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Significance of Kaliyuga

Kaliyuga refers to the current age in Hindu cosmology and Buddhism, characterized by moral decline and spiritual degradation. This era, the final of the four Yugas, emphasizes strife, chaos, and a significant reduction in righteousness and virtue among humanity. Various traditions highlight that during Kaliyuga, spiritual practices become more challenging, yet the chanting of holy names is believed to offer significant spiritual benefits. The age is marked by the prevalence of sinful behaviors, and the necessity for divine compassion becomes paramount for salvation.1
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The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Kaliyuga'

Buddhism Books

Kaliyuga in Buddhism is interpreted as the current age marked by moral decline and strife, representing the final phase in the cycle of four yugas, emphasizing the need for cultivating virtues of the mind amidst adversity.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Maha Buddhavamsa鈥擳he Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) The final age in a cycle of four yugas, characterized by the decay of virtue and righteousness among humanity.[1]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Tibetan Buddhism (Vajrayana or tantric Buddhism):
Tibetan Buddhism Books

From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)

(1) A traditional Hindu concept referring to the last of the four stages the world goes through as part of the cycle of yugas.[2]

Tibetan Buddhism includes schools such as Nyingma, Kadampa, Kagyu and Gelug. Their primary canon of literature is divided in two broad categories: The Kangyur, which consists of Buddha鈥檚 words, and the Tengyur, which includes commentaries from various sources. Esotericism and tantra techniques (vajrayana) are collected indepently.

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: The Great Chariot

(1) The current age marked by strife and moral decline, concentrating on the cultivation of virtues of the mind.[3]

Hindu concept of 'Kaliyuga'

Hinduism Books

Kaliyuga, in Hinduism, is interpreted as the current age marked by significant moral decline and spiritual ignorance, yet it offers the opportunity for swift liberation through practices like sankirtana and chanting the holy names.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The current age characterized by spiritual decline, in which the Lord incarnates to offer divine love.[4] (2) The current age in which Shriman Mahaprabhu is predicted to preach religious principles, particularly relevant to this time period.[5] (3) The current age characterized by the appearance of Lord Gaurasundara, who is identified with Krishna.[6] (4) The current age known in Hindu cosmology, characterized by moral decline and spiritual degradation.[7] (5) The current age of moral decline in Hindu cosmology, within which the teachings of Shrimad Bhagavatam are especially significant for spiritual salvation.[8]

From: Chaitanya Mangala

(1) The current age characterized by strife and spiritual decline, where Lord Advaita Acarya came to deliver people.[9] (2) The current age in Hindu cosmology characterized by moral decline, where many are considered sinful or wretched.[10] (3) The current age marked by strife and moral decline, in which Lord Gaura's compassion and descent are emphasized.[11] (4) The present age characterized by the difficulties of irreligion, where sankirtana (congregational chanting) is emphasized as the yuga-dharma.[12] (5) Kali-yuga is the current age in which sin and degradation are prevalent, leading to a decline in religious practices.[13]

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) Kali-yuga refers to the current age in the cycle of time, according to Hindu cosmology, characterized by moral decline and spiritual confusion.[14] (2) The fourth and final age in the cycle of yugas in Hindu philosophy, noted for its spiritual decline.[15] (3) The current age in Hindu cosmology, characterized by strife, discord, and moral decline.[16] (4) The current age, a period of decline and conflict in spiritual values.[17] (5) The current age in Hindu cosmology, characterized by strife and a decline in virtue.[18]

From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)

(1) The current age, in which the prescribed religious duty includes chanting the names of God as a means to achieve spiritual progress.[19] (2) The current age characterized by moral decline, ignorance, and spiritual confusion.[20] (3) The current age in Hindu cosmology characterized by discord and moral decline, in which the chanting of the maha-mantra is especially poignant.[21] (4) The current age considered wretched but rendered fortunate by the appearance of Shri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who delivers the pure devotion process.[22] (5) The current age characterized by strife and the decline of spiritual values, as mentioned in the discussion of the decline of guru tradition.[23]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) The current age in spiritual evolution where kirtana is the easiest means for attaining spiritual goals.[24] (2) The current age in Hindu cosmology characterized by moral decline and chaos.[25] (3) The current age in which Shri Caitanya descended to spread the mellow of divine love.[26] (4) The current age in Hindu cosmology characterized by moral decline and spiritual challenges.[27] (5) The current age, where liberation can be attained swiftly through the practice of sankirtana.[28]

