Ojas; 9 Definition(s)

Introduction

Ojas means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy)

Ojas (ओजस्), a Sanskrit technical term, as used in rasaśāstra (medicinal alchemy). It corresponds to ‘water’, or vital fluid, to which rasa and, in this case, mercury is homologised.

context information

Rasashastra (रसशास्त्र, rasaśāstra) is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

Ayurveda (science of life)

The shiny essence (tejas) of all the seven dhatus is Ojas. It is the best part of the seven dhatus collected together. It is sweer (madhu), heavey (guru) cold (shita), soft (mridu), mild, static (sthira), pleasant (prasanna), oily (snigdha), sticky (picchila) and slightly yellowish in colour, where Prana, the vital energy and “Life” resides. Ojas is responsible for the body’s immunity and strength. It is destroyed by anger, over-exertion, malnutrition and lack of food.

In Āyurveda, Ojas (ओजस्) holds the important position. It is mentioned as the essence of all the dhātus emanating after śukra. It is neither dhātu nor upadhātu but has independent position. Iti is seated in hṛdaya and is intimately connected with prāṇa. In absence of Ojas no libing being can survive. It supports strength and lustre and is the basic factor of general immunity. Ojas maintains the tone of heart as well as brain. By posisons and alcoholic drinks ojas is affected leading to derangement and ultimate death.

For practical purposes, ojas is said of two types—

1. para (superior)
2. and apara (inferior).

The affections of the latter cause various symptoms while those of the former cause death.

Ojas (ओजस्, “vital essence”).—In the transformation of food from rasa-dhātu to śukra-dhātu, ojas releases at every step. Ojas is an essence of all the dhātus, the substance of all hormonal secretions which support the auto-immune system. It means ‘that which invigorates’ and in medical terminology it is also referred to as ‘bala’ or the inner strength (immunity), which resists diseases. Just as bees collect honey from the nectar of flowers, the digestive fire collects ojas from the essence of all dhātus.

Ojas is the seat of ‘prāṇa’ (life-force). Even though it permeates the entire body, it is closely connected to the heart, the prime location of ojas, and from there the arteries carry and distribute it throughout the body.

Ojas is smooth, cool and oily, and has reddish, yellowish and whitish hues. It is of two types:

1. para: Located in the heeart, it has eight vital points.
2. apara: Permeates in the entire body; its normal quantity is about a handful.

context information

Āyurveda (आयुर्वेद, ayurveda) is a branch of Indian science dealing with medicine, herbalism, taxology, anatomy, surgery, alchemy and related topics. Traditional practice of Āyurveda in ancient India dates back to at least the first millenium BC. Literature is commonly written in Sanskrit using various poetic metres.

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

1) Ojas (ओजस्, “grandeur”) refers to one of the ten merits (guṇa) of a dramatic play (kāvya), according to Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 17. They are characterised by their sweetness and depth of meaning.

2) Ojas (ओजस्, “strength”) refers to one of the twenty-one sandhyantara, or “distinct characteristics of segments (sandhi)” according to the Nāṭyaśāstra chapter 21. The segments are divisions of the plot (itivṛtta or vastu) of a dramatic play (nāṭaka) and consist of sixty-four limbs, known collectively as the sandhyaṅga.

Ojas (ओजस्, “grandeur”).—One of the ten guṇas (merits) of a kāvya (dramatic play);—Description of ojas: If a composition otherwise censured and deficient in quality reflects an exalted sense through its words and is rich in sound and sense it becomes an instance of Grandeur (ojas).

context information

Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (śāstra) of performing arts, (nāṭya, e.g., theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing dramatic plays (nataka) and poetic works (kavya).

Languages of India and abroad

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Ojas (ओजस्).—n.

1) Bodily strength, vigour; energy, ability.

2) Vitality; Ms.1.16.

3) Virility, the generative faculty. The writers on Āyurveda, however, disstinguish between ओजस् (ojas) and शुक्रम् (śukram); cf. क्षीरस्थघृतमिव भिन्न- मोजः शुक्रेण (kṣīrasthaghṛtamiva bhinna- mojaḥ śukreṇa) Ḍalhaṇa. रसादीनां शुक्रान्तानां धातूनां यत् परं तेजस्तत् खलु ओजः (rasādīnāṃ śukrāntānāṃ dhātūnāṃ yat paraṃ tejastat khalu ojaḥ) Sruśr. ओजोविवृद्धौ देहस्य तुष्टि-पुष्टिबलोदयाः (ojovivṛddhau dehasya tuṣṭi-puṣṭibalodayāḥ) Aṣṭāṅga.

4) Splendour, light; Bhāg.7.3.23.

5) (In Rhet.) An elaborate form of style, abundance of compounds; (considered by Daṇḍin to be the 'soul of prose'); ओजः समासभूयस्त्वमेतद्गद्यस्य जीवितम् (ojaḥ samāsabhūyastvametadgadyasya jīvitam) Kāv.1.8; see K. P.8 also; said to be of 5 kinds in R. G.

6) (In Astr.) Each alternate sign of the zodiac (as the first, third &c.).

7) Water.

8) Metallic lustre.

9) Manifestation, appearance.

1) Skill in the use of weapons.

11) Speed; एष ह्यतिबलः सैन्ये रथेन पवनौजसा (eṣa hyatibalaḥ sainye rathena pavanaujasā) Rām.7.29.12.

Ojas (ओजस्).—(?) , nt., a high number: Sukh 31.2 (by plausible em.; follows srotas, precedes aprameya). Cf. bala (4).

Ojas (ओजस्).—n.

(-jaḥ) 1. Light, splendor. 2. Manifestaion, appearance. 3. Strength. 4. Support, stay. 5. Metallic lustre. 6. Vitality, the principle of vital warmth and action diffused throughout the body. 7. Virility, the generative faculty. 8. A form of style, elaborate style, abounding with compounds. 9. (In astrology,) Each alternate sign of the zodiac, first, third, fifth, &c. E. oja to live, and asun affix; or with ac affix oja.

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