Ojas is a Sanskrit word that implies immunity, compassion (karuna), patience (kshanti), strength (bala), energy (virya), vigor and stick-to-it-iveness. The qualities of ojas have been described by the ancient sage Vedic-Yogic-Buddhist-Muslim compilers of Ayurvedic wisdom. Charaka, the great wandering renunciate (sanyasi - monk) Ayurvedic physician from 200 B.C., lists the qualities of ojas as heavy, cool, soft, smooth, viscous, sweet, stable, clear, unctuous, sticky or cohesive. These are all the qualities of healthy balanced amount of kapha (water-earth). Charaka describes ojas as having the color of ghee (clarified butter), the taste of honey (madhu), and the smell of laja (dry fried rice). Foods that help replenish ojas include items such as ghee (non-salted clarified organic butter V-P-K-), milk (V-P-K+ – organic raw or fresh is sattvic, older homogenized pasteurized is slightly rajasic - slightly tamasic, if cow was not treated lovingly and allowed to roam free in pasture without the normally vegetarian cow being given feed made from cow beef-by-product or other ground up animals like dogs and cats), dates (sattvic V-P-K+), almonds (should be soaked and peeled or blanched - sattvic V-P-K+ when soaked and peeled, otherwise V-P+K+), basmati rice (sattvic V-P-K-) and avocados (tamasic V-P-K+).
Foods that modern researchers believe can help prevent or treat cancer, and hence also will help to build ojas (best enjoyed in organic non-GMO [genetically-modified-organism] forms) include apples (V+P-K- rajasic), beans (including soybeans in form of tofu only – V+P=K- rajasic), beets (V-P+K-), broccoli (V+P-K- rajasic), burdock root (V+P+K-), Brussels sprouts (V+P-K- rajasic), cabbage (V+P-K- rajasic), cauliflower (V+P-K- rajasic), celery (V+P-K-), citrus fruits (V-P=+K=+ rajasic), cumin (V-P-K- sattvic), flaxseed oil or flaxseeds whole (V-P-K= sattvic), garlic (V-P+K- tamasic), grapes (important to take organically only – green are V-P+K-, red-black-purple are V-P-K= sattvic), green vegetables (V=P-K- hard to generalize, sattvic), kale (V+P-K- sattvic), olive oil (V-P-K+), onions (V-+P=+K- tamasic), parsley (V-P-+K- sattvic), pineapple (bromelain – V-P+K-+ rajasic), raspberries (important to take organically – V+P-+K-), red pepper (V+P-K-), soybean products (if organic non-GMO and traditionally made such as tofu V=+P-K=+, not modern derivatives and fake meats V+P-K+), squash (winter V+P-K-, summer V-P-K+), tangerines (V-P-+K-+), tomatoes (lycopene, however Dr. Lad says tri-doshically disturbing V+P+K+), yogurt (fresh made is V-P-K+, old or store-bought is V-P+K+. Probiotics are good), strawberries (V-P-+K-+), and wheat bran (V-P-K=) (Wildman EC, 2001; Meydani and Ha, 2000; de Roos and Katan, 2000; reported in Yance, 1999; Macrae, 1999; reported in Murray, 1996; reported in Duke, 1997; Gann, et al., 1999; Newmark, 1999; Eckert, 1999; Kapadia GJ et al., 1996; Seeger, 1967). Most of the research focuses on specific phytochemicals such as flavonoids, isoprenoids and carotenoids.
Herbs such as ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), shatavari ( asparagus racemosus), amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and herbal formulas such as Dr. Lad’s Shakti Prana Jam (buy from Elephant Pharmacy or www.Ayurveda.com) and Chyavanprash jam (buy from Elephant Pharmacy or www.BanyanBotanicals.com) are also useful to nourish ojas. Behaviors and practices which are sattvic – such as swimming, Yoga, Tai Qi, Qi Gong, Aikido, meditation, pranayama (alternate nostril breathing or breath awareness), chanting mantras or prayers, bowing (prostrations or genuflecting) to the Buddhas, God(s), Goddess(es), sages and saints and to sacred scriptures, reading the scriptures, Buddhist Sutras, Vedic-Yogic literature or other spiritual texts, keeping the company of the wise, practicing selfless anonymous generosity (dana paramita) and right thinking (samyak-samkalpa) also promote the formation and flow of ojas.
Ayurveda gives understanding of the causal relationship implied by these facts in the Law of Similarity and Dissimilarity. It states that any quality applied to a substance will increase that quality in that substance. If a substance is exposed to qualities such as those embodied in ojas then that substance will become more ojas-like. Therefore, the foods listed above must be high in those ojas qualities and they are. Similarly, the herbs and the behaviors have those ojas qualities and when one is exposed to them one automatically increases ojas. Looking at this in another way we can say that these substances are anabolic (promote normal growth).
