IIA ACTIVITIES BRIHAN MUMBAI CENTER

In a startlingly candid statement, Prof. S.A. Deshpande unhesitatingly and generously shared his confusion with the audience! At the point in time, the audience was already suitably confused with the tow speakers on ‘Vaastu Shastra’ at the conference organised by the Brihan Mumbai Center, Rang Sharda Hotel, 26 May 1996.

Prof. Deshpande was the third speaker after lunch, probably specifically slotted so as to keep some in the audience awake with his special brand of humour, tongue in cheek, and hard evidence to put across his views on ‘Vaastu Shastra’. The Prof. clarified that he wasn’t fully versed with Mayamatam version of the Vastu Shastra.

He continued people not to interchange Vastu-Adobe, with Vastu-Material thing. In the same manner it would be worthwhile not to interchange the Shastra-Treatise with Shastra-Weapon. He also mentioned that in the Mayamatam, the passages should be taken in context and not conveniently wear an aura of ‘mumbo-jumbo’ and generalise these so as to be applicable to the private house.

For example the reference to the ‘gram’, the village water-source is preferably in the North-East. However our latter day Vastu Pandits have manipulated these to make it N.E of the plot, and the rafter into the N.E house and even N.E of the room! All the same, he said whatever he knew or didn’t, and was fairly confused. Hence, to ease the burden on himself, he shared the confusion.

The seminar actually opened with Advocate Arvind Vaze and his assertive statements that Vastu methods have worked, and that his family has had practical experience. According to him, following the principles would invariably bring good fortune and luck. Conversely, wrongly placed rooms, and non-adherence would unfailingly bring ill-luck, misfortune, calamity, and unnecessary litigation. However, the absolute source for all these exhortations wasn’t available to the audience. Though he himself has written a book, Vastu Shastra Arvind.