Tejas & Ojas

Tejas

There are three essences that govern the functions of the Sthula-Sarira and Sukshma-Sarira (gross and subtle bodies) on a finer plane than the 3 Dosha. These subtle essences are known as Prana, Tejas, and Ojas.

Tejas is the radiant essence of the fire element. It encompasses the qualities of light, splendor, and the innate intelligence in our body. If the sun embodies the element of fire, then the glowing light from the sun is Tejas.

The main functions of Tejas are to maintain the intellect of our mind, as well as the corporal and cellular intelligence of our body. Tejas governs proper nutrition by converting food into energy, thus maintains, and gives form to all the tissues and cells in our body. Tejas trains our cells to distinguish poison from nectar, pathogens from friendly bacteria, and toxins from sustenance.

Tejas is present in solar energy, so any foods or fruits that are directly nourished by the sun will be rich in Tejas. We should eat plenty of fruits that grow high in the trees, as well as sun-grown vegetables that grow above the soil. Photosynthesis is Tejas in the form of plants, thus chlorophyl-rich leafy greens are excellent for nourishing our Tejas.

Dhatu

The 7 Dhatu are the building blocks of our body. Any imbalance would result in deteriorating of health and overall wellbeing. Do note that symptoms (often called diseases or illnesses by Western "medicine") are not the problems. They are the signals that your body is giving you to tell you that there is something wrong with your lifestyle, diet or environment.

The 7 Dhatu are:

Rasa (Blood plasma)
Rakta (Blood - Red blood cells)
Mamasa (Muscle tissue)
Meda (Fat tissue)
Asthi (Bone tissue)
Majja (Nerve tissue)
Shukra (Reproductive tissue)

Wherever you look in terms of health in Ayurveda, it all hinges on our digestion.

The Dhatu are built and nourished by our digestion. Our food must be digested so well that all Dhatu are supplied equally.

All Dhatu are sustained in the above order.

Soma

In Vedic philosophy, Soma is the cosmic lunar, cool, calm and rejuvenating principle that balances the Agni, the principle of light, fire, heat and transformation. They can be thought of as Prakriti and Purusha or Shiva and Shakti, the feminine and masculine aspects of Brahman (the Universal Consciousness).

The balance of the two creates life, but in today’s society much of the balance has been tipped towards the Agni. The emphasis is on striving, achieving, competition and over-exertion which causes stress and anxiety. Most of us could benefit from a flood of Soma; the calming, mothering and nurturing energy, to restore balance.

In Ayurveda and Yoga, Soma is the nectar of life which rejuvenates and restores your body and mind to create a feeling of fullness.
Soma gives you more vitality vigor and strength and nourishes your mind and body. It can be enhanced and built by the energy or Prana you take in through the body and mind. In some ancient texts, Soma is a special plant that offers the elixir of life, health and longevity.

Soma is said to be made in the body via the pineal gland and is related to the upper Chakra – the heart, throat, and third eye. Therefore, soma provides a youthful body, confidence in speech and a sharp mind. It meets the Kundalini, the fiery transformative Agni force that moves upwards. The power of aspiration rises in the form of Agni, ascending upwards and meeting the watery nectar of the Soma that dwells in the Crown Chakra and descends down. The oily drops of Soma are fuel for the fire, and balanced Agni creates Ojas, which is pure Soma.

Ojas

Ojas, also known as the Maha-Dhatu, is the essence of the 7 Dhatu. It is the source of energy in our physical body. It is like the oil in a machine. Lacking it, our body will be unable to perform at optimum level. Without it, our body will not last long. Thus, it is important that we eat real food that can nourish our body and our Ojas.