Creating harmonious outdoor environments is a vital aspect of holistic living, extending the principles of Vastu Shastra beyond the interior walls of a residence. The provided sources emphasize that outdoor spaces, such as gardens, backyards, and balconies, significantly influence the energetic balance of a home. By aligning these areas with the five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space—homeowners can foster stability, prosperity, and well-being. This article explores specific guidelines for planning backyard locations, managing doors, selecting furniture, and optimizing garden features to ensure a positive atmosphere.
Understanding the Importance of Outdoor Vastu
Vastu Shastra, the ancient Indian architectural science, views a home as a living entity where every corner holds value. The exterior sections of a property, including the front yard and backyard, are equally influential as the interior regarding the occupants' health and financial stability. According to the source material, improper construction of these areas can lead to health and financial issues, whereas a Vastu-compliant design drives away negativity and resolves family conflicts.
The primary goal of applying Vastu to outdoor spaces is to bring individuals closer to nature, utilizing the "energising qualities" of natural beauty to refresh the mind and maintain health. Whether one has a sprawling garden or a modest backyard, the correct placement of elements ensures that the space acts as a sanctuary of peace rather than a conduit for negative energy.
Backyard Location and Orientation
The placement of the backyard is a critical factor in Vastu compliance. The source data provides clear directives regarding the auspicious directions for locating a backyard:
- Recommended Directions: The backyard should ideally be situated on the northern or eastern side of the home. These directions are favored because they are exposed to sunlight, which "holds negative energy at bay and brightens the day for the first beam."
- Inauspicious Directions: The west and south directions are considered inauspicious for backyards.
The guidelines offer specific adjustments based on the house orientation: * West-Facing Houses: The east way is better for backyards. It is also advised to ensure there is no open space available in the front and entry of west-facing properties. * South-Facing Houses: The north side is better for the backyard. If unfavorable results are being experienced, one should eliminate open areas in the south direction.
Furthermore, the sources note that the front door should face East and the back door West, which is advantageous to residents. If the main entrance is in the wrong place, it is preferable to fix this before focusing on backyard corrections.
Backyard Doors and Structural Integrity
The functionality and direction of backyard doors are governed by specific rules to maintain energy containment and flow.
Door Operation: According to Vastu for the backyard door, the door should open from the inside only. It should not open outward. This principle mirrors the guideline for the front door, which should also open from the inside. This ensures that energy enters the home rather than being pushed out.
Door Direction: While the specific directional placement of the backyard door is not detailed beyond the general orientation of the house, the sources confirm that a front door facing East and a back door facing West is the precise location and system considered advantageous.
Furniture and Material Selection
When designing a functional and Vastu-compliant backyard, the choice of furniture and materials plays a significant role in enhancing the earth element and maintaining energy flow.
Furniture Materials: If the backyard is spacious enough to host gatherings, furniture is necessary. The sources recommend using wooden or straw-made furniture. These materials are preferred because they look cool and add to the room’s beauty. They also align with the earth element, promoting stability and an eco-friendly environment.
Sustainable Design: To further enhance the earth element, the use of sustainable and natural materials like wood or stone is encouraged. Additionally, minimalist designs that reduce clutter are beneficial. Clutter-free spaces help maintain a clear flow of energy, providing both beauty and balance. The backyard must be kept tidy and spotless so that negativity cannot penetrate and create a home.
Garden Planning and Plant Placement
The arrangement of flora is central to balancing the five elements in a garden. The sources provide specific advice on where to place different types of vegetation based on their weight and energetic properties.
Earth (Prithvi) Element: The ground itself is a significant element. To maintain stability and attract beneficial energies, plants and trees must be positioned correctly: * Tall, Heavy Trees: Trees such as mango or peepal should be positioned in the southwest. * Lighter, Fragrant Flowering Plants: These should be placed in the northeast.
Water (Jal) Element: Water features are excellent additions to a garden. While the specific placement of fountains or ponds is not detailed in the provided text, the presence of water features is encouraged to harmonize the elements.
Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential. The grass should be trimmed at the appropriate time, and the area must be kept clutter-free to prevent the accumulation of negative energy.
Lighting, Color, and Atmosphere
Creating a soothing atmosphere involves the strategic use of light and color, which influence the vibrational energy of the outdoor space.
Lighting: * Evening: Soft, warm lights placed in the south or west direction create a soothing atmosphere for evening relaxation. * Daytime: Natural light should be leveraged during the day to invigorate the space.
Color Palette: * Recommended: Earth tones and greens are recommended to foster a sense of calm and growth. * Avoid: Overly dark hues should be avoided as they might dampen the energy.
The Holistic Goal of Outdoor Vastu
The ultimate objective of applying Vastu to outdoor spaces is to transform them into true extensions of the home—areas where individuals can unwind, reflect, and reconnect with nature. While the guidelines provide a framework for directional placement and material selection, the sources acknowledge that personal comfort and aesthetics remain important. The application of Vastu should inspire changes that enhance the spiritual and energetic aspects of the space while catering to personal tastes and lifestyles.
By adhering to these principles, homeowners can ensure that their outdoor environments support a positive and stable atmosphere, contributing to the overall prosperity and harmony of the household.