In the earliest age, the Krita Yuga, all creatures were perpetually content, joyful, and immersed in pleasures. They shared equal lifespans, happiness, and beauty, living in harmony with one another. Their minds were steadfast in meditation and austerity, their hearts devoted above all to Mahadeva. Homeless and free, they dwelled amidst the mountains and oceans, unbound by worldly attachments. When that era of perfection faded, a new form of perfection took its place. Rain began to fall from clouds accompanied by thunder, and trees emerged, becoming homes for the people. At the dawn of the Treta age, these trees sustained human life, offering shelter and sustenance. Yet, suddenly, passion and greed arose within them. With this change, the trees that served as houses perished. Those who remained truthful reflected upon the lost perfection. For them, clothes, fruits, and ornaments appeared, and honey of great potency—pure and unadulterated—was found in every hive. Through this new perfection, all were delighted, nourished, and free from disease. However, people began to seize the trees and honey by force. As the honey disappeared, so too did the wish-fulfilling trees, vanishing from the world. Oppressed by the dualities of life, humans created enclosures for themselves. When the honey and the wish-fulfilling trees were lost, another means of livelihood arose: abundant rain. With the continuous fall of rain, rivers filled their channels, and from the union of water and earth, herbs came into being. Trees and shrubs appeared, bearing flowers and fruits in their seasons. This transformation was destined, not merely the result of the changing age. Yet, trees, shrubs, and herbs were now taken by force, according to each person’s strength. By the command of the Grandfather, Pṛthu milked the earth, extracting treasures and riches from it through the power of time. To maintain order, Brahmā created the kṣatriyas for the welfare of the brāhmaṇas, and established the performance of sacrifice, free from the killing of animals. Still, passion, greed, conflict, and uncertainty regarding principles arose among the people. In the Dvāpara and later ages, Vyāsa divided the Veda into four parts, arranging mantras and brāhmaṇas, altering tones and letters, and introducing general and specific changes, as well as differences of interpretation in various places. The histories, the Purāṇas, and the treatises on dharma were composed. Through suffering caused by speech, mind, and body, disillusionment began to arise in people. From reflection came detachment, and from detachment, the perception of faults. This conduct, marked by passion and darkness, prevailed in the Dvāpara age, but in Dvāpara, it became agitated and ultimately perished in the Kali age. In Kali, men are constantly disturbed by darkness, yet they strive for it. Dreadful fear of drought and calamity threatens the lands. Those consumed by greed speak falsehood, and wicked people are born, bringing great suffering to the world.