From: Bhajana-Rahasya

(1) the present age of quarrel and hypocrisy.[29] (2) The current age in the cycle of yugas, which is characterized by degradation and difficulties in performing spiritual practices.[30] (3) The current age in which nama-kirtana is described as the only means to control Shri Vrajarajanandana.[31] (4) The current age in Hindu cosmology characterized by spiritual decline, where practices like nama-kirtana are emphasized for spiritual advancement.[32] (5) The last age in the cycle of yugas, described as a time where chanting the names of God is the primary means of attaining spiritual fruits, emphasizing simplicity in devotion.[33]

From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya

(1) The Iron Age characterized by the prominence of atheistic schools and philosophies opposing theism, particularly Vaishnavism.[34] (2) The age of darkness in which irreligion is prevalent and periodic manifestations of the Divine are necessary.[35] (3) The Age of discord referred to in spiritual Scriptures, identified as a time when the chanting of the Holy Name is vital for the deliverance of souls.[36]

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) The current age characterized by the predominance of vice and the absence of virtue, described as unwholesome, contrasted with the preceding ages.[37] (2) The current age in Hindu cosmology known for its moral decline and negative trends affecting humanity.[38]

From: Haribhakti-sudhodaya

(1) The final and darkest age in the cycle of creation, characterized by the diminishing of virtue and increase of sin.[39]

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) The current age in Hindu cosmology characterized by a decline in spirituality and morality, yet marked by the presence of devotees like Shrila Rupa Gosvami.[40]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) The current age mentioned in the context of Vyasadeva鈥檚 life and contributions to the texts.[41] (2) The last of the four stages the world goes through as part of the cycle of Yugas, marked by strife and discord.[42] (3) The current age in Hindu cosmology characterized by moral decline and discord.[43] (4) The current age characterized by strife and difficulties, from which devotees seek refuge through prayer and meditation.[44] (5) The Dark Age mentioned as a time noted for moral decline, filled with egoism, jealousy, and anger.[45]

From: Harivamsha Purana

(1) The age of chaos and moral decline that follows the Dvapara Yuga, during which people engage in numerous iniquities.[46] (2) The current age in Hindu cosmology characterized by decline in virtue and truth, where divine intervention is needed.[47] (3) The current age described as filled with sinfulness, where religion is shaken and good conduct is extinct.[48] (4) The last age lasting one thousand years, characterized by extreme moral decay where virtue has one leg and sin has four.[49] (5) The current age of moral decline and spiritual deterioration, anticipated to see the re-emergence of certain Vedic traditions despite the prevailing challenges.[50]

From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)

(1) The age that follows the departure of Sri Krishna, characterized by laziness, unrighteousness, and short life spans among men.[51] (2) The current age, during which offerings made at the banks of Ganga are considered more pleasing to the manes of departed forefathers.[52] (3) The Kali Yuga is the age characterized by the complete loss of Dharma, where sin and negative qualities predominate.[53] (4) The current age where Dharma is greatly diminished, standing on one leg and facing further decline.[54] (5) The last of the four Yugas, lasting one thousand divine years, with additional time for morning, evening, and twilight.[55]

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) The final age in the cycle of Yugas marked by moral and social decline, where men are short-lived and often sinful.[56] (2) The current age in Hindu cosmology characterized by decline and moral ambiguity, awaiting divine guidance.[57] (3) The last of the four ages characterized by decay and the predominance of sinful actions, lasting one thousand years.[58] (4) The present age characterized by moral decline, iniquity, and where the duties of respective orders have vanished.[59] (5) The last yuga characterized by a quarter of virtue abiding, the disuse of religious observances, and various social and moral deteriorations.[60]

