In this episode of “5 Minutes,” Dr. Robert Svoboda explores Ojas and its traditional understanding as the essence of vitality, immunity, and integration within the organism.

Ojas is the life force. Thanks to Prana, we are alive. As long as we have Prana in our bodies, we exist. When Prana permanently departs, that is the end of our physical existence.

When Prana is present in the body, it kindles Tejas, which is the fire at all levels of the organism. The ultimate result of Tejas being applied in the right way, at the right time, and in the right place within the organism is Ojas.

Ojas is created through the digestion of all the food, water, and air that we take in. Everything passes through the process of being transformed into the seven dhatus, and after the seventh dhatu, which is the reproductive tissue, the ultimate result is Ojas.

We want to have plenty of Ojas because it creates the aura that surrounds us and helps provide a sense of protection and insulation from the outside world. Ojas integrates the physical body, the energetic body, and the mental body, allowing us to act in a purposeful and unified way, with all parts of ourselves moving together in the same direction.

Ojas is also responsible for immunity. When Ojas is strong, immunity is strong. When Ojas is weak, immunity is weak.

So how do we create more Ojas? We create Ojas by eating good, healthy food, not overeating, and primarily consuming nourishing foods, especially plants. We need to digest that food properly and make good use of our reproductive energy. We should not waste that energy or become entangled in unhealthy ways. Instead, we should use it in positive and creative ways, especially in the process of aligning ourselves with the Supreme Intelligence that is the ultimate reality of the universe.

Creating Ojas takes time and effort, but destroying it can happen very easily. One way this happens is through misuse of sexual energy. However, any strong negative emotion can also burn away Ojas.

For example, when someone becomes extremely angry, that anger creates a cascade of cortisol and other stress-related hormones in the body. These hormones can have a negative effect on Ojas, which is itself a very subtle substance created through the proper interaction of many different processes within the organism.

Meditation, yoga, and properly aligning yourself with reality are also ways to generate Ojas, provided that you do not overdo them. Do not over-meditate, over-focus, or over-exert yourself because of ambition or any other motivation. Continue focusing on creating a well-integrated organism that is capable of accomplishing what needs to be accomplished in this life while also preparing for the ultimate transition that all of us are moving toward.