Chapter 2, Stanza 43

Swami Kriyananda explores the profound teachings of the Vedas regarding the cyclical nature of time and human consciousness. Drawing on the insights of Sri Yukteswar, the talk explains how our planet, in its cosmic journey, moves closer to and farther from a central spiritual source, which influences the level of spiritual awareness on Earth. These cycles, known as Yugas, are divided into ascending and descending phases, each marked by distinct qualities of human perception and societal development.

The darkest period, Kali Yuga, is characterized by materialism and ignorance of subtle realities, while the subsequent Yugas—Dwapara, Treta, and Satya—represent progressively higher states of awareness and understanding. Humanity is currently at the dawn of Dwapara Yuga, an age where the concept of energy is becoming central to human thought, yet old dogmas persist, leading to societal upheaval and transformation.

The roles of spiritual masters are highlighted, such as Buddha, who emphasized personal effort and Self-realization over ritualistic dependence on external deities, and later teachers like Shankaracharya, who reasserted the existence of a transcendent, infinite consciousness. Ultimately, recognize your own potential for spiritual growth and seek the deeper truths embodied in ancient scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, which periodically need to be reinterpreted for each era.

The Bhagavad Gita is available from Crystal Clarity Publishers.