In the earliest times, the pure objects of sense—such as sound and the others—each possessed five distinct characteristics. From these, successive generations of beings came forth, filling the world with their presence. Yet, despite their abundance, these beings found little satisfaction, and so they wandered, caught up in the conflicts of existence. Driven by desire, they sought the perfection of the mind, moving as their wishes led them. In that beginning, at the dawn of the cycle, righteousness and unrighteousness had not yet arisen; the first age was untouched by such distinctions. This Krita Yuga, the age of purity, lasted for four thousand years, counted by the measure of the gods. As time passed and people became renowned, their numbers grew into the thousands. These early beings dwelled upon mountains and within the oceans, without fixed homes, roaming freely. Ever at liberty to act as they pleased, their hearts remained joyful. Fear and harshness were unknown, for such was the practice of dharma in that age. The world itself was wholly blissful, neither too hot nor too cold. Through their meditation, they rose onto the earth from the netherworld. Their bodies needed no ritual purification, and they enjoyed enduring youth. Birth and appearance were equal among them, and they delighted together in harmony. There were no distinctions in form, lifespan, skill, or activity; all were alike. In that age, they did not engage in action, for the doors to good and evil deeds were closed. Living among one another, they were free from both desire and aversion. Mostly happy and untouched by sorrow, these beings were born in the Krita age. With no longing, enjoyment of objects arose only through the mind; they neither harmed nor supported one another. But as the ages turned, conflict began in the Dvapara age, and theft appeared in the Kali age. Kali, among the modes, is known as the most impure, its qualities and conduct bringing decline. The Krita age itself lasted four thousand years, reckoned as human years. When the Krita age passed, including its twilight portion, and the twilight elapsed, that period marked the closing of the age. Thus, in Krita Yuga, all its perfection disappeared at that time. In the following Treta Yuga, another age, perfection was attained anew. Yet, the eight perfections gradually diminished, one after another. Throughout all the Manvantaras, as the four Yugas divided time, the twilight of Krita—just a quarter—briefly held sway. The virtues of the Yugas—such as austerity, learning, strength, and lifespan—declined with each age. The origin of Treta Yuga, O best of sages, was only partial compared to Krita. At the beginning of Treta, the age was indeed pleasant. Yet, when perfection in that age was lost, another form of perfection arose. From clouds and thunder, a discharge from the back began, marking a change. Among the beings, trees became their homes, and they lived from them at the start of Treta Yuga. At that time, the nature of things became fickle and suddenly changed. Yet, such a transformation would not happen again, for the force of the Yuga itself prevented it. Thus, the ages unfolded, each with its own qualities and changes, shaping the world and its beings through the cycles of time.