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Maharishi Sthapatya Veda, based on an ancient system of Vedic architecture, takes into account key elements of architectural design and construction. The system consists of precise mathematical formulas, equations, and proportions for architectural design. [1]. According to Maharishi Sthapatya Veda, the arrangement and layout of one's home have important effects on all areas of one's life (similar beliefs exist in Feng Shui).

Contents 1 Maharishi Sthapatya Veda Theory 2 The TM movement's Maharishi Sthapatya Veda Activities 3 References 4 External Links

Maharishi Sthapatya Veda, sometimes described as a science of structure and relationship of the natural laws of the universe, considers nature to be all inclusive, and to include not only the visible, natural world, all aspects of the universe and of the individual, but the harmonizing ability of Creation to create a universe that functions in a holistic and orderly way. As an extension of this theory, to align a building with these laws creates harmony for the individuals who dwell in that house or work in that building. [2]

More importantly, the principle that, fullness begets fullness, and wholeness begets wholeness, underlies all of Maharishi Sthapatya Veda theory. This explains the necessity, according to this architectural system, to first establish the center of the building or the Brahma-Stahn, known as the seat of totality or wholeness. From this center place the building will radiate outwards in wholeness, because its heart or center has first been established as whole.

A house built according to Maharishi Sthapatya Veda takes into account three major factors: the orientation of the house, room placement, and the proper proportion of the rooms. [3] These primary principles of Maharishi Sthapatya Veda are established in large part based on the position of the sun, considered to be the most powerful natural influence on our planet. Aligned with the rising sun, an east-facing house would be considered most auspicious for the building’s inhabitants. North is also acceptable. South and West are considered to be least auspicious. [4]

In his televised press conference of November 16, 2005, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi said he believes it is vital for everyone in the world to live and work in buildings constructed according to Sthapatya Veda or Vastu architecture. At the press conference, Maharishi said it is imperative that all members of the organization quickly move into dwellings constructed according to Vedically-correct principles and that he would no longer talk or deal with any member of the TM community who lived in structures that are not consistent with Vedic principles, because such dialogue is "not supported by Natural Law." [5]

According to the chief architect at Maharishi Global Construction in Fairfield, Iowa, building a home according to Maharishi's Vedically-correct principles "connects the individual intelligence of the occupant of the house to the cosmic intelligence of the universe." Homes with entrances facing west invite "poverty, lack of creativity and vitality," ^[1] and "anxiety, depression, bad luck and even criminal tendencies." ^[2]

In keeping with Maharishi's suggestion, Maharishi University of Management has demolished approximately 40 campus buildings. Demolished buildings are being replaced with buildings constructed according to Vedic principles.[6] In the Netherlands, the TM movement is encountering resistance over its plans to tear down a former Christian monastery and replace it with Vastu-compliant structures. ^[3]

• Washington Post: "Mind Over Mortar"
• Newsweek: "Architecture: Building on Success"
• New York Times: "In Many Ways, a New Iowa Town Looks to the East"