Creating a suicide-free environment in hostels, especially where students and young people reside, is crucial for their mental and emotional well-being. Hostels are homes away from home, and the energy within these spaces significantly impacts the mental state of its residents. By aligning the hostel’s design with Vastu Shastra principles, we can foster a positive atmosphere that encourages mental clarity, emotional balance, and a sense of security.
Here are key Vastu guidelines to ensure a suicide-free hostel:
1. Location of the Hostel
Avoid isolation: The hostel should not be located in completely isolated areas. A location near educational institutions, parks, or peaceful residential areas ensures a balanced energy flow and provides students with a sense of belonging.
Surroundings: Avoid hostels near graveyards, hospitals, or high-tension wires, as these can emit negative energies that affect the mental stability of the residents.
2. Entrance and Placement
North or East-facing entrance: The main entrance of the hostel should ideally face the north or east direction. This orientation attracts positive energy, mental clarity, and vitality. It also promotes a welcoming and peaceful atmosphere.
Avoid South-West entrance: An entrance in the south-west direction may lead to instability and anxiety, causing emotional stress for residents.
3. Rooms and Bed Placement
South-West rooms for wardens or authorities: The south-west rooms of the building should be reserved for authority figures such as wardens or hostel supervisors. This direction signifies stability and strength.
Avoid North-East rooms for students: The north-east is a highly sensitive direction, and any disturbance here can cause confusion and mental unrest. This area should be kept clear and clean, reserved for meditation or study zones, not bedrooms.
Bed placement: Ensure that the beds are placed in such a way that the head points toward the south or east. This promotes restful sleep, reducing anxiety, stress, and depression.
4. Common Areas and Facilities
Study rooms: Place study rooms in the north-east or east direction. This promotes concentration, peace of mind, and better academic performance.
Recreational areas: South-east zones are ideal for recreational areas like gyms or activity rooms, as they are governed by the fire element and encourage activity, energy, and enthusiasm.
Dining area: Place the dining room in the south-east direction, which is associated with fire and digestion. This will promote good health and social bonding among the students.
5. Lighting and Ventilation
Ample natural light: Ensure that there is abundant natural light flowing into the hostel, especially from the north and east sides. Darkness and poor lighting contribute to feelings of depression and isolation.
Good ventilation: Proper air circulation is essential for maintaining a positive and fresh atmosphere. Stale air can accumulate negative energy, causing mental stress and lethargy.
6. Bathrooms and Toilets
Avoid North-East toilets: Bathrooms and toilets should never be placed in the north-east, as this can disturb the positive energy flow and lead to confusion, mental distress, and even suicidal thoughts.
South or West positioning: Bathrooms and toilets should ideally be located in the south or west direction to ensure a balance of energies.
7. Color Scheme
Use of soothing colors: Light and calming colors such as light blue, green, cream, or white should be used in hostel rooms and common areas. These colors promote peace, reduce anxiety, and create a serene environment. Avoid dark colors like deep red, black, or dark grey in bedrooms, as they can increase feelings of agitation and depression.
Bright colors for recreation areas: Use vibrant colors like yellow or orange in recreational areas to stimulate positive energy and social interaction.
8. Avoid Heavy Objects in the Center (Brahmasthan)
The center of the hostel, known as the Brahmasthan, should be kept open and free from any heavy furniture, pillars, or construction. This central area is where the energy of the building flows most freely, and any obstruction here can create disturbances in the residents’ mental and emotional well-being.
9. Greenery and Open Spaces
Gardens and plants: Having a small garden or adding indoor plants in common areas can significantly enhance the mental health of residents. Plants are known to purify the air and create a calming, positive atmosphere.
Open spaces: Encourage open spaces like terraces or courtyards where students can relax and breathe fresh air. These spaces should be well-maintained and used as places of relaxation and rejuvenation.
10. Regular Maintenance and Cleanliness
Cracked walls and dampness: Ensure that there are no cracked walls or damp spots in the hostel, especially in the north and east directions. These imperfections can accumulate negative energy, impacting the residents’ mental health.
Clutter-free living: Keep the hostel free from unnecessary clutter, particularly in rooms, corridors, and common areas. Clutter blocks the free flow of energy and can contribute to feelings of being overwhelmed or stressed.
11. Prayer Room or Meditation Space
A dedicated space for meditation, prayers, or quiet reflection in the north-east corner of the hostel can provide students with a place to destress and calm their minds. This practice fosters emotional resilience and helps in coping with academic and social pressures.
12. Safety Measures
Closed staircases and balconies: Ensure that all balconies, staircases, and windows have appropriate safety measures to prevent accidents. Avoid spiral staircases as they disrupt energy flow and create confusion.
Creating a Positive, Suicide-Free Environment
A well-designed hostel aligned with Vastu Shastra principles promotes a healthy and peaceful environment for students. By addressing Vastu dosh and incorporating remedies, we can create spaces that encourage mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall well-being. The goal of a suicide-free hostel is not just to prevent tragic incidents but to foster an environment where students can thrive, both mentally and emotionally.
A balanced space is key to nurturing a balanced mind, and Vastu can play a vital role in ensuring the mental health and safety of hostel residents.
