LUX PHARI YOGA

In Hinduism, time is cyclical. It is constituted of four major epochs or Yugas: Satya Yuga (the Age of Truth), Treta Yuga, Dvapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga. The yugas represent a gradual decline from an age of spiritual perfection to an age of moral decay and materialism. The fourth yuga, Kali Yuga, is the final stage and is considered the most challenging due to its emphasis on darkness, ignorance, and discord (Feuerstein  1998: 123). This article briefly introduces the world of Kali Yuga, described by spiritual texts and various perspectives. This article is the foundation for further exploration of the current spiritual decay that I will discuss in the Kali Yuga series. 

In Hindu cosmology, the Kali Yuga is the age associated with the deity Kali (not to be confused with the goddess Kali), who embodies strife and discord. The age is characterized by moral decline, reduced spirituality, and increased conflict (Muralidharan 2007). In the Bhagavata Purana, the age is described as one where “people will be greedy, mendacious, and hostile; they will be lazy, unlucky, and will be in constant distress” (12.2). Wealth in this age is considered the sign of good birth, proper behavior, and fine qualities. Law and justice apply based on one’s power (Bhagavata Purana 12.2.1-2). 

Kali Yuga began after Lord Krishna’s departure from the world around 3102 BCE (Bhagavata Purana 12.2). Based on the timeline, we are now in the year 5,126 of Kali Yuga (2024). 

Some have proposed that the yugas may overlap and that sub-cycles within the Kali Yuga may indicate periods of heightened spiritual awareness (Sri Yukteswar 1949:12). Meaning that even within decay, there might be glimpses of order and hope. Similarly, the age may hold potential for spiritual growth through personal effort. The Kali Santarana Upanishad notes the importance of the Maha Mantra for individuals to attain liberation despite the challenges. 

In Theosophy, Blavatsky’s teachings on cosmic cycles include the concept of the yugas. Blavatsky views the age as a necessary phase for the evolution of human consciousness (Blavatsky 1888: 332). Although associated with materialism and conflict, the challenges of this age may catalyze spiritual growth for those seeking enlightenment (Leadbeater 1912: 45). 

Similarly, in Christianity, the era of Kali Yuga overlaps with significant historical events such as the birth of Christianity itself in 1 CE, about 3,102 years of Kali Yuga had passed. Thus, Christianity was founded in the year 3,102 of Kali Yuga. From the Hindu perspective, this period requires increased divine guidance as spiritual practices lessened. Christians share a similar view on moral decline. Timothy 3:1-5 describes “perilous times” when people will be “lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive.” According to the Bible, humanity is living in a fallen age that awaits redemption through divine intervention (the Second Coming of Christ). Contrasting the cyclical nature of time in Hinduism. 

The narrative of the great flood in the Epic of Gilgamesh, for example, simultaneously symbolizes destruction and renewal. In Hinduism, floods are associated with transitioning between the yugas and cleansing moral decay to make way for a new era. Blavatsky discussed the fall of Lemuria, which symbolized the transition from an age of spiritual enlightenment to one marked by materialism and ignorance (Blavatsky 1888: 270). Plato also discussed the fall of Atlantis as an advanced civilization that succumbed to moral decay and was ultimately destroyed by divine forces. 

The ancient stories and more recent analyses (Sitchin 1976, Tsarion 2007) attempt to bridge the gap and explain humanity’s current state. The themes, however, remain consistent, and it usually goes like this -some form of a grand civilization, and then bam, all is lost. The intricacies of why, where, and how differ based on a spiritual tradition explaining it. However, the current problems of spiritual decay are the same across various religions and spiritual traditions: it comes down to moral rules that warn against violence, stealing, jealousy, and so on. The goal of spiritual traditions is to install an ethical foundation that allows for a closer relationship with the divine, thus, in the process, making our individual lives better or at least a means to guide us from the issues associated with the Kali Yuga. 

The five characteristics of the Kali Yuga are thus: 1. Darkness 2. Materialism 3. Deception 4. Chaos/Conflict 5. Decline 

References 

Blavatsky, Helena P. 1888. The Secret Doctrine. Theosophical Publishing House. 

Feuerstein, Georg. 1998. “The Yoga Traditions: Its History, Literature, Philosophy and Practice. Hohm Press. 

Leadbeater, Charles W. 1912. The Inner Life. Theosophical Publishing House. 

Muralidharan, Venkatesh. 2007. Hindu Cosmology: The Yugas. Satsang Press. 

Plato. Timaeus and Critias. 

Sitchin, Zechariah. 1976. The 12th Planet. Avon Books. 

Sri Yukteswar. 1949. The Holy Science. Self-Realization Fellowship. 

Tsarion, Michael. 2007. Atlantic, Alien Visitation, and Genetic Manipulation. Taroscopes.