Nowadays, whenever incidents such as wickedness, irresponsibility, or betrayal occur, people often refer to Kali Yuga while discussing them. It is as if this Yuga and its ideological characteristics alone are responsible for all the wrong things that happen in human life. By doing so, personal responsibility for one’s own or others’ thoughts and actions is often ignored, and distortions are justified with the phrase, “...this is Kali Yuga after all.”
Those who consider Satya Yuga, Treta Yuga, Dwapara Yuga, and Kali Yuga as divisions of time know that even gods and goddesses had to endure or confront perverted attitudes during those ages. The difference was that nature and culture were given greater importance, due to which such matters were handled in a civilized and constructive manner.
We find examples such as the destruction of Analasura by Shri Ganesha, the destruction of Ravana by Shri Rama, the destruction of Kamsa by Shri Krishna, and the transformation of the slave-like Valya into Valmiki Rishi. These examples show that distortions existed in every era and were dealt with appropriately.
In short, the combination of Sattvaguna, Rajoguna, and Tamoguna in varying proportions is a characteristic of every age. However, it is not a rule that because we are in Satya Yuga we should act only with Sattvaguna, or because we are in Kali Yuga we should behave as though Kali has entered our bodies.
There is a need to responsibly stop manifesting and supporting the distortions within us. If something goes wrong while behaving in a civilized manner, whether by mistake or knowingly, it is necessary to take full responsibility for it and act justly thereafter. Otherwise, in the name of Kali Yuga, only distortions will be nourished, and a time may come when we become helpless.
Instead, let us consciously take responsibility for our own thoughts, feelings, and actions. If there is any deviation elsewhere, let us fulfill our civic duty by raising our voice against it or filing a complaint at the appropriate place.
Especially for parents and teachers, while raising children, let us strive to make them civilized and responsible individuals rather than supporting or ignoring inappropriate behavior in the name of the modern era.
Even if we blame the era, let us remember that we ourselves will have to bear the consequences that arise from it.