Crisis and Transformation: Navigating the Age of Kali Yuga
The concept of the Kali Yuga era in Indian traditions is seen as a symbol of the inevitable deterioration of the world's overall condition. Knowing that the transition from one epoch to another is accompanied by a shortening of human lifespans, a decline in morality, and an increase in destructive processes, people experience deep anxiety about the future. As noted in one of the sources, “Each transition from one world epoch to the next must inevitably be accompanied by a shortening of human life expectancy, a decline in morals, a weakening of natural forces and energies, and an increase in destructive processes at the very foundations of the cosmos” (source: link txt).Nevertheless, the very concept of epochal change has provided an opportunity to rethink existing spiritual and social foundations. It was during periods of crisis that Indian society reexamined its fundamentals, enabling it to counteract the negative trends associated with the coming era. These shifts in worldview not only reflected the overall pessimistic assessment of the impending changes but also laid the groundwork for a collective search for solutions aimed at mitigating the adverse impact of the new era. As stated in another source, “This idea has allowed Indians to reexamine their spiritual and social foundations in order to counteract possible negative trends” (source: link txt).Thus, the perception of the Kali Yuga era significantly affects people's lives, intensifying the feeling of an impending catastrophe and the decline of values. At the same time, however, it urges society to rethink its foundations and seek sustainable solutions to counteract the negative processes.