When ojas is diminished the symptoms of fear, worry, weakness, loss of complexion, emaciation, roughness, cheerlessness, pain in the sense organs, decreased immunity, etc., may manifest. These previous symptoms are all vata disturbances. These symptoms may be caused by persistent emotional distress such as anger (pitta), worry (vata), fear (vata), grief (vata and/or kapha), by prolonged wasting diseases (vata), by prolonged fasting (vata-pitta disturbing), extreme exertion (vata disturbing), excessive sex (vata - pitta disturbing), excessive elimination of bodily fluids (vata disturbing) like blood, mucus, semen or Bartholin gland vaginal secretions etc., excessive exposure to sun (pitta-disturbing) and wind (vata disturbing), excessively staying awake (vata disturbing), diet of cold, dry and rough quality (vata disturbing), and by old age (vata season of life) and seasonally dry periods (vata time of year – autumn). Also, drugs/substances (vata disturbing) such as alcohol (vata-pitta-kapha disturbing tamasic), tobacco (vata-pitta disturbing rajasic), methamphetamines (vata-pitta disturbing), etc., are detrimental to physiology. The understanding of this relates to the law of cause and effect described above – Law of Similarity and Dissimilarity. The qualities of alcohol (vata-pitta disturbing), for example, are exactly opposite to those qualities of ojas. Ingesting these substances brings these qualities into the body and depletes or decreases those ojas qualities. By avoiding these causative factors one protects ojas.
This is why the fifth precept of Buddhism says to not take alcohol or other intoxicants, recreational drugs or cigarettes. Venerable Thich Nhat Hahn, the Vietnamese Buddhist monk calls this temperance the “Fifth Mindfulness Training: Mindful Consumption” and says “Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, I vow to cultivate good health, both physical and mental, for myself, my family, and my society by practicing mindful eating, drinking, and consuming. I vow to ingest only items that preserve peace, well-being, and joy in my body, in my consciousness, and in the collective body and consciousness of my family and society. I am determined not to use alcohol or any other intoxicant or to ingest food, or other items that contain toxins, such as certain TV programs, magazines, books, films, and conversations. I am aware that to damage my body or my consciousness with these poisons is to betray my ancestors, my parents, my society, and future generations. I will work to transform violence, fear, anger, and confusion in myself and in society by practicing a diet for myself and for society. I understand that a proper diet is crucial for self-transformation and for the transformation of society.” (Hahn, Anger 2001: 211)
Regarding excessive sex (with partner) or masturbation, it is highly vata - pitta disturbing and depletes ojas more than any other human activity. Thich Nhat Hahn calls this moderation and control of sexual desire the “Third Mindfulness Training: Sexual Responsibility”, “Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I vow to cultivate responsibility and learn ways to protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families and society. I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without love and a long-term commitment. To preserve the happiness of myself and others, I am determined to respect my commitments and the commitments of others. I will do everything in my power to protect children from sexual abuse and to protect couples and families from being broken by sexual misconduct.” (Hahn, Anger 2001: 210)
The Venerable Buddhist Tripitaka Master Hsuan Hua of the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas (www.DRBA.org), in his commentary on the Shurangama Sutra Volume 1 says, “It is said that there are three restrictions on the superior person. ‘When one is young and the blood (rakta) and breath (qi-prana) are restless, the restriction is on sex.’ Young people should restrict sex, restrict sexual desire. If you do not, you will cause your body to lose its health and strength.” (Ven. Hua, Shurangama Sutra V1 2002: 36) This is losing one essence (jing qi in Chinese Medicine – semen [shukra dhatu] or Bartholin secretions [artava dhatu] which depletes ojas. This is the 3rd Precept of Buddhism. Then Master Hua goes on to say, “‘When one is in one’s prime and the blood and breath are strong, the restriction is on fighting.’ You should not spend all your time picking quarrels. If someone hits you, move back a step. Don’t fight with people.” (Ven. Hua, Shurangama Sutra V1 2002: 36) This is the 1st Precept of Buddhism – Do no harm (ahimsa). Thich Nhat Hahn calls this the “First Mindfulness Training: Reverence for Life”, “Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I vow to cultivate compassion and learn ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to condone any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, or in my way of life.” (Hahn, Anger 2001: 209) Master Hua continues to say, “‘When one is old and the blood and breath are on the decline, the restriction is on acquiring things.’ ‘Acquiring things’ means being insatiably greedy. Old people should not be greedy about acquiring things.” (Ven. Hua, Shurangama Sutra V1 2002: 36) This last concept is the 3rd Buddhist Precept – Don’t be greedy or selfish. Thich Nhat Hahn calls this the “Second Mindfulness Training: Generosity”, “Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing, and oppression, I vow to cultivate loving-kindness and learn ways to work for the well-being of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I vow to practice generosity by sharing my time, energy, and material resources with those who are in real need. I am determined not to steal and not possess anything that should belong to others. I will respect the property of others, but I will prevent others from profiting from human suffering or the suffering of other species on earth.” (Hahn, Anger 2001: 210)
Ojas is the essence of life and the supreme expression of that flow of unifying intelligence we call Consciousness. Life is a process – a flow of intelligence, of energy and consciousness, which is experienced as bliss so long as the flow is continuous.
