It is cooling, oleaginous, and firm (Sthira), contributes to the formation and growth of flesh, maintains its integrity or holds it firm, and is mobile or capable of moving about from one place to another within the organism.*[1] It is further soft and shiny, and is possessed of the most efficacious virtue and should be regarded as the most important element (seat) of vitality. The whole body with its limbs and members is permeated with Ojas, and a loss or diminution in its natural quantity leads to the gradual emaciation (and ultimate dissolution) of organism.
A blow, a persistent wasting disease, anger, grief, cares and anxieties, fatigue and hunger, are the causes to which should be ascribed the wasting or disappearance of this strength-giving principle (albumen) of the body. The bodily albumen, through the agency of the abovesaid causes, is wasted through the channels carrying the different fundamental principles of the body. Albumen is transformed into strength which radiates from the heart.
A deranged or vitiated albumen (Ojas) is characterised firstly by its dislodgment from its proper seat or locality (Visransha), secondly, by a change or modification of its native virtues in contact with the deranged humours or disordered organs (Vyápad) and thirdly, by wasting away (Kshaya).
- ↑ * Several editions read Rasam, meaning it to be possessed of a sweet taste.
