Prana, Tejas & Ojas

Prana, Tejas and Ojas are important concepts in both Yoga and Ayurveda. The three energies are subtle forms of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These are the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) equivalent of Chi, Yang and Yin. In yoga practice these energies must be balanced otherwise you can deplete yourself.

PRANA

Prana, life force energy, is known in TCM as Chi. It is life pulsating through us and animating us. When we are born, the first thing we do is inhale. When we die, the last thing we do is exhale. Prana is the subtle energy of Air and is associated with Vata dosha.

Prana coordinates our breath, senses and our mind. It is the force and intelligence of all mind-body functions. This primal life force is our higher consciousness. Prana is rooted in Ojas and kindled from Tejas.

Our bodies are sacred vessel that contain prana. When we practice Hatha Yoga we are opening up our pathways for Prana to flow more fully. Injuries, pain, mental health issues and disease are places where prana is blocked or restricted. When we are tense, misaligned and blocked we cannot open to this life force fully. Yoga practice helps us to open our minds, bodies and souls to our birthright. We use pranayama (yogic breathing) to help channel this energy in specific ways to create balance. Meditation also helps us open up our channels. This is why these ancient practices exist.

TEJAS

Tejas translates into, “brilliance”, “splendor”, “radiance”, “fire”, “light” and more. It is the name of deities in both Hinduism and Buddhism. In Ayurveda, Tejas is the light of intelligence, our inner radiance. The sun rays warming and lighting the earth is Tejas. Tejas helps to grow our food and we ingest that solar power when we eat. Cooking over fire also helps our foods impart Tejas.

Tejas is the subtle energy of Pitta. Tejas rules over chemical transformation and digestion of all things we take in: food, liquid, air, sensory input, thoughts and even emotions. Tejas is our higher perception. It is the intelligence present in each cell of our body. It is the glow of our skin, our inner radiance shining out. Tejas is the light of our intelligence. Tejas can be increased through use of mantra, controlling speech, Trataka meditation (candle gazing) improving concentration and Jnana Yoga (the yoga of knowledge).

Rooted in Ojas (our vitality), Tejas is the light and heat of Ojas. If we have too much Tejas it will dry up and burn Ojas away.

OJAS

Ojas is your vitality and your immunity. Ojas is the subtle energy of water and Kapha dosha. Dr Vasant Lad says, “Ojas is the pure essence of all the bodily tissues. Ojas fights against aging, decay and disease.” [1]

Ojas is the end product of all we digest, from food to impressions and thoughts. We have two types of Ojas in our bodies. Inferior, known as “apara” and superior, “para”. Apara Ojas moves throughout our bodies and Para Ojas resides in the heart. The levels of Apara ojas can fluctuate. In times of either physical or emotional stress we can deplete our Apara Ojas. However, with proper rest and nourishment these levels can bounce back. If we are exposed to chronic stress our Apara Ojas can remain reduced, thus, our vigor and immunity will be diminished. This is how chronic stress or over exertion can cause disease. This is why in Ayurveda proper rest and self-care are emphasized.

Ojas can be increased through right diet, lifestyle and certain herbs. Controlling your senses and sexual energy is important for good Ojas. Bhakti Yoga (the yoga of devotion) increases Ojas.

PRANA, TEJAS & OJAS

It is important to balance the three energies of Prana, Tejas and Ojas through proper diet, lifestyle and exercise. Balancing these three energies will reduce the effects of aging and promote health, harmony and longevity. Picture a candle: Ojas is the wax that sustains the flame, tejas is the flame and prana is the light and energy extending out. Ojas is the vessel that holds and sustains Prana and Tejas. Too much heat (excess Pitta) and wind (excess Vata) can dry up Ojas. Ayurveda focuses on preventing doshic imbalances in order to maintain health and longevity.

[1] Lad, 2002, Textbook of Ayurveda: Fundamental Principles, Vol. 1, p. 208.