Prāna . Tejas . Ojas

Prana, Tejas and Ojas are the subtle or energetic forms, and the positive aspects of the three Doshas; Vata, Pitta and Kapha. The Doshas represent the tendencies and imbalances on a physical level, while Prana, Tejas and Ojas represent the nature of the mind and soul.

The treatment for reducing excess Doshas is through a balancing diet, herbs, lifestyle and various other therapies. Therapy also includes increasing the positive aspects of the Doshas; Prana, Tejas and Ojas.

Prāna

The essence of Vata

Balanced Prana

Prana promotes mental adaptability, good communication and comprehension. It gives clarity and vitality to the mind, makes us enthusiastic, creative and strong. It provides the will to live and to evolve. It governs overall growth and evolution of the body and mind.

Excess Prana

Too much Prana can lead to lack of mental control and loss of sensory and motor coordination. It may lead to feeling spacy, ungrounded, disconnected, anxious, disoriented, and uneasy.

Low Prana

Deficiency in Prana can lead to lack in mental energy, enthusiasm and curiosity. Our vitality and healing energy weakens and blocks the flow of new energy. Our mind and senses become dull and limited. Our views become rigid and limiting.

Tejas

The essence of Pitta

Balanced Tejas

Tejas promotes intelligence, reason, passion to learn, curiosity, self‑discipline and acceptance. It gives clarity of mind, courage, fearlessness, boldness and zeal.

Excess Tejas

Too much Tejas makes the mind overly critical and discriminating, and may lead to headaches and burning sensation in the head and eyes. We become doubtfu, angry, irritable and dissatisfied.

Low Tejas

Deficiency in Tejas can lead to lack of power to learn from our experiences. Mentally, we become too passive and uninvolved in our own lives, and allow influence of others over us. We lose purpose in life, are fearful and lack courage.

Ojas

The essence of Kapha & Dhatus; the seven bodily tissues

Balanced Ojas

Ojas gives mental strength, stability, contentment, patience, calm, good memory and concentration. Ojas is our peace of mind, good immunity, stamina and overall wellbeing.

Excess Ojas

Too much Ojas may cause heaviness and dullness in the mind, excessive self‑contentment and unwillingness to evolve. Although a balanced state is preferable, overly strong Ojas isn’t much of a problem compared to excess Prana and Tejas, which are the main factors in mental disorders. Overpowered Prana and Tejas lead to weakening of Ojas; the balancing factor in the body and mind.

Low Ojas

Deficiency in Ojas can lead to lack of self‑confidence, lack of concentration, poor memory and lack of faith. It creates inconsistency in thoughts, believes and emotions, and might cause nervousness in the system.

Ways to develop Prana:

Pranayama | balancing the breath through consistent practice of breath techniques. The right nostril resembles the fire element (Tejas), and the left nostril resembles the water element (Ojas). The balance of both increases Prana.

Dhyana | meditating without needing guidance, sound, form or any other stimulus. Meditating on the void builds Prana.

Raja Yoga | a consistent and comprehensive practice of yoga which includes Asana, Pranayama, Mantra, and meditation.

Ways to develop Tejas:

Tapas | practicing discipline and control over speech and other austerities. This can be done by talking less, not gossiping, taking periods of complete silence, fasting, staying awake all night, and being uncomfortable as a way for growth.

Mantra | repetition of mantra, chanting, and praying loudly, or silently, increases ones inner fire.

Dharana | practicing concentration by focusing on the flame of a candle (Trāṭaka), sun-gazing, or visualizing a form. This practice ignites the inner fire.

Jnana | knowing the true Self through questioning your likes and dislikes, and your sense of ‘I AM’.

Ways to develop Ojas:

Ahara | eating a nutritious vegetarian diet rich in wheat, rice, sesame seeds, almonds, milk, ghee and honey.

Rasayana | rejuvenating herbs such as Ashwagandha, Shatavri, Bala, Amla, Chawanprash, Ginseng, and Shilajit.

Brahmacharya | controlling sexual energy and not wasting reproductive fluids. This might mean reducing ones sexual activity, having sex without ejaculating, and not indulging in masturbation.

Pratyahara | controlling the senses by reducing or avoiding stimulation of any kind, including different forms of entertainment and outwardly activities.

Bhakti | living a life of devotion and redirecting the energy inwards. This can be achieved through prayer, worship and selfless service.