Did you know I've been a Vastu consultant for over 23 years? Here's the story of my journey in conscious sacred space design from the Vedic tradition. It began fifty years ago in 1972 when I learned to meditate. Two years later I became a meditation teacher and then joined the Vedic Studies doctoral program at MERU (Maharishi European Research University, Switzerland), at the suggestion of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. This was an incredible intellectual and experiential deep-dive into an intensive meditation and yoga program with studies of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, many Puranas, and other sacred texts. In addition, I got my first exposure to a few points of Vastu Shastra. Here's a photo from Vedic Studies: I'm in the center, the second woman from Maharishi, next to the door. You can see my hands and head, with my cheeks raised up from my smile!
While I was in Switzerland studying with Maharishi, a woman called Mother Olsen mentioned to me one day on a walk, "Angels don't like dirt!" This made a big impression on me. I noticed that cleaning improves energy in a room. Maharishi himself advised keeping our rooms clean and orderly to welcome the divine into the space. He said the best placement for the head of a bed is east and that sleeping with your head in the north is draining and aging due to the earth's electromagnetism. This was my introduction to the knowledge of Vastu, also known as Vaastu and Sthapatya Veda. Here's a photo of me in Vitznau, Switzerland, taken on a day when we were going to go up the Rigi-Bahn railway with Maharishi.
In 1996 I completed my Ph.D. in Creativity, the Arts, and the Sacred/Application of Asian Concepts from the Union Institute & University. My studies there included the creative process, sacred space, sacred architecture, concentric squares, the effect of beauty, and other elements of Vastu. Some of the art history studies were based on the books of my late friend, India/Tantra art specialist Ajit Mookerjee, who had been a guest at my Santa Fe home in 1989.
My doctoral dissertation's approach was based on knowledge learned from my time studying with Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, since I used Patanjali's Yoga Sutras to propose a model of the creation process. My Gurudev since 1990, spiritual teacher Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, was a mentor and consultant for my studies, and I also learned several points of Vastu from him. Here I'm talking with Sri Sri Ravi Shankar in Quebec, Canada in 1990 after completing my first course with him.
In the mid 1990s, while I was studying for my doctorate, I was gifted a Feng Shui consultation for my home during this time. I studied Feng Shui enough to see that it has some points that I find useful, but I quickly realized that Vastu is more resonant for me due to Vastu's basis in the laws of nature and mechanics of creation and its use of universal energies rather than anything arbitrary. This inspired me to delve into Vastu and search out sources, which were not very available in the 1990s.
Since Maharishi had told me that I'd perceive errors in Vedic translations, perhaps because of increased consciousness and intuition from my meditation practice, I read and researched all Vastu/Sthapatya Veda material I could find and trusted my determinations of what was authentic and what was superstition or repackaged Feng Shui, as opposed to actual Vastu knowledge.
At their insistence, I started making Vastu recommendations to friends in 1999. They had dramatic, overnight improvements, so my direction was clear. Victoria slept better. Men starting showing up at the door for Martha the very next day – literally! I realized they were right: I was really good at this and had innate talent, plus authentic Vastu knowledge.
As I mentioned previously, I kept searching and reading everything labeled as Vastu that I could find. I was excited when I ran across the work of Ganapati Sthapathi of Chennai, India. I began studying Vastu architect Dr. V. Ganapati Sthapati's books in 2002; a few years later, after corresponding with him by email, I was fortunate to meet and study with him. I also studied with several Americans he trained. These two photos with Sthapati were taken in Santa Fe at a one week course.
In related studies, in 2004 I took a course in Ayurveda and Transdermal Marma Therapy with Ayurvedic Vaidya Rama Kant Mishra. I also have had wonderful conversations with other Vastu consultants and Vedic colleagues such as David Frawley, who was my Vedic hiking buddy for many of the years I lived in Santa Fe.
Everything -- my spiritual practices, Vastu expertise, artistic skills, and sensitivity to beauty, energy, and placement -- came together as my conscious business Transcendence Design in 1999. I love making changes at my own home and at clients' homes and businesses that result in these spaces looking and feeling more expansive, supportive, and beautiful. and improving the energy. My experience as a Vastu consultant with clients worldwide -- and a 2003 lecture I was invited to present at the Denver Art Museum, sponsored by their Asian Art Association, at which people asked me to write a book about Vastu --- led to my 2007 book, Vastu: Transcendental Home Design in Harmony with Nature, which has been praised and recommended by the Chopra Center newsletter, designer Clodagh, and dozens of magazines and other media.
I've been a Vastu sacred space design consultant with clients in my home areas of Santa Fe and California, plus all over the USA and the world. I'm grateful to have helped thousands of people through my Vastu consultations, book, and courses. I welcome you to contact me for Vastu consultations and Vastu courses.
Sherri Silverman