The most suitable direction depends upon the subject, says VASTUSHASTRI KHUSHDEEP BANSAl
My child seems to have lost interest in studies,” is a common-enough refrain from parents. And the fault-finding exercise for this is varied as well as imaginative. While some put the blame squarely on the invasion of the Internet, there are some who would gladly put the needle of suspicion on external factors, be it the child’s peer groups, the many forms of entertainment that are easily accessible nowadays, or even shortcomings in the child’s teachers.
Rarely does the parent stop to wonder if there is a fault lurking within the very environment where the child lives. And even where the parent suspects the existence of such a fault, he or she could be misled by myths that have no basis in truth. For example, during our school life, almost all of us were told innumerable times by our parents, friends and other well-wishers to study facing East. The fact, however, is that there is no one direction that is suitable for all fields of study.
The ancient doctrine of Vastu Shastra tells us that the most suitable direction depends upon the subject being studied. For example, to achieve proficiency in mathematics and science, students should study facing West. If one studies facing South, he develops good debating skills, logical ability and sharp business acumen. For creative or religious kind of work, one should study facing East.
The study table represents a ‘place for learning and acquiring new skills. With respect to children who do not pay much attention to studies, the study table should be in the middle of the South-West and West zones. If children do not concentrate on their books and are frequently distracted, they should study facing West.
As per Vastu Shastra, studying in different zones in your home produces different effects. Here are a few examples. The North-East is a productive place for research work. Students will think of new ideas and develop insights required to excel in their studies. The West-Southwest zone is ideal for school students — they feel naturally inclined towards studies and secure excellent grades. In contrast, in the East-Northeast, the child will feel the burden of studies. When their study table is placed in this zone, they will be inclined more towards fun activities (like reading comics) than studying. Similarly, studies done in the South-Southwest zone will prove futile as the child will secure poor grades or even fail.
The West of Southwest is the zone of studies. This zone prompts one to practise repeatedly whatever one is pursuing, so that results improve with each attempt and one attains perfection. If this zone is balanced, it ensures greater returns and improved performance with less effort. The West-Southwest zone also equips one with the power, energy and capacity for retention of knowledge.
Vastu Shastra clearly states that it is important that children study well, train themselves and acquire skills and learning, and grow properly. Childhood is as much a time for acquiring knowledge as for fun and frolic. The influence of anything placed in the West-Southwest zone can be seen easily — if a television set is kept here, it will definitely distract the child from studies; he will think of cartoons when he should be studying.
In a research conducted by an expert Vastu Shastra practitioner on child education in houses, it was found that children are not able to memorise if a washing machine is placed in the zone of studies. With a washing machine there, the child may study as hard as he can, but will always feel drained out. In the examination hall, the mind draws a blank.
In another case, the child used to cry whenever his parents asked him to study. Can you guess where his study table was placedIJ In the zone of depression and low moods, West-Northwest. If you know the logics of Vastu Shastra, you can ensure right placement of activities and objects in your home and programme your space to facilitate better concentration, memory, and excellent grades for your children.
The writer is a Delhi-based vastu consultant