Foods that modern researchers believe can help prevent or treat cancer, and hence also will help to build ojas (best enjoyed in organic non-GMO [genetically-modified-organism] forms) include apples (V+P-K- rajasic), beans (including soybeans in form of tofu only – V+P=K- rajasic), beets (V-P+K-), broccoli (V+P-K- rajasic), burdock root (V+P+K-), Brussels sprouts (V+P-K- rajasic), cabbage (V+P-K- rajasic), cauliflower (V+P-K- rajasic), celery (V+P-K-), citrus fruits (V-P=+K=+ rajasic), cumin (V-P-K- sattvic), flaxseed oil or flaxseeds whole (V-P-K= sattvic), garlic (V-P+K- tamasic), grapes (important to take organically only – green are V-P+K-, red-black-purple are V-P-K= sattvic), green vegetables (V=P-K- hard to generalize, sattvic), kale (V+P-K- sattvic), olive oil (V-P-K+), onions (V-+P=+K- tamasic), parsley (V-P-+K- sattvic), pineapple (bromelain – V-P+K-+ rajasic), raspberries (important to take organically – V+P-+K-), red pepper (V+P-K-), soybean products (if organic non-GMO and traditionally made such as tofu V=+P-K=+, not modern derivatives and fake meats V+P-K+), squash (winter V+P-K-, summer V-P-K+), tangerines (V-P-+K-+), tomatoes (lycopene, however Dr. Lad says tri-doshically disturbing V+P+K+), yogurt (fresh made is V-P-K+, old or store-bought is V-P+K+. Probiotics are good), strawberries (V-P-+K-+), and wheat bran (V-P-K=) (Wildman EC, 2001; Meydani and Ha, 2000; de Roos and Katan, 2000; reported in Yance, 1999; Macrae, 1999; reported in Murray, 1996; reported in Duke, 1997; Gann, et al., 1999; Newmark, 1999; Eckert, 1999; Kapadia GJ et al., 1996; Seeger, 1967). Most of the research focuses on specific phytochemicals such as flavonoids, isoprenoids and carotenoids.
Herbs such as ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), shatavari ( asparagus racemosus), amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and herbal formulas such as Dr. Lad’s Shakti Prana Jam (buy from Elephant Pharmacy or www.Ayurveda.com) and Chyavanprash jam (buy from Elephant Pharmacy or www.BanyanBotanicals.com) are also useful to nourish ojas. Behaviors and practices which are sattvic – such as swimming, Yoga, Tai Qi, Qi Gong, Aikido, meditation, pranayama (alternate nostril breathing or breath awareness), chanting mantras or prayers, bowing (prostrations or genuflecting) to the Buddhas, God(s), Goddess(es), sages and saints and to sacred scriptures, reading the scriptures, Buddhist Sutras, Vedic-Yogic literature or other spiritual texts, keeping the company of the wise, practicing selfless anonymous generosity (dana paramita) and right thinking (samyak-samkalpa) also promote the formation and flow of ojas.
Ayurveda gives understanding of the causal relationship implied by these facts in the Law of Similarity and Dissimilarity. It states that any quality applied to a substance will increase that quality in that substance. If a substance is exposed to qualities such as those embodied in ojas then that substance will become more ojas-like. Therefore, the foods listed above must be high in those ojas qualities and they are. Similarly, the herbs and the behaviors have those ojas qualities and when one is exposed to them one automatically increases ojas. Looking at this in another way we can say that these substances are anabolic (promote normal growth).
