FOOD CONTINUATION (2)

IMMUNE SYSTEM

Further, Prana, Tejas and Ojas give energy to the immune system. Ojas is the basic capacity of the immune system to defend our selves against external pathogens. It provides endurance, resistance and strength to ward off diseases.

Tejas is the immune system that is able to burn and destroy toxins, when activated. It generates the fever to destroy Pathogens that attack the body. Tejas is our ability to attack and overcome to acute disease, which are generally infectious in nature.

Prana is the long tern activation of the immune functions to project and develop life energy, which manifests when we are dealing with chronic diseases. It is the adaptability of the immune system and sustains all long term healing process. With sufficient Prana, Tejas and Ojas no disease can approach us.

Ayurveda emphasize “right diet” as the foundations of all healing therapies. Food is the first and most important form of medicine. Ayurveda recommends sattva or pure food because Sattva creates balance, eliminates harmful factors and helps reduce all excessive doshas.

I am planning to write on "FOOD" on a regular basis (may be once a week). Readers are welcome to give suggestions and their views on the subject.

Why food is taken?

Definitely it is not just for filling the stomach or to satisfy your taste buds.

Here, we have to introduce a deeper level of doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) that is important relative to healthy life. Vata, Pitta & Kapha have subtle counter parts called Prana, Tejas & Ojas that could be called “the three vital essences”. These are the roots or master forms of Vata, Pitta & Kapha (the three doshas) that control ordinary Psychophysical functioning and if reoriented properly, energize higher spiritual potentials as well. They are not simply forces of the physical body but of the subtle and casual bodies, as well.

PRANA (Primal life force) is the subtle energy of AIR as the master force and guiding intelligence behind all psychophysical functions, responsible for co-ordination of breath, senses and mind. On an inner level, it unfolds and harmonizes all higher state of consciousness.

TEJAS (Inner radiance) is the subtle energy of FIRE as the radiance of vitality through which we digest out air, impressions and thoughts. On an inner level, it unfolds the higher perceptual capacities.

OJAS (Primal Vigor) is the subtle energy of WATER as the stored up vital reserve, the basis of physical and mental endurance. Ojas is the internalized essence of digested food, water, air, impressions and thoughts. On an inner level it is responsible for nourishing and developing of all higher facilities.

These three forces are interrelated Prana and Tejas are rooted in Ojas and can be regarded as aspects of Ojas. Tejas is the heat and light energy of Ojas. Prana is the energy and strength that come from Ojas after it has been kindled into Tejas. Ojas is the Potential, the stamina of the mind and nervous system for holding Tejas and Prana. Ojas has the capacity to turn into Tejas (heat), which has the capacity to turn into Prana (electricity).

According to Ayurveda, when these doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) are too high or too low, they cause disease. But these vital essences (Prana-Tejas, Ojas) unlike doshas promote health, creativity and well-being and provide the support for deeper yoga meditation practices.

INDIAN POPULATION

All of us are worried about the alarming population explosion in India, which has already crossed 1.15 Billion as of now. However all of us, "Bhaaratheeyaas" can get consoled by the statement of Yudhishtira in the Epic Mahaabharatham about people died in Kurukshetra war.

In Sradhaa Parva,- sub section of Sthree Parva of Maha Bharatham - Chapter "Sesha Kriya" when King Dhritharashtra asks Yudhishtira about the death toll in Kurukshetra. The reply given by yudhishtira is fascinating. ---"Twenty thousand Crore sixty six warriors died in the war . Ten thousand warriors are missing. Also another One thousand sixty five." By learning that people died just in Kurukshetra war is over 20000 Crore in" Dwapara Yuga", those in Kali yuga must get relieved that Bhaaratham is not overpopulated now and we should not feel we are indiscriminate!!!!!!

Now, my philosophy - Let us not worry about such small problems like population in India and get depressed - let us have a bottle of beer in the evening and enjoy life !!!! As Ulysses said -"drink the life to the lease".


Dr. NEDUNGADI with Love
(Adea Courtesy - Baby, Mumbai)