Because of the many conflicting views held by people and the confusion that arises from them, and due to the diversity of causes and the uncertainty of their effects, a great multitude of scriptures has come into being, produced by those whose perspectives are divided. As time passes and lifespans diminish, especially in the Dvapara age, these scriptures become scattered and fragmented. The arrangements of mantras and Brāhmaṇa texts, as well as the alteration of tones and syllables, result in some scriptures remaining common while others are changed wherever differing views prevail. Some individuals establish new spiritual paths, while others stand in opposition to them. Once, there was a single Ādhvaryava tradition, but in time it split into two. The various procedures of the Ādhvaryava led to even greater confusion, so that in the Dvapara age, rituals are always performed amidst disagreement and uncertainty. Though these practices continue throughout Dvapara, they eventually perish in the Kali age. During these times, drought, death, and the afflictions of disease become common. Disillusioned by suffering, people begin to seek liberation, questioning how they might be freed from pain. Yet, as they witness faults and shortcomings, ignorance grows in the Dvapara age. Obstacles to understanding the scriptures arise, and there are divergent opinions on the sciences of wealth and reasoning. Even the Smṛti scriptures become divided, and separate traditions emerge. In this era, people must struggle to establish their livelihoods through mind, action, and speech, and it is not easy. Greed becomes widespread, trade turns into the primary occupation, and no one can be certain of the true nature of things. The classes and stages of life become confused and destroyed, while desire and anger increase. It is then that Vyasa, seeing the decline, divides the single Veda into four parts in the Dvapara and later ages. Though righteousness still exists in Dvapara, it is stripped of its full qualities. Now, listen to what remains at the end of Dvapara, in the age known as Tishya. Violence, envy, falsehood, deceit, and the killing of ascetics come to prevail. This marks the complete decline of righteousness; dharma is greatly diminished. In the Kali age, deadly disease, perpetual hunger, and constant fear afflict the people. In the age of Tishya, there is no longer any authority for memory in the worlds. Even elders sometimes die in childhood during Kali. Because of the faults in the actions of Brahmins, fear spreads among the people. In Tishya, attachment and greed arise in all beings. When a thousand years have passed, that becomes the highest possible lifespan for humans. Men, Kshatriyas, and the general population all decline, one after another. In Kali, people live simply for the sake of sleeping, sitting, and eating. At this time, individuals lacking in virtue appear. Shudras take up the conduct of Brahmins, and Brahmins behave like Shudras. By the end of the age, these servants are poorly maintained. O best of sages, at the close of this age, many will become skilled in deception. Wild beasts will grow powerful, and the number of cattle will decline. Amidst deep darkness, righteousness rooted in charity will become rare and hard to find. At this time, the earth will yield little fruit, though in some places it will bear abundantly.