Hanuman explains about four Yugas

The mighty-armed Bhimasena, full of affection and joy, respectfully bowed to his elder brother, the revered monkey-chief, and spoke with kindness, “There is none as fortunate as I am, for I have now seen my elder brother. I am truly grateful for this honour and find great happiness in your presence. I have but one desire, if you would fulfil it. I wish to witness that extraordinary form of yours—the one in which you leaped over the vast ocean, that dwelling of sharks and crocodiles. Seeing this would satisfy me and affirm my faith in your words.”

Smiling gently, Hanuman replied, “My dear brother, neither you nor anyone else can behold that form of mine. Things were different in those times, and they are not the same now. Each yuga, or age, has its own distinct qualities. In the Krita Yuga, conditions were one way. In Treta Yuga they were different, and they changed further in Dvapara Yuga. As each age progresses, a gradual decline occurs, and that mighty form I once had has diminished with the times. All things—earth, rivers, plants, rocks, sages, gods, and celestial beings—change in harmony with the era. Therefore, my dear Bhima, do not seek to see my former appearance, for I now align with the nature of the present age. Indeed, Time is irresistible.”

Bhima then asked, “Can you tell me about the duration and nature of the different yugas, including the customs, virtues, pursuits, energies, and patterns of life and death in each one?” To this, Hanuman responded, “In the Krita Yuga, also known as the age of Truth, the one eternal religion prevailed. Every being was naturally perfect in virtue, and there was no need for religious rituals. No corruption existed, and there was no decline in population. Because of its purity, this age is called Krita, or ‘Perfect.’ Back then, there were no distinctions like gods or demons, nor were there Gandharvas, Yakshas, Rakshasas, or Nagas. Commerce was absent, and people got life’s necessities simply by wishing for them. The highest merit was found in renunciation, and all creatures lived free from disease, aging, malice, pride, hypocrisy, and fear. Because of this purity, even the Supreme Brahma was attainable for all. The divine Narayana, in this age, took a pure, white form and became the soul of all beings. In Krita Yuga, each order—Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaisya, and Sudra—naturally adhered to their duties. Brahma was the sole focus of life, and the Vedas existed as one unified scripture. A single mantra, the sacred Om, and a single ordinance guided life. The practice of meditation and focus on the One Supreme Soul marked this era, as did a life naturally led towards liberation.

Next came the Treta Yuga, in which rituals and sacrifices were introduced, and virtue declined by one-fourth. Narayana took on a red hue, and people began to perform rites and pursue religious observances. To achieve goals, people engaged in actions and offerings, adhering strictly to truth, religious rites, and the bestowal of gifts. Though virtue diminished, people still sought righteousness through their assigned duties.

In the Dvapara Yuga, virtue decreased further, and Narayana donned a yellow hue. The Veda divided into four parts, with some studying all four Vedas, some three, others only one, and some none at all. As people fell from truth, they became more vulnerable to diseases, and calamities and desires emerged. In response, people sought penance, sacrifices, and asceticism, although their intentions were often tinged with worldly desires.

Finally, in the Kali Yuga, only a quarter of virtue remains. Narayana appears in a dark hue, and both the Vedas and religious customs fall into disuse. This era brings affliction—disease, exhaustion, anger, scarcity, and other troubles. As virtue fades, living beings experience deterioration in their very nature. Religious acts in this age may produce unintended or adverse effects, and these changes influence even those who live through many yugas. This, my dear Bhima, is how the ages progress, with each yuga having distinct characteristics and virtues, as I have described.

Lessons from Hanumans’ advice to Bhima

The conversation between Bhimasena and Hanuman offers several profound lessons:

Respect for Changing Times and Circumstances – Hanuman emphasizes that each era (yuga) has its unique characteristics and challenges, reminding us that times and circumstances constantly change. This encourages us to adapt our actions and perspectives to align with the realities of our time, rather than being bound by the past.

Acceptance of Impermanence – Hanuman’s diminished form illustrates that even great beings undergo change. This highlights impermanence, prompting graceful acceptance of change and present appreciation.

Understanding Different Virtues and Values Across Ages – Each yuga has a distinct moral structure and form of virtue. The Krita Yuga, for instance, was an age of purity and simplicity, while challenges and moral decline mark the Kali Yuga. This teaches us that virtues evolve with time, and what was easy in one age may require greater effort in another.

Need for Self-Knowledge and Adaptation – Hanuman explains how beings, including divine ones, adjust to the nature of each age. This emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and adaptability—knowing oneself and being flexible to circumstances helps maintain harmony with the world.

The Role of Time (Kala) as the Supreme Force – Hanuman’s emphasis on “Time is irresistible” reminds us that time governs all aspects of existence. Acknowledging the power of time encourages us to live wisely, make thoughtful decisions, and act with humility.

Detachment and Contentment with Current Reality – Rather than longing for his former, more powerful form, Hanuman accepts and respects his present state. This teaches us to embrace who we are now, without attachment to past glories or dissatisfaction with present limitations.

Spiritual Discipline According to Era – Different ages demand different spiritual practices. The Krita Yuga emphasized simple meditation on Brahma, while later ages required actions and sacrifices. This encourages us to adapt our spiritual and personal practices according to the present needs and challenges, rather than following rituals that may no longer resonate.

Humility in Learning – Bhima’s respectful attitude towards Hanuman shows the importance of being humble when seeking knowledge.

Personal Development – The need to align one’s practices with the current age and time. Understanding that what worked in the past may not work in the present.

These lessons highlight adaptability, the importance of being grounded in the present, and the wisdom of flowing with time’s inevitable changes. They encourage us to accept, adapt, and live with humility and purpose, regardless of life’s challenges or shifts.