Vastu Shastra. If it’s the first time you’re hearing those words, it’s defined as the traditional Hindu system of architecture. It’s a more Indian version of Feng-Shui. So, it describes the principles of design, spatial arrangement, and measurement. You know, like how some people believe that keeping the vase of tulips facing the bowl of potpourri on the coffee table gives out negative energy. Yeah right.

Let’s get one thing straight

Now, just to be clear, I’m not making fun of anybody’s religious beliefs. Let’s be clear on that. If that’s understood, then you can proceed with reading this article. Otherwise, I firmly believe that you don’t proceed further if you’re a person who gets easily offended. Now that that is said, let’s continue.

How can a direction be bad?

Now, according to Vastu Shastra, facing the South is inauspicious and “bad”. So here’s what I don’t get, if facing the South is bad, then what about the entire of South India, South Africa or even South America? Because each of these South portions of their countries is flourishing. Take India’s case, Tamil Nadu and Kerala (both the primary Southern states of India) are India’s hub in terms of music, dance and even the diversity of food.

In the case of South America, it is host to some of the most economically active cities in the Southern hemisphere. Rio de Janeiro, one of the cities located in South America is hosting the 2016 Olympics. And the whole process is moving along smoothly, despite the fact that it’s located in the South.

Education is everything, but not exactly.

There are so many educated people in India and they still believe in such notions. Isn’t that disheartening? After attending the best schools and the finest universities, it all boils down to this. Believing that if a new car is parked facing the South, then it’ll bring bad luck. So the owner quickly changes the parking spot, worried that he’ll be in an accident or someone might scratch the paint, marring the beauty of the car.

But to be honest, it’s silly isn’t it? Believing all this mumbo-jumbo about negative energy and bad vibes and actually getting so involved in the ideology that you refuse to hear the voice of reason.

Besides, isn’t it silly? Believing in all this? Science, logic, and critical thinking are the three main factors that need to be involved while making any decision. Okay fine, yes, you’re right, maybe the heart should also be involved. Occasionally.

Technological advancements have made it easier

With the advancement in technology, the principles of Vastu Shastra have become more accessible through apps in smart phones which provide tips to “better” your home. And all these gimmicks are targeted at unsuspecting people, who believe that Vastu Shastra would save them from any harm.

This isn’t science, rather its pseudoscience according to certain experts. Vastu Shastra has been a controversial topic for many years; one side believes that it is crucial to believe in it as it has a direct link to Hindu religion and culture. The other side simply believes it to be superstitious and mysterious.

Time is the only answer

So what’s it going to be? Will people finally stop believing in these principles? The answer? Only time will tell. It is the duty of the educated to educate about science, reasoning, and logic. And if people choose to believe them, rest assured that it is for their own benefit.