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Ojas In Ayurveda – Effulgence Or Vigor In Hinduism

Ojas in Ayurveda is the quintessence of all tissues and the end product of the process of tissue formation. In simple terms, ojas is effulgence or vigor in Hinduism and is essential for the sustenance of life. It is believed to spread all over the body and is the seat of prana or vital force.

Bala, physical and mental strength, is the synonym of ojas.

If ojas is destroyed human being is likely to die. On the other hand, a personality rich in ojas is full of splendor.

The seat of ojas is mainly the heart, although generally it is present in all over the body. A disease like madhumeha (diabetes) is also called ojomeha. Sometimes, bodily temperature and blood are also regarded in terms of ojas.

The physical characteristics of ojas are reddish yellow color, sweetish taste and semi liquid. It is also heavy, soft, slimy and spreadable in nature. Para ad apara are the two types of ojas.

Apara measures half an anjali handful, while para measures eight drops.

Injury, depletion of any tissue, anger, worry, strenuous action or hard exercise and fasting are the causes of its depletion.

Fear, debility, weakened senses, paleness of complexion; weak-mindedness and a dry and emaciated physique are the features by which the deficiency of ojas in the body can reasonably be diagnosed.

The derangement of ojas, which runs through three stages, leads to emaciation which, if virulent is difficult to cure. The third stage ultimately proves fatal. The level of ojas can be increased by a calm mind, happiness, nourishment by food and medicaments which are sweet, unctuous and cold, and of light quantities like milk, and also by practice of Yoga.

Bibliography
Encyclopedia of Hinduism Volume VII page 531 - IHRF