Ayurveda assumes that a part of our life force is put into the cradle at birth. The other part varies depending on the way of life. This is where Ayurvedic measures are applied to revive one’s spirits of life and bring more balance into our body and thus into our lives.
Ojas, the pulsating life force and vitality of the heart, originates from the primal power of the water element, which is expressed in subtle form both in the body and in the mind. It is the store of vital reserves and creates the basis for a strong immune system, hormonal balance, physical and mental endurance, health and radiance.
For thousands of years humanity has been searching for the life-prolonging potion called Amrita (immortality) in the ancient Indian Vedas. A potion that prolongs life – both of gods and of humans. A seeking that involved alchemists, herbalists, medicine women and men throughout the world.
Prevention and healing have an equal position in Ayurveda, because optimal health care trains self-awareness, strengthens self-responsibility, increases resistance, stimulates self-healing powers and increases the quality of life. Serious illnesses can be prevented with these effective measures, the recovery process is supported and new perspectives are opened, which help to deal with the illness in another way.
Looking at the wholeness of life
Ayurveda, the doctrine of a long and healthy life, considers life in its various contexts. They are interwoven on a spiritual, energetic and physical level. Enjoying life in health and mental wellbeing is of paramount importance.
The three Doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha determine the biological existence. They produce the physical body and control its functions. Through their manifold expressiveness they influence growth, age, health, illness and decay. Their subtle essences Ojas, Tejas and Prana root in them. Together they are active in different ways within body and mind (see box).
Among the eight disciplines of Ayurveda therapy, Rasayana therapy deals with measures that strengthen the ojas. “Rasayana is to be understood as that which destroys the disturbing factors of old age”, says the Ayurvedic basic doctrine Sharngadhara Samhita.
The subtle essences
Ojas – the essential primary energy of water develops from a balanced Kapha-Dosha and well-functioning Agni (digestive fire). Ojas is responsible for the basic energy level, perserverance, stability, spirituality, inner peace and self-confidence.
Tejas – the subtle, hot energy of fire is the essence of a balanced Pitta-Dosha. Tejas forms the willpower. It stands for warmth, passion and vitality.
Prana – the primordial life energy, which is available to all physical and mental functions, is the essence of a balanced Vata-Dosha. Prana controls all energy movements in the body and coordinates involuntary functions such as breathing. It supports the absorption and processing of information.
Weakened Ojas
The following symptoms indicate a decreased Ojas:
- Fears, worries, depressions
- Physical and mental weakness
- Sensory perception disorders
- Severe emaciation
- Weak immune system
Strengthening the Ojas
A balanced digestive fire (Agni) and the balance of the Doshas secure high life energy, a powerful Ojas.
- A balanced sattvic lifestyle that supports the harmony of the Doshas.
- A good relationship between tension and relaxation and sufficient sleep support a stable mental condition and emotional balance.
- A constitutionally adapted, balanced diet ensures a well-functioning digestive fire and healthy digestion. All tissues can be nourished in a balanced way and Ojas can be optimally developed.
- Tonic herbs adapted to the constitution support the harmonization of Agni, purification of the tissues from waste products and the structure of the tissues.
- Control of the senses, mind and feelings strengthens self-perception, will, stamina and endurance.
- Train the sensible use of our power reserves.
Awakening the spirits of life
The central task of Rasayana is to strengthen life energy (Ojas). They promote regeneration, increase the body’s resistance, have a rejuvenating effect and ensure optimal condition of the body tissues. Rasayana contains the term Rasa and describes the body’s nutrient tissue. On a biological level it corresponds to blood plasma, which transports the coarse and subtle energy of food through the body and nourishes us on a physical, mental and spiritual level. Ojas, the life energy, emanates from its finest essence. Without Ojas there would be no life.
“The heat dwells in this body in the Rasa, embracing life it lives there. Man is born from Rasa. That is why Rasa is called life.” (Bhela Samhita Sharira 4.33). A balanced digestive fire (Agni) and the balance of the Doshas guarantee high life energy, a powerful Ojas.
A balanced Ojas is the basis for the creation and the quality of Tejas and Prana. Two forms of Ojas are distinguished: One is the vital essence, Paramojas. These are eight drops of Ojas, which every person receives as a divine gift at the beginning of his journey on earth. They are his precious good, for which he is responsible. Paramojas provides health, strength, courage, endurance, intelligence, radiance and life energy. In the course of life this divine essence is consumed, drop by drop the life force disappears and leads to death after the loss of the last drop. Paramojas cannot renew itself, therefore it is advised to handle this gift carefully and consciously in order to maintain health and vitality.
From Paramojas comes the second Ojas form, the Aparamojas, which at each beginning phase of life (childhood, adolescence, etc.) get transformed from one of the eight drops of Paramojas into Aparamojas. Thus, it is an energy potential that is available for this stage of life. In austere times, the organism can bridge and balance the missing need for life energy with this reserve. In contrast to Paramojas, the energy depot of Aparamojas can be replenished after a long dry spell.
“Every human being receives eight drops of Ojas.”
Bringing harmony into everyday life
Here, the effective Rasayana therapies of Ayurveda are applied. Harmonizing life and health recommendations support and accompany daily routine. On the one hand, they contain a balanced, individually oriented, constructive diet. On the other hand, a balanced degree of relaxation and sleep is important.
“Ojas nourishes the nerve tissue.”
Health-promoting daily routine measures are – depending on the seasons – accompanied by an ethical lifestyle, cleansing measures and special herbal therapies. The nourishing Ayurvedic oil treatments support the metabolic activity and balance the physical and mental forces of the weakened organism. They increase vitality and revive life spirits.
Ojas nourishes all tissues of the body, especially the nervous tissue. It strengthens persistency, physical and mental stamina, regulates reproduction and stabilizes in stressful situations. If Ojas, Tejas and Prana are present in a balanced way, the organism is healthy. This means that both the immune system is strong and resistant and the mind is awake and powerful, characterized by a stable emotional attitude.
This allows us to lead a life full of joy and energy and to flexibly react to changes. This desirable state supports the pulsating life force and vitality of the heart.
Contact address
Kerstin Tschinkowitz
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CH-2502 Biel/Bienne
info@ayurvedabalance.ch
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