Shloka 18
The Appearance of Śrī Nārada and Vyāsa’s Dissatisfaction
Veda-vibhāga and the Need for Bhakti
भौतिकानां च भावानां शक्तिह्रासं च तत्कृतम् । अश्रद्दधानान्नि:सत्त्वान्दुर्मेधान् ह्रसितायुष: ॥ १७ ॥ दुर्भगांश्च जनान् वीक्ष्य मुनिर्दिव्येन चक्षुषा । सर्ववर्णाश्रमाणां यद्दध्यौ हितममोघदