VASTU SHASTRA
It is a scientific fact that all things in the universe have a certain level of energy associated with them. Hence, it is apt to assume that all buildings, including the lands on which the buildings are erected, have vibrations of energy associated with them. And since we spend most of our time inside buildings, be it home, office or anywhere else, we are constantly engulfed by these energies, both positive and negative.
Vastu shastra, or the science of architecture, is the traditional Indian system of architecture – an ancient science of harmony with nature and prosperous living. Vastu shastra aims to eliminate the negative energies and enhance the positive energies present in buildings so that a person, family or business inhabiting it live healthy, happy and prosperous lives. A building not constructed according to vastu principles has more of the negative energies and is said to have vastu defect or dosha. Dwelling in such buildings is widely believed to lead to persistent unhappiness, conflict, loss of money, physical illness and in some cases, even untimely death of the inhabitants.
An aquarium with fish is perhaps the easiest, most auspicious and powerful remedial measure against any vastu defect. Fish tanks are accorded a high level of importance in vastu shastra. Placing one according to vastu principles, can help eliminate negative effects, not only in residences but, also in offices, shops, factories etc. and maintain a serene fortuitous atmosphere. This is possibly one of the best ways to attract wealth at homes and at places of work.
According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu was born on earth in nine avatars and his first avatar was that of a fish. It is believed that because of this, fishes have a high degree of negative energy absorbing capability and offer protection from all evils. It is said that each time a fish dies; it takes away a part of the problem.
One of the guiding principles of human existence, both in Hinduism and Buddhism, is to feed and protect animals. For that reason, fishes are one of the easiest creatures to keep, feed and take care of. Vastu specialists believe that feeding hungry fish adds to good karma (deeds) and as a result, frees one from evils.
Most Asian cultures believe in the concept of the “evil eye”. Not every visitor to your home or business place is happy with your progress. They are jealous of your prosperity, and jealousy radiates negative energy. A fish aquarium is a great shield from such negative vibes. The aquarium absorbs all the negative energy and converts it into positive, adding to the positive energy already present.
Symbolically, water inside the fish tank represents life and the movement of water (by gravity or pump) represents positive energy flow within life. Movement of fishes in an aquarium generates and enhances positive energy which attracts prosperity, wealth and happiness. Feng Shui, one of the Five Arts of Chinese Metaphysics, similarly believes, more rapid the movement of the fishes, more is the positive energy (Chi) generated, attracting more prosperity, wealth and happiness.
FENG SHUI
Feng shui, also known as Chinese geomancy, is a traditional practice originating from ancient China, which uses energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment. The term feng shui literally translates as “wind-water” in English. The feng shui practice discusses architecture in terms of “invisible forces” that bind the universe, earth, and humanity together, known as “chi”.
Historically, feng shui was widely used to orient buildings in an auspicious manner. Depending on the particular style of feng shui being used, an auspicious site could be determined by reference to local features such as bodies of water, or stars or the compass. Traditional feng shui is an ancient system based upon the observation of heavenly time and earthly space.
Feng shui aquariums are considered a potent remedy for wealth and good luck. When the aquarium is placed according to feng shui guidelines and well-maintained, it is supposed to attract the energy of abundance into your space. Aquariums can provide several wealth-attracting factors, according to feng shui. For instance, fish are a classic symbol of abundance in Chinese culture because of their ability to reproduce quickly and tendency to live in groups. Fish also are closely associated with the energy of water. And water is seen as a symbol of continuous abundance, as it provides key nourishment for all life.
Moreover, an aquarium expresses a harmonious balance of all five feng shui elements:
• Water: The water in the aquarium
• Wood: The plants in the aquarium
• Metal: Often part of the aquarium structure or found inside devices
• Earth: The small rocks and gravel at the bottom of the aquarium
• Fire: The bright colours of the fish, as well as the aquarium lighting
This balance of these elements helps attract positive energy to a place.
The aquarium should work with the feng shui element associated with the area where you are placing it. Placement, fish species, colour and their count, the type of aquarium, all play an important role in attracting the best feng shui energy.
According to feng shui guidelines, nine is the auspicious number of fish to have in an aquarium. It is not ideal to have just one fish, as this is not a sign of abundance. The most famous feng shui wealth fish is the Asian Arowana, or dragon fish.