Tejas

Tejas is the subtle essence of fire - the inner radiance that governs digestion, metabolism, intelligence, and discrimination. It is the refined form of pitta dosha and agni, responsible for the transformation of matter into consciousness.

Healthy tejas manifests as: sharp intellect, clear perception, courage, radiant complexion, good digestion, and the ability to discern truth. When tejas is imbalanced, it can burn too hot (causing criticism, anger, inflammation) or too dim (causing poor digestion, dull mind, weak will).

Tejas is cultivated through: proper digestion of food and experiences, meditation, study of wisdom teachings, and practices that develop discrimination (viveka). It is depleted by: excessive stimulation, anger, criticism, and burning the candle at both ends. Balanced tejas transforms ojas into spiritual strength and illuminates the path of practice.