Spirituality Today
Date today is 08th February 2024, the era which is part of Kaliyuga, and is considered the last and
darkest of these cycles, characterized by a decline in virtue, morality, and spirituality. It is believed to be
an age of discord, ignorance, and a general decline in human values.
We can also see this as era of new beginnings and wonderful changes happening. We can see material
development happening in and around us. We are able to see the material changes and also, we can see
the availability of knowledge to a varied level which we can say that ocean of knowledge is on high tides
and giving knowledge so easily to everyone that everyone is feeling so much aware of things and are
passing on the information without even validating the sources.
While I was thinking of a topic to start my writing for this space of Aumtara, I was getting glimpses of
what should be resented to make a connect filled topic and easy to understand language so masses can
be benefitted with the topic. It should be something which should connect the flow of information with
the era and the depth of understanding.
To start with something, taking all these in contexts, the best way is to start with the base and base of
our being is Spirituality, and how it was being used in past and how it is being conceptualized in today’s era.
But before I proceed further would like to define the fact that as we are talking about Spirituality and in
regards of yugas, and the concept of Yugas and their characteristics is rooted in Hindu mythology and
cosmology. It is a cyclic model of time that describes the ages through which the world passes in a
continuous cycle.
The Yugas serve as a framework to understand the cyclic nature of time and the challenges and
opportunities for spiritual growth in each age. The ultimate goal is to maintain a connection with the
divine, even in the face of increasing challenges as the Yugas progress. Many spiritual traditions,
including Hinduism, emphasize the importance of individual effort and seeking the divine in every age,
regardless of the prevailing circumstances. There are four Yugas, each characterized by distinct spiritual,
social, and moral qualities. The Yugas are part of the broader framework of time in Hindu philosophy,
known as the Yuga Cycle or Chatur Yuga. The four Yugas are:
- Satyuga (Golden Age): Satyuga is the first and most virtuous age in the cycle. It is characterized
by righteousness (dharma), truth, morality, and spiritual wisdom. The average human lifespan is
at its peak, and people are inherently good and spiritually inclined. The duration of Satyuga is
said to be 1.728 million years. This is the age of truth and righteousness, where virtue is at its
peak. People in Satya Yuga are said to be inherently good, and the connection with the divine is
strong. Spirituality is predominant, and individuals effortlessly follow dharma (righteousness). - Tretayuga (Silver Age): In Tretayuga, there is a gradual decline in virtue and righteousness
compared to Satyuga. However, spirituality and moral values still prevail, and people engage in
religious rituals and sacrifices. The duration of Tretayuga is 1.296 million years. In this age, virtue
begins to decline. Sacrifices and rituals become more prominent as a means to connect with the
divine. Though spirituality is still significant, it becomes more ritualistic compared to the
previous era. - Dvaparayuga (Bronze Age): Dvaparayuga witnesses a further decline in virtue, with an increase in unrighteousness and a decrease in spiritual knowledge. The average human lifespan also decreases. The duration of Dvaparayuga is 864,000 years. The decline in virtue continues, and spirituality becomes more formalized. The emphasis shifts from internal devotion to external rituals and ceremonies. People become more materialistic, and there is a rise in conflicts and struggles.
- Kaliyuga (Iron Age): Kaliyuga is considered the most degraded and spiritually challenging age. Virtue is minimal, and unrighteousness prevails. The duration of Kaliyuga is 432,000 years. It is believed that we are currently in Kaliyuga according to the Hindu cosmological perspective. It is the era of significant decline in virtue and spirituality. Materialism, corruption, and moral degradation are prevalent. It is considered the age of darkness, where individuals struggle to maintain a connection with the divine amidst various challenges.
As we can observe, things in and around us are changing, and because of these changes the way we
understand the other concepts of lives are changing. We can name these changes as cultural,
understanding or adaptation changes. These changes have also brought changes in way we understand
spirituality. It is crucial to recognize that spirituality is a broad and diverse concept, and its evolution can
be influenced by various factors, including cultural, social, technological, and individual developments.
Here are some ways in which spirituality has changed over time:
• Accessibility of Knowledge: In the past, spiritual teachings were often passed down orally or through sacred texts, limiting access to a select few. Today, with advancements in communication and technology, spiritual knowledge is more widely available through books, online resources, and various media.
• Globalization and Cultural Exchange: Increased global connectivity has facilitated the exchange
of spiritual ideas and practices between different cultures and traditions. This has led to a more
interconnected and diverse spiritual landscape.
• Individualized Spirituality: In contemporary society, there is a growing trend of individuals seeking spirituality outside of traditional religious structures. Many people identify as spiritual but not religious, exploring personal and eclectic paths that resonate with their unique beliefs and experiences.
• Integration of Science and Spirituality: There is a growing interest in exploring the intersection of science and spirituality, with individuals seeking ways to reconcile their scientific understanding of the world with their spiritual beliefs. This has led to the emergence of fields like spiritual neuroscience and the study of consciousness.
• Mindfulness and Well-being: The emphasis on mindfulness practices, meditation, and holistic well-being has gained popularity in modern spirituality. Many individuals are turning to these practices as a means of finding inner peace and navigating the challenges of contemporary life.
• Technology& its Impact: Technology has provided new avenues for spiritual exploration, from online meditation courses to virtual communities and apps designed to support spiritual growth. However, it also poses challenges, such as the potential for distraction and disconnection from the present moment.
Dr. Gurdeep N Dhillon (GND)
Author and Spiritual Alignment Guide
Author: Pearl Jasra