When ojas is diminished the symptoms of fear, worry, weakness, loss of complexion, emaciation, roughness, cheerlessness, pain in the sense organs, decreased immunity, etc., may manifest. These previous symptoms are all vata disturbances. These symptoms may be caused by persistent emotional distress such as anger (pitta), worry (vata), fear (vata), grief (vata and/or kapha), by prolonged wasting diseases (vata), by prolonged fasting (vata-pitta disturbing), extreme exertion (vata disturbing), excessive sex (vata - pitta disturbing), excessive elimination of bodily fluids (vata disturbing) like blood, mucus, semen or Bartholin gland vaginal secretions etc., excessive exposure to sun (pitta-disturbing) and wind (vata disturbing), excessively staying awake (vata disturbing), diet of cold, dry and rough quality (vata disturbing), and by old age (vata season of life) and seasonally dry periods (vata time of year – autumn). Also, drugs/substances (vata disturbing) such as alcohol (vata-pitta-kapha disturbing tamasic), tobacco (vata-pitta disturbing rajasic), methamphetamines (vata-pitta disturbing), etc., are detrimental to physiology. The understanding of this relates to the law of cause and effect described above – Law of Similarity and Dissimilarity. The qualities of alcohol (vata-pitta disturbing), for example, are exactly opposite to those qualities of ojas. Ingesting these substances brings these qualities into the body and depletes or decreases those ojas qualities. By avoiding these causative factors one protects ojas.
This is why the fifth precept of Buddhism says to not take alcohol or other intoxicants, recreational drugs or cigarettes. Venerable Thich Nhat Hahn, the Vietnamese Buddhist monk calls this temperance the “Fifth Mindfulness Training: Mindful Consumption” and says “Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, I vow to cultivate good health, both physical and mental, for myself, my family, and my society by practicing mindful eating, drinking, and consuming. I vow to ingest only items that preserve peace, well-being, and joy in my body, in my consciousness, and in the collective body and consciousness of my family and society. I am determined not to use alcohol or any other intoxicant or to ingest food, or other items that contain toxins, such as certain TV programs, magazines, books, films, and conversations. I am aware that to damage my body or my consciousness with these poisons is to betray my ancestors, my parents, my society, and future generations. I will work to transform violence, fear, anger, and confusion in myself and in society by practicing a diet for myself and for society. I understand that a proper diet is crucial for self-transformation and for the transformation of society.” (Hahn, Anger 2001: 211)
Regarding excessive sex (with partner) or masturbation, it is highly vata - pitta disturbing and depletes ojas more than any other human activity. Thich Nhat Hahn calls this moderation and control of sexual desire the “Third Mindfulness Training: Sexual Responsibility”, “Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I vow to cultivate responsibility and learn ways to protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families and society. I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without love and a long-term commitment. To preserve the happiness of myself and others, I am determined to respect my commitments and the commitments of others. I will do everything in my power to protect children from sexual abuse and to protect couples and families from being broken by sexual misconduct.” (Hahn, Anger 2001: 210)
The Venerable Buddhist Tripitaka Master Hsuan Hua of the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas (www.DRBA.org), in his commentary on the Shurangama Sutra Volume 1 says, “It is said that there are three restrictions on the superior person. ‘When one is young and the blood (rakta) and breath (qi-prana) are restless, the restriction is on sex.’ Young people should restrict sex, restrict sexual desire. If you do not, you will cause your body to lose its health and strength.” (Ven. Hua, Shurangama Sutra V1 2002: 36) This is losing one essence (jing qi in Chinese Medicine – semen [shukra dhatu] or Bartholin secretions [artava dhatu] which depletes ojas. This is the 3rd Precept of Buddhism. Then Master Hua goes on to say, “‘When one is in one’s prime and the blood and breath are strong, the restriction is on fighting.’ You should not spend all your time picking quarrels. If someone hits you, move back a step. Don’t fight with people.” (Ven. Hua, Shurangama Sutra V1 2002: 36) This is the 1st Precept of Buddhism – Do no harm (ahimsa). Thich Nhat Hahn calls this the “First Mindfulness Training: Reverence for Life”, “Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I vow to cultivate compassion and learn ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to condone any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, or in my way of life.” (Hahn, Anger 2001: 209) Master Hua continues to say, “‘When one is old and the blood and breath are on the decline, the restriction is on acquiring things.’ ‘Acquiring things’ means being insatiably greedy. Old people should not be greedy about acquiring things.” (Ven. Hua, Shurangama Sutra V1 2002: 36) This last concept is the 3rd Buddhist Precept – Don’t be greedy or selfish. Thich Nhat Hahn calls this the “Second Mindfulness Training: Generosity”, “Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing, and oppression, I vow to cultivate loving-kindness and learn ways to work for the well-being of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I vow to practice generosity by sharing my time, energy, and material resources with those who are in real need. I am determined not to steal and not possess anything that should belong to others. I will respect the property of others, but I will prevent others from profiting from human suffering or the suffering of other species on earth.” (Hahn, Anger 2001: 210)
Ojas is the essence of life and the supreme expression of that flow of unifying intelligence we call Consciousness. Life is a process – a flow of intelligence, of energy and consciousness, which is experienced as bliss so long as the flow is continuous.
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