1. परिभाषा (Definition)
“ओजस्तु तेजो धातूनां शुक्रान्तानां परं स्मृतम्।” (च.सू.११/३७)
- Ojas is the supreme refined essence (Teja) of all Sapta Dhatus (7 tissues), formed after Shukra Dhatu (reproductive tissue).
- Also called “वान” (Vana) or “प्राकृत श्लेष्मा” (Prakrita Shleshma – natural Kapha).
- Resides in Hridaya (Heart) and spreads throughout the body.
2. प्रकार (Types of Ojas)
| Type | Location | Quantity | Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| पर ओज (Para Ojas) | हृदय (Heart) | 8 बिंदु (Drops) | Loss → Death |
| अपर ओज (Apara Ojas) | सर्वशरीर (Whole Body) | अंजली प्रमाण (Handful) | Depletion → Weakness |
3. गुण (Properties of Ojas)
“गुरु शीत मृदु स्निग्धं मधुर स्थिरं प्रसन्नं पिच्छिलं शुक्लं सूक्ष्मम्” (च.नि.२४/३१)
- Guru (Heavy), Sheeta (Cool), Mridu (Soft), Snigdha (Unctuous), Madhura (Sweet), Sthira (Stable), Prasanna (Clear), Picchila (Slimy), Shukla (White), Sukshma (Subtle).
4. कर्म (Functions of Ojas)
- बलप्रदानम् (Provides strength & immunity).
- धातुपोषणम् (Nourishes all tissues).
- स्वर-वर्णप्रसादकम् (Enhances voice & complexion).
- आयुष्यम् (Supports longevity).
- प्राणधारणम् (Sustains life – located in Hridaya).
“ओजोक्षये मरणम्” (Loss of Ojas leads to death).
5. ओजोदुष्टि हेतु (Causes of Ojas Vitiation)
- धातुक्षय (Tissue depletion – e.g., Malnutrition, Chronic diseases).
- रूक्ष-अल्पाहार (Dry, insufficient diet).
- अतिव्यायाम, अतिमैथुन (Excessive exercise/sex).
- चिन्ता, क्रोध, शोक, भय (Stress, anger, grief, fear).
- निद्रानाश, अतिजागरण (Sleep deprivation).
- विषमाशन, अजीर्ण (Irregular eating, indigestion).
- वृद्धावस्था (Old age – natural decline).
6. ओजोदुष्टि प्रकार (Types of Ojas Disorders)
| Type | Mechanism | लक्षण (Symptoms) |
|---|---|---|
| ओजोविश्रम (Displacement) | Ojas moves from its place | मोह (Confusion), अस्थिरता (Instability) |
| ओजोव्यापद् (Vitiation) | Dosha (Vata/Pitta/Kapha) mixes with Ojas | स्तब्धगात्र (Stiffness), शोफ (Swelling), ग्लानि (Fatigue) |
| ओजोक्षय (Depletion) | Severe loss of Ojas | मूर्छा (Fainting), मांसक्षय (Muscle wasting), मरण (Death) |
7. चिकित्सा (Treatment of Ojas Disorders)
A. ओजोवर्धक द्रव्य (Ojas-Enhancing Substances)
- आहार (Diet):
- गोदुग्ध (Cow’s milk), घृत (Ghee), मधु (Honey).
- मधुर रस (Sweet taste) – e.g., Dates, Figs, Ashwagandha, Shatavari.
- औषध (Medicines):
- जीवनीय गण (Rejuvenators) – e.g., Chyawanprash, Amalaki, Guduchi.
- रसायन (Rejuvenation therapy) – e.g., Ashwagandha, Balya drugs.
B. विहार (Lifestyle)
- सुखनिद्रा (Proper sleep), मनःशांति (Mental peace), योग-ध्यान (Yoga/Meditation).
- Avoid अतिव्यायाम (Overexertion), अतिचिन्ता (Overthinking).
C. असाध्य अवस्था (Incurable Condition)
- ओजोक्षय (Severe Ojas depletion) is असाध्य (untreatable).
- Prevention is key!
8. Clinical Importance
- Ojas = Ayurvedic concept of Immunity (Bala, Vyadhikshamatva).
- Low Ojas → Frequent infections, Chronic fatigue, Weakness.
- Management:
- Avoid causative factors (Nidana Parivarjana).
- **Use *Brimhana (nourishing) and Rasayana (rejuvenation) therapies.*
Conclusion
“ओजः सर्वशरीरस्य मूलम्” (Ojas is the root of all bodily strength).
- Protect Ojas through proper diet, lifestyle, and stress management.
- Depletion leads to severe diseases & death.
Study Tip: Compare Ojas with modern concepts like Immune Resilience, Mitochondrial Health, and Vitality for better understanding!