Considered an integral part of the Indian home, Vaastu's significance stems from much more than the placing of a window. It works on the basic premise that the earth or soil is actually alive, and that all living or organic creatures emerge directly from it. This life force within the earth is called Vaastu, and all objects placed on it share this life force. The earth therefore works as both substance and support. Vaastu is also explained as the living space (Vas meaning "to be" or "to live"). Elements of Vaastu Space, time and energy are traditionally perceived as existing in their free, unlimited state. Vaastu believes that these three elements can be disciplined by applying rhythm and order (in other words, science) to the way we live, move, and use time. Vaastu's History Purely technical, ancient Indian Vaastu was confined to architects (Sthapathis) and handed over by word of mouth or through hand-written monographs. It was treated as the science for the construction of temples and royal palaces. The principles of construction, architecture and sculpture have been incorporated in the science. Epics like the Bruhatsamhita, Vishnu Dharmottara Purana, Viswakarma Vaastu Sastra, Samarangana Sutra Dharana and Aparajita Prutchcha, have also been responsible for Vaastu taking its shape as a science. Early works on Vaastu The first official treatise on Vaastu, the Kasyapa Silpa, has been attributed to Sage Kasyapa. In the treatise Agama Sastra, which explains the science of temples, Vaastu is considered the basis for any type of construction. Excavations at Harappa and Mohenjodaro are also proof of the influence of Vaastu on the Indus Valley Civilisation.