Vastu Shastra towards Sustainable Development Impacting the Quality of Urban Life

Abstract

The role of Vastu in programming for promoting sustainability in natural-resource use is based on a lifecycle approach to long-term productivity. Such a system needs an appropriate legislative, regulatory, and fiscal framework to encourage individuals, communities, and businesses to meet sustainable development goals. Further, improving the liveability and enhancing the quality of life for the rapidly growing populations of developing countries like India cannot be achieved by following the same energy-consumption and resource-use patterns as developed countries. This study discusses Vastu Shastra (an ancient Indian knowledge of architecture) with sustainable development. It informs the complicated problems of urbanisation and overpopulated cities of today. By drawing attention towards Vastu Shastra, this paper discusses the built form of Indian settlements and explores the possibility of creating a living environment that is self-sufficient, ecologically balanced and culturally stimulating. It explains sustainable development based on ancient Indian traditional knowledge through its culture, heritage and orientation towards sustainability. Further, the fundamental principles, the relevance of Vaastu-Purusha-Mandala, and Vastu Shastra's history are highlighted with discussions on its philosophical and social aspects. Last, an attempt has also been made to create a close relationship between Vastu Shastra and sustainable development that can redefine the present form of planning human settlement. In this way, by drawing attention towards Vastu Shastra, this paper explores the possibility of creating a living environment that is self-sufficient, ecologically balanced and culturally stimulating.