From: Garuda Purana

(1) The present age in Hindu cosmology characterized by strife and societal decline.[61] (2) A current age characterized by chaos and decline, perceived differently by those who remember Govinda.[62] (3) The current age in Hindu cosmology characterized by decline in virtue, when reciting hymns is said to still bear fruit.[63] (4) The last and current age marked by the predominance of evil, where men become slaves to lust and low passions, resulting in a society filled with miscreants.[64] (5) The current age characterized by decline in virtue and the prevalence of greed, falsehood, and corruption.[65]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) The current age mentioned in the context of the cycle of time, inferred to be challenging.[66] (2) The current age in Hindu cosmology that is characterized by strife, discord, and moral decline.[67] (3) The era of decline in virtue and dharma, mentioned by Rama in his command to stay on earth.[68] (4) The last of the four Yugas, where changes in caste practices allow Shudras to undertake asceticism.[69]

From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4

(1) The current age in Hindu cosmology marked by moral decay, often contrasted with the previous ages of truth and virtue.[70] (2) The current age in Hinduism characterized by moral decline and the approaching end of an era.[71]

From: Bhagavad-gita-rahasya (or Karma-yoga Shastra)

(1) The current age in Hindu cosmology, which is mentioned in relation to the Mahabharata.[72] (2) The current age in Hindu cosmology characterized by decline in virtue and spirituality, within which the teachings of the Gita are applied.[73]

From: Nilamata Purana

(1) An age in the cosmological cycle reflecting moral decline and challenges facing humanity.[74]

From: Gautami Mahatmya

(1) Kaliyuga is the current age in Hindu belief, characterized by moral decline and obstacles in spiritual practice.[75]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) Refers to the current age in Hindu cosmology, during which specific rules regarding adoption and inheritance apply.[76] (2) The current age in Hindu cosmology marked by moral decline and the presence of challenges to dharma; it sets a different context for laws and practices as articulated by various authorities.[77] (3) The last of the four Yugas, noted for being a quarter less than Dvaparayuga.[78]

From: Apastamba Dharma-sutra

(1) In Hindu cosmology, the current age characterized by strife, sinfulness, and a decline in spirituality.[79]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Jyotisha (astronomy and astrology):
Jyotisha Books

From: Brihat Samhita

(1) The fourth and final age in the cycle of the Yugas, characterized by moral decline and chaos.[80] (2) One of the yugas, often associated with moral decline and suffering among mankind.[81]

From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology

(1) KaliYuga is the current age, and the epoch of this age is used as a reference point. The day of the week was used as a control device to verify the correctness of other parameters, typically based on a day count from this.[82] (2) The current age, which is used as the epoch in the context of reconstructing a date, with the epoch of this age starting on January 23, 3102 BCE (New Style).[83]

Jyotisha (啶溹啶啶むた啶�, jyotisha or jyotish) refers to 鈥榓stronomy鈥� or 鈥淰edic astrology鈥� and represents the fifth of the six Vedangas (additional sciences to be studied along with the Vedas). Jyotisha concerns itself with the study and prediction of the movements of celestial bodies, in order to calculate the auspicious time for rituals and ceremonies.

Significance in Shaktism (Shakta philosophy):
Shaktism Books

From: Shakti and Shakta

(1) The current age in Hindu cosmology described as a time of moral decline and chaos, which the Tantra seeks to address through its teachings.[84] (2) The current age characterized by moral decline and irreligion, according to Hindu cosmology.[85] (3) Kaliyuga signifies the current age in Hindu cosmology, characterized by strife, moral decline, and spiritual degradation.[86]

Shakta or Shaktism (shaktism) represents a tradition of Hinduism where the Goddess (Devi) is revered and worshipped. Shakta literature includes a range of scriptures, including various Agamas and Tantras, although its roots may be traced back to the Vedas.

Significance in Rasashastra (chemistry and alchemy):
Rasashastra Books

From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions

(1) The current age in Hindu cosmology, believed to have started approximately 3102 B.C., marking a period of decline in dharma.[87]

Rasashastra is an important branch of Ayurveda, specialising in chemical interactions with herbs, metals and minerals. Some texts combine yogic and tantric practices with various alchemical operations. The ultimate goal of Rasashastra is not only to preserve and prolong life, but also to bestow wealth upon humankind.

Significance in Kavya (poetry):
Kavya Books

From: Kathasaritsagara (the Ocean of Story)

(1) The fourth and final age characterized by the least virtue, widespread vices, and a significantly shortened lifespan of 1000 years.[88]

Kavya refers to Sanskrit poetry, a popular ancient Indian tradition of literature. There have been many Sanskrit poets over the ages, hailing from ancient India and beyond. This topic includes mahakavya, or 鈥榚pic poetry鈥� and natya, or 鈥榙ramatic poetry鈥�.

The concept of Kaliyuga in local and regional sources

History Books

Kaliyuga is characterized as the current age in Hindu cosmology marked by moral decline, ignorance, chaos, and spiritual neglect, wherein divine manifestations occur to guide humanity back toward virtue and spiritual elevation.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints

(1) The current age in Hindu cosmology where Priyadas describes the bhaktas, pointed out as a time of moral decline.[89] (2) The current age characterized by a decline in virtue and spirituality.[90] (3) The current age in Hindu tradition, characterized by strife and moral decay, emphasizing the significance of Krishna's presence.[91] (4) The current age in Hindu cosmology characterized by moral decline and misunderstanding of divine truths.[92] (5) The current age in Hindu cosmology characterized by strife, discord, and moral decline.[93]

From: Triveni Journal

(1) The current age in Hindu cosmology, characterized by moral decline and the presence of darkness; it is the last of the four Yugas.[94] (2) The current age in Hindu cosmology considered to be marked by decline in virtue and the need for social reforms, especially regarding widows.[95] (3) A term referring to the current age of moral degeneration, where perceptions of Art and spirituality are distorted.[96] (4) The current epoch in Hindu cosmology, characterized by spiritual decline.[97] (5) The current age, characterized by darkness and ignorance, which is said to be transitioning to the Satya Yuga or Age of Truth.[98]

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) This is the age in which the Vedas are said to be futile, according to the Tantra, and the author asks which behest of God, Shiva, is to be followed in this era.[99] (2) The appearance of a soul at the close of the cycle of the Kali Yuga is considered a sure sign of the incarnation in the near future of great souls through whom a mission will be fulfilled.[100] (3) In the Kali Yuga, people are described as degraded, believing they can sin and still be forgiven through visiting holy places, as stated in the provided text.[101] (4) This is a time when the Puranas said there would be only non-Brahmins, which is becoming truer every day, as the text explains.[102] (5) A specific time period where the ducks are catching colds and frogs are sneezing, according to one of the monks.[103]

From: History of Science in South Asia

(1) Kaliyuga is the epoch from which the number of years elapsed is used to generate the tabular values, and the table entries have been generated by an epoch value from the beginning of the Kaliyuga, as the text states.[104] (2) This is a time period from Indian mythology which began more than 5,000 years ago, and it can be used as an epoch for astronomical computations, according to the provided text.[105] (3) Kaliyuga is the last of the four yugas or ages, and the text uses Kali years as a reference point and also mentions the longitude of Moon's node and apogee at the beginning of kaliyuga, when discussing the planetary calculations.[106] (4) The kali-yuga is a unit of time, comprising 1000 divine years, and also equivalent to 432000 human years, as defined in the text.[107]

Significance in South Asia:
South Asia Books

From: Village Folk-tales of Ceylon (Sri Lanka), vol. 1-3

(1) The current age in Hindu cosmology, which follows the Dwapara Yuga and is characterized by decline and moral degradation.[108]