy, with plants placed appropriately and grass trimmed regularly. A clutter-free and spotless backyard prevents negativity from penetrating the home. Furthermore, the choice of furniture is significant; wooden or straw-made furniture is recommended for the backyard as it complements the natural setting and adds to the room's beauty while remaining cool and comfortable for gatherings.
Directional Attributes of Backyards
The orientation of a house dictates the location of the backyard, and each direction carries specific energies and requirements. Understanding these attributes is essential for applying Vastu corrections and ensuring that the open space supports rather than hinders the residents' lives.
The Auspicious East and North Directions
The east direction is considered highly auspicious in Vastu Shastra because it is associated with the rising sun, bringing sunlight and fresh air in the morning. Keeping the eastern side of a property open is recommended to allow these positive energies to enter the building. This principle applies to both front and backyards. Specifically: * East Direction: It is believed to bring positive results and good health. When constructing a house, it is advisable to keep more open space on the eastern side while building the major portion of the structure on the western side. This proportion ensures that the benefits of the open area are fully received. * North Direction: Similar to the east, the north direction is favorable for open spaces. In a north-facing house, the backyard open space is naturally situated in the southern direction. However, Vastu principles dictate that the south side should always be well-covered. Therefore, if a north-facing house has a backyard in the south, it is generally considered inauspicious unless properly managed.
The Inauspicious West and South Directions
The west and south directions are treated with caution in Vastu Shastra. These sides receive direct sunlight for most of the day, which can lead to the accumulation of heat and negative energy if not managed correctly. * West Direction: Having a heavy open space in the west backyard is not considered auspicious. It is noted that for west-facing houses, the east direction is better for the backyard. If a west-facing house has an open space in the east, it brings prosperity. * South Direction: The south direction represents strength and stability but requires a covered structure rather than open space. Keeping the south direction open at the largest scale is problematic in the long run. A large open backyard in the southern zone of a northwest-facing house, for instance, yields contrary results.
Specific House Orientations and Backyard Placement
The impact of the backyard varies significantly based on the house's main facing:
- Northwest-Facing Homes: These houses usually have a backyard in the southern zone, which corresponds to the southeast direction. The southeast direction should be properly covered; keeping it open does not bring good luck.
- Southeast-Facing Homes: The northwest direction is vital for these homes, associated with the air element. A large open backyard in the northwest direction is not supportive and can lead to a loss of contact and friendship.
- Southwest-Facing Homes: While often avoided due to perceived negativity, a southwest-facing house can be auspicious if a large open backyard is built towards the northeast direction. The northeast corner is highly auspicious and attracts prosperity.
- East-Facing Homes: While the east facing is generally auspicious, the rules for the backyard are opposite. A large front yard in the east is beneficial, but the proportion of the front yard space should be larger than the backyard space. Excessive space in the backyard of an east-facing house is not recommended.
Potential Impacts of Improper Backyard Placement
The source material details specific negative consequences that may arise from ignoring Vastu principles regarding backyards. These impacts are not merely theoretical but are described as affecting health, finances, and social relationships.
- Health Issues: Living in a house with a backyard in the east direction (specifically for east-facing houses) is associated with serious health issues, particularly related to the head and mental health. Family members may suffer from restlessness, loss of confidence, and insecurity.
- Social and Financial Troubles: An open backyard in the south direction (for north-facing houses) can lead to financial and social issues, including job loss and business troubles. It may also cause serious trouble regarding marriage and profession.
- Relationship Strife: A large open backyard in the northwest direction (for southeast-facing houses) can result in a loss of happiness. In severe cases, close relatives may turn into enemies, leading to bad experiences.
Remedial Measures and Vastu Corrections
To mitigate these negative influences and harmonize the energy, the following measures are recommended based on the provided data:
- Maintain Clutter-Free Zones: Ensure the backyard is always clean and free of clutter. This prevents negativity from accumulating.
- Appropriate Furniture: Use wooden or straw-made furniture in the backyard to maintain a cool, natural aesthetic.
- Boundary Walls: When building a front yard in the east direction, ensure that the western and southern sides have proper coverage and boundary walls. Without this coverage, the benefits of the open eastern area are negated, and negative impacts may be received.
- Proportional Open Spaces: In east-facing houses, the front yard should be larger than the backyard. Avoid keeping excessive space in the backyard.
- Covering Specific Directions: For northwest-facing houses, pay attention to covering the southeast direction. For north-facing houses, the south side must be well-covered.
- Consultation: For significant decisions, such as building a large open backyard in a southwest-facing house, it is advisable to consult a Vastu expert to consider all factors, including land quality.
Holistic Approach to Outdoor Spaces
Vastu Shastra views a property as a living entity where every zone contributes to the overall energy field. The backyard is not just an aesthetic extension but a functional energy zone. The guidelines emphasize a holistic approach where the balance between the built structure and open space is paramount.
- Sunlight and Air: While sunlight and fresh air are essential, the timing and direction of their influx matter. Morning sun from the east is beneficial, while the harsh afternoon sun from the west and south should be mitigated by covered structures.
- Elemental Balance: The five elements must be in harmony. An open backyard in the wrong direction disrupts the elemental balance (e.g., excess fire element in the southeast if open, or excess air in the northwest if too open).
- Psychological Well-being: The text suggests that spatial arrangements directly influence mental states. A properly oriented backyard contributes to confidence and security, while a disoriented one leads to insecurity and restlessness.
Cultural Context and Adaptation
The source material notes the difference between Western and Indian approaches to backyard design. Western culture often prioritizes large open spaces for social gatherings and climate adaptation (especially in winter). However, Vastu Shastra, rooted in the Indian climate system, advises against large open spaces in the west and south due to intense heat. This highlights the need to adapt Vastu principles to local conditions while respecting the core directional rules. For instance, in cooler climates, one might seek a compromise, perhaps ensuring that any western open space is heavily shaded or planted with trees to reduce the heat impact while maintaining the necessary structural coverage in the south.
Conclusion
The management of a backyard according to Vastu Shastra is a nuanced practice that requires attention to the house's facing, the proportion of open space, and the maintenance of the area. The primary directive is to keep the east and north directions open and positive, while the west and south directions should be covered or minimized. Failure to adhere to these principles can lead to tangible negative effects on health, finances, and relationships. By following the guidelines of keeping the space clean, using appropriate materials, and ensuring proper coverage of inauspicious directions, homeowners can create a backyard that supports prosperity, health, and holistic well-being.