Architecture conference

Introduction

Jambavati (dd) HKS

Welcome to the Krsna Conscious Architecture conference. The purpose of this conference is to exchange our ideas and experiences in the realm of architecture and its application and use in ISKCON. Also, we would like to offer our help to devotees who are planning or doing some construction work - whether it is a temple, preaching center or their own house.

We learn from tradition that construction of a building is a very significant event in one's life. That is why it was always paid so much attention - the auspicious moment had to be chosen and the site had to be purified. The people involved would be fasting before every important ceremonial, like First entry into the building etc. A number of yajnas would be performed and all members of the household would be present. Priests would be invited to chant hymns, and the whole construction site would be maintained up to the highest standarts of cleanliness (no eating, passing or bad speach on the site during the construction) - in order to prepare it as offering to gods.

If you wonder why such an effort was undertaken, well, this is because the place we live it has direct effect on our destiny. People knew it in the past and this is how the science of architecture was always attributed to some sacred mystical arts. It was used as a tool to achieve harmonious, peaceful and successful life in order to elevate one's consciousness to the spiritual platform.

So let's try to understand how this ancient science relates to our life in

the modern worls, how it helps our spiritual development and preaching

mission, and, ultimatelly, let us try to create a beautiful harmonious

environment in out temples and homes that would attract people os al walks

of life.

In this conference you are welcomed to ask questions, bring up topics for

discussion or share your own experience. If you want some practical help or

advice in designing or construction of your particular project, you can

write to me in a personal letter. Hare Krsna!

Text COM:1004688 (26 lines)

From: Vamsi-dhara (dd) KKD (Warsaw - PL)

Date: 02-Jan-98 19:21

To: KC Architecture [20]

Attached: VASTHU10.ZIP (5793 bytes) "notes from vasthu seminar"

Subject: subj: Vasthu seminar part 1

Haribol!

Dear Vaisnavas!

Please accept my humble obeisances.

Here is attached the first part of seminar on Vasthu, or vedic art of planing architecture according to certain rules in order to live in harmony with subtle energies. This seminar was given by Prof. Jaya Sekhar from Madras. It took 7 days, here I want to send my notes and some drawings. However this is not to be published. He is writing a book on this subject and all rights are preserved. You can read it, use it, tell it to your friends, but do not publish it.

Profesor Jaya Sekhar is coming from a traditional Indian family. He has learned this knowledge from his master. But he is explaining it using also modern scientific knowledge, to explain WHY these rules are like this. I found this seminar very interesting, although could not agree completely with some points (especially some philosophical explanations). We also have to notice that he was speaking to completely Western audience, so his explanations are made for them. Any way, I am not going to write here things that are definitely speculations. He was grown up in traditional family, so he has very good understanding of vedic culture. However traveling in the West for some 15 years or so has made him not so strictly following these rules. He is also giving lectures on vedic astrology and Ayur Veda. I hope you will find these notes interesting and I will be able to write more. I hope some discussion will also develop. Haribol! ys. Vamsi-dhara dasi

(Text COM:1004688) -----------------------------------------

Text COM:1069141 (6 lines)

From: Vamsi-dhara (dd) KKD (Warsaw - PL)

Date: 28-Jan-98 11:18

To: KC Architecture [23]

Attached: VASTHU2.ZIP (157365 bytes) "Second part of vasthu seminar"

Subject: Vasthu Seminar Part 2

------------------------------------------------------------

Hare Krsna!

I am sorry for such a long break between sending the introduction and the next part. But I hope you will enjoy this seminar. I do not know, when I will be able to send the next part. Hopefully "as soon as possible." I hope you will have no problem with reading the pictures. ys. Vamsi-dhara dasi

(Text COM:1069141) -----------------------------------------