Page:Sushruta Samhita Vol 1.djvu/234

130 increase in any of the fundamental principles of the body should be checked and reduced to its normal quantity.

Now we shall describe the characteristic features of the strength-giving principles of the body, as well as the symptoms that mark their loss or waste. The quintessence of all the fundamental principles of the body, starting with lymph chyle and ending with semen, is called the Ojas, which is identical with what is termed "vital power." This view of oneness of vitality with protoplasmic albumen has been adopted in the present work*

This Ojas (albumen) or strength-giving principle serves to impart a firm integrity to the flesh (and the muscles), exercises unbounded control over all acts of vitality, improves the voice and complexion, and helps both the external (operative) and the internal (intellectual) sense organs, in duly performing their natural functions.

Authoritative verses on the subject:—Ojas (albumen) being of a white colour belongs to the class of Somátmakam (cooling) substances.