As the wheel of time turned and the era of Tretā Yuga dawned, the world changed under its inevitable influence. In those days, trees, bushes, and herbs were seized by living beings, each according to their strength and power. The beings who first appeared from the mind of Brahmā, the Creator, were born again in this new age, carrying forward the impressions of their previous lives. Thus, they came to be known for both virtue and vice, shaped by their past actions. Freed from greed and possessing self-control, these beings lived among those remembered from before, acting according to their nature. Even those who were weaker followed suit, engaging in actions as they could. But soon, conflict and opposition arose among them. In their struggles, they vanished, slipping away like grains of sand through a tightly closed fist, as they were seized by others. Yet, the beings did not cease their efforts. They grasped at life again, seeking sustenance from fruits, flowers, and roots. Overcome by hunger, they all approached Svayambhu, the Self-born Brahmā, seeking his guidance. Brahmā, blessed and all-knowing, understood their plight and intent. Perceiving that the herbs had been consumed and hidden within the earth, he restored them once more. Thus, Brahmā milked the earth, placing seeds upon her surface. The herbs, after their fruits had ripened, came under the sway of seven moments—passing through their own cycles. Among these, the names of the herbs remembered are Priyangava, udara, koradusha, savamaka, harikā, charaka, and gama—making seventeen in all. Also, shyamaka, nivara, jartila, and gavedhuka are known. These fourteen herbs of village and forest grew without the use of the plough. The people gathered these herbs by means of roots, fruits, and shoots, being nourished by whatever fruit was available. These herbs grew with flowers and fruits according to the seasons, providing sustenance. Seeing their needs, Brahmā devised a new means of livelihood for them. From that time onward, cultivated herbs came into being. To ensure order and protection, Brahmā established boundaries so that all would safeguard one another. He appointed the kshatriyas to protect the others. Thus, Brahmā established truth, reality, and the eternal order for all beings. Yet, those who dwelt upon the earth often destroyed what they had gained. Some delighted in service and in performing duties. Brahmā, the Lord, assigned specific actions and duties to each group. But, overcome by delusion, the people did not always uphold the dharma given to them. Seeing this, the wise Brahmā understood the situation fully. He then assigned the tasks of sacrifice, teaching, giving, and receiving gifts. To others, he gave the livelihoods of animal herding, trade, and agriculture. Once more, he distributed common duties among the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas, giving each their work so they might support one another. For the twice-born, the ritualistic place was established as belonging to the descendants of Prajapati. For the Vaishyas, the place of Maruta was set aside, so they could live by their own work. In this way, the proper stations of the castes were established for those who were virtuous and practiced their duties well. Finally, when the castes were thus set, Brahmā established the ashramas—the stages of life—to guide all beings on the right path.