Tejas
Origin: Where does the term "tejas" come from?
The term Tejas comes from Sanskrit and means something like "glow", "rays" or "flame". The corresponding deity in Hinduism is Agni, the god of fire. His attribute Tejas refers more to the inner glow, i.e. enlightenment. In Ayurvedic teachings, Tejas describes the mental clarity and power of perception through which a person recognizes and processes impressions and transforms them into knowledge.
Role in Ayurveda: What is the significance of tejas in Ayurveda?
Tejas is one of the five elements (mahabhutas) that make up every human being. Of the three doshas, i.e. the three types of human constitution known in Ayurveda, tejas is of central importance for pitta in particular, which is dominated by the fire element. However, this refers not only to the digestive fire (agni), but also to everything that a person can literally burn for - including passions and personal preferences. Pitta people are considered dynamic, strong-willed and performance-oriented, but can also be prone to irritability, perfectionism or impatience if the balance is disturbed.
Although tejas and agni are both associated with the element fire, they describe different aspects. In Ayurveda, Agni primarily stands for the digestive fire, which is responsible for the physical transformation of food. Tejas, on the other hand, describes the subtle, mental fire, i.e. the ability to penetrate, analyze and internalize impressions. You could say: Agni works on the physical level, Tejas on the mental-spiritual level.
Influence on people: How does Tejas influence body and mind?
Tejas nourishes and regulates agni, the digestive fire. It also keeps the mind alert and ensures that sensory impressions can be perceived and processed more quickly.
In Ayurveda, the element of fire has physical, mental and spiritual functions. A balanced Tejas manifests itself in an alert mind, inner radiance, enthusiasm and spiritual aspirations. However, if the inner fire is too weak, this can lead to listlessness, mental sluggishness or poor digestion with an accumulation of ama (metabolic residues). An excess of tejas can lead to irritability, emotional overheating or even self-destructive tendencies .
Tejas is also responsible for the connection between man and deity. In Hinduism, it stands for the divine flame, which can blaze stronger or weaker in a person.
Nutrition: Which foods are associated with tejas?
In Ayurveda, food is not only evaluated according to its nutritional value, but also according to its elemental properties and energetic effects. The following overview shows which foods strengthen or balance the fire element depending on the constitution:
Balancing foods for tejas
Balancing tejas: Tips for everyday life
- Regulate your temperature: Avoid overheating - both physically (e.g. through heavy sunbathing or spicy food) and emotionally. Cooling activities such as walks in the shade or gentle yoga help to keep the inner fire in check.
- Inner balance through mindfulness: Meditation, breathing exercises (such as Sheetali or Nadi Shodhana) and regular breaks promote calmness and prevent overexcitement.
- Monitor emotional impulses: If you have a tendency towards impatience, anger or perfectionism, it helps to consciously distance yourself and "cool down emotionally" - e.g. with music, nature or calm rituals.
- Consciously cultivate enthusiasm: In the case of tejas deficiency, it is helpful to set yourself small projects or goals that you can commit to with joy - in this way, the inner fire is purposefully nourished without flaring up.
- Get enough sleep: Restful sleep helps to prevent irritability and nervousness - typical signs of excessive tejas.
- Reduce pressure to perform: Ambition is a quality of tejas, but too much of it can burn you out. Breaks and consciously slowing down create space for regeneration.
Conclusion
The most important facts about Tejas at a glance
- 1. In Ayurveda, tejas refers to the element of fire.
- 2. Tejas not only regulates bodily functions, but is also responsible for mental well-being and spirituality.
- 3. The pitta dosha is dominated by fire. An excess can lead to irritability and heat problems.
- 4. People with dominant Tejas are considered impulsive, enthusiastic and passionate.
- 5. For a healthy balance, Tejas needs the cooling and stabilizing influences of the elements water (Kapha) and air (Vata).
FAQ - Further questions about Tejas
In Ayurveda, this refers to the element of fire. It stands for transformation, energy and mental clarity.
Literally translated from Sanskrit, it means "flame" or "fire".
Agni refers to the concrete digestive fire in the body, while Tejas, as a subtle principle, symbolizes the inner luminosity and the mental processing capacity.
Typical signs are irritability, skin rashes, excessive sweating, heartburn or perfectionism.
A lack of tejas is manifested by mental sluggishness, weak digestion, lack of drive and lack of enthusiasm.