Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana Book 12 Chapter 2:1-11

Book 12: Chapter 2

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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 12: Chapter 2: Verses 1-11

Sri Suka began again : Thenceforward, day after day, by force of the all-powerful Time, O king, righteousness, veracity, purity (of mind and body), forgiveness, compassion, length of life, bodily strength and keenness of memory will decline. In the Kali age wealth alone will be the criterion of pedigree, morality and merit. Again, might will be the only factor determining righteousness and fairness. (Personal) liking will be the deciding factor in making the choice of a partner in life, and trickery alone will be the motive force in business dealings. Capability of affording sexual delight will be the (only) criterion of masculine or feminine excellence and the sacred thread will be the only mark of Brahmanhood. External marks will be the only means of knowing the Asrama or stage in life (of an individual) and the (only) guide in determining the mode of greeting which people should adopt when meeting one another. Justice will have every chance of being vitiated because of one's inability to gratify those administering it, and voluble speech will be the (only) criterion of scholarship. Want of riches will be the sole test of impiety and hypocrisy will be the only touchstone of goodness. (Mutual) consent will be the sole determining factor in marriage and toilet alone will be regarded as a sign of bath. A distant tank or pond will be the (only) holy resort for bath etc., and wearing (long) hair will be regarded as the (only) sign of beauty. Filling one's belly will be the (only) end of human pursuit and audacity of speech will be the only criterion of veracity. Skill will consist in supporting one's family; virtuous deeds will be performed (only) with the object of gaining fame; and when in this way the terrestrial globe will be overrun by wicked people, the person who would prove to be the most powerful amongst the Brahmanas, Ksatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras will become the ruler. Robbed of their wealth and women by greedy and merciless Ksatriyas, behaving like robbers, people will resort to mountains and forests and subsist on leaves, roots, meat, honey, fruits, flowers and seeds. (Already) oppressed by famine and (heavy) taxation, people will perish through drought, (excessive) cold, storms, (scorching) sunshine,(heavy) rain, snowfall and mutual conflict. In the age of Kali men will be tormented by hunger and thirst, ailments and worry and their maximum age will be only twenty to thirty years.

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