Q:

How can we influence Prana, Tejas and Ojas through doshas by using tools like ahara, vihara, dinacharya, etc.?

A:

Let us first understand what is Prana, Tejas and Ojas

Prana is the cosmic current, the cosmic pulsation, the cosmic rhythm and the cosmic movement. The word Prana means the minutest, unbreakable, tiniest, first, innate, primary, primordial unit of energy that creates life-force. It is the Spanda as spoken in the Sankhya Darshan. At the macrocosmic level is is called Brahmanda Prana and at the microcosmic level it is call the Pinda Prana (as breath). It is present all the time and everywhere, there is no place where there is no Prana.

Tejas is the cosmic intelligence, cosmic radiance, cosmic light and cosmic heat. It is the light within the life force. The work Tejas means one that has brilliance in the form of intelligence, heat and light. Ever fragment and fiber of the creativity is soaked in tejas and is of a particular color, shape, form, size, temperature because of the innate intelligence in the microfiber of the cosmos. It is what gives purpose to anything and anyone. It is the innate Dharma inside every being, thing and object. At the macrocosmic level it is the Sun and the solar energy. It is the Mahad and Buddhi as spoken in Sankhya Darshan. At the microcosmic level it is brilliance of our intelligence, it is the consolidation of our emotions, it is the light of discernment, it is the glow on the skin, it is the light of presence.

Ojas is the cosmic sustenance, cosmic fluid. It is the life within the life force. It is what bring the affects of aging and also brings longevity to a thing, bring or object. It is the undercurrent of love and beauty. It is the moon-ness of the moon and the experience of bliss. It is the solidarity of the word, thought and personality. It is the ability to stick to the code of ethics. It is the taste that is hidden within every experience. In the Sankhya Darshan it is the Sattvika ahamkara. At the macrocosmic level it is the cohesive force that binds everything. At the macrocosmic level it is the sentiment of love, kindness, compassion, empathy. In the body it is the immunity of the body, the strength of the hormonal fluids and the essence of the bodily tissues. In the mind it is the composure of the mind.

Now that we gained some understanding of these terms, let us see who to influence them in our body.

To influence Prana

Pranayama:The movement of the energy towards consciousness is Prana and that towards the body is breath. One of the best ways to strengthen Prana is by minimizing friction in the breath. Practice 1:1 breath/ 1:2 breath/ 2:1 breath based on your capacity in order to maintain smoothness, effortlessness, quiet and evenness in the breath flow. The more the breath mirrors these qualities the more the body and mind becomes the container for Prana. Read more about Pranayama here.

Mudra: Practice the Five Prana Mudras once a day holding each Mudra for 2 minutes each. This will help in giving direction to the 10 Pranas (5 Prana, 5 Apana) in the body. You can find the mudra associated with the 5 pranas in Mudra: The Sacred Secret book.

Kriyas: When we learn how to maximize the body's energy by the minimal manipulation of the physical body we have mastered what is skilled action. When you practice asanas, pay attention to how much energy is really needed and how much we are unnecessarily imposing on our body or through our body. Find out all different ways we are scattering and diluting our energy for by doing that we have found the endless source of Prana.

Shitali Karana: Practice relaxation as there is no doubt that this human body needs as much rest as activity. Born in this physical body we are bound to get tired and feel fatigued. A regular practice of relaxation will help in restoring the body, breath, mind and emotions energy levels thus adding to the Prana.

To influence Tejas:

Sankalpa: Sankalpa shakti is a ray emanating from the kundalini and Kundalini is the ray emanating from the pure intelligence. Through sankalpa we can reach the source of illumination, radiance and intelligence. Wake up with the Sankalapa , "May the Kundalini Shakti rise in a benevolent way, bringing sweetness to my speech, swastha to the body and dharma to my actions." This will allow the intelligence of the body, bodily tissues, emotions and mind to stay connected to the universal intelligence adding Tejas to your being.

Mantra: Chant Gayatri Mantra aloud or as Japa everyday. Gayatri is the mantra of light, life and radiance. This mantra is like the solar energy in syllable form. Hum it, listen to it or simple contemplate over it. Do not over do any of the above.

Rasa Sadhana: Be aware of your emotions and emotional state. If you are supressing, repressing, by-passing or exaggerating the emotions, find a way to moderate them. Emotions can single handed burn the Tejas and single handedly strengthen it also.

To influence Ojas:

Mauna: Mauna is the practice of conscious silence. Introduce the practice of silence once a week (or once a month, once in 6 months or even once a year) where you maintain the silence of words. During this time period of conscious silence practice Japa, mediation or relaxation. Avoid strenuous physical activity and find ways to nourish the mind. In fact there is a day dedicated to the practice of yearly Mauna on the new moon night.

SatSangha: Be aware of the company you keep. A healthy, positive minded, motivated, innately inspired, dharmic, sattvika sangha will naturally be a source of deep inner nourishment.

Santosh: Bulid the habit to staying content on the deepest level, even if you are seeking, striving, searching, dissatisfied. Let the foundation for such a seeking be deeply rooted contentment. It will help you avoid making hasty, impulsive, unclear decisions. It will help in staying heart centered.

These are not the only ways to influence Prana, Tejas and Ojas but the ones that can help improve the quality of our life. The more practices we do to maintain a Sattvik (calm, clear, relaxed) state of mind the more we create fertile grounds for these three to flourish and therefore nourish.

My best wishes to you on your seeking of this balance.

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