Kali Yuga--the Age of Darkness

A wise human being sees things as they are and tries to make them better—in that order. That is, before we can make improvements we first need to see what needs to be improved, and what can be improved.

Everything goes through cycles. There are times when it is warm, and there are times when it is cold. There are times when the environment is favorable, and there are times when it is unfavorable. In other words, the conditions in nature are always fluctuating. Similar is the case with the evolution of human society and with each and every individual.

The cycles of time have their affect on human nature. Organically, we are part and parcel of the ecosystem of the Cosmos. As the universe undergoes change, so do we.

Five thousand years ago we passed into the period known as Kali Yuga. This period of time is marked by a predominance of selfishness. Nowadays, people are inclined to be very individualistic and self-centered. Or, you could say that ordinary people are likely to be selfish—only an extraordinary human being is known to be truly unselfish.

There is little that can be done to change the way things are, because they are made this way due to the way people are. Unless people change themselves, things are not going to improve. People are not changing for the better because they don't want to change.

People want fun, not liberation. People want excitement, not inspiration. People want recognition, not reconciliation. People are at odds with one another because they have not resolved the conflicts within themselves. People's views are not balanced, they are biased. The confused people of this New Age are suffocated by their own plastic mask of ego and personality. People are sensual, not sensible; they are instinctual, not intuitive; they are intellectual, not meditative.

People are suffering because they have made the wrong choices. In the guise of freedom they have become slaves to their own mind and ego.

This is the way things are in Kali Yuga. But this isn't they way they have to be. But one thing is for sure: the changes have to come from within. We can inspire one another to change for the better, but it is up to each of us to do our own homework. To do our homework, we have to stop playing around. We have to become serious and pay attention—we need to focus on what needs to be done, and do it. We have to settle down and stay put, and stop making excuses for the way we are.

Find ways, not excuses .

Rise Above the Times

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We have to stop making excuses for holding on to our images. It is NOT respectable to give respect and adoration to one whose actions are reprehensible.

Soul is good—there is no doubt about this—but people (persons) are only good when they understand the basis of goodness, when they know the fundamentals of consciousness, when they know and practice the basics of sound mental and physical health. Otherwise, people are messed up. A person whose conduct is reprehensible and ugly, whose actions are condemnable (as in the case of child molesters, rapists, debauchers, whores, murderers, liars, cheats, and the like)—that person is not worthy of respect, rather, such a person is to be reproached (if he is worthy of advice), or avoided, or in extreme cases (like that of child molestors, rapists, and murderers) incarcerated or if necessary, even exterminated.

During this Kali Yuga, the world is infested with selfish people. The mind is infected with the disease of ego. Ignorance (of the soul) is rampant. The materialistic attitude prevails everywhere, even in the realm of spirituality. Teachers preach but don't practice. Students memorize but don't internalize. The disease of self-centeredness has infected the minds of one and all alike. The mentality of ego, the mentality of me-my-mine has made the mind thick and the heart heavy.

There is a way out—it is the way within. We have to stop looking outside of ourselves for happiness. We have to go beyond the mind. To go beyond the mind we have to 'take the lead', we have to guide our mind in the right direction (inward). We have to direct the mind to think good thoughts and to follow through with good actions. Good thoughts and actions are those which are conducive to all-round health and well-being. Those thoughts and actions which are detrimental to sound mental and physical health must be discarded.

This process of purification will clarify the mind to the point where the mind becomes crystal clear. With a clear mind and conscience we can grasp the subtle truth and will never fall a victim to manmade lies and superstitions. Once we have 'washed our brains' we will no longer be brainwashed by the false propaganda of materialism—we will have a firm conviction in the supremacy of the Soul and never again believe in the false promises and propositions of the ego.

The one who lives in the Light of Wisdom knows no darkness. The Golden Age begins here and now—when we give up all our old grudges, negative feelings, let-downs, and expectations. The seasons may change; the cycles of time may come and go; the sun, moon, and stars may one day disappear—but the Inner Light will never stop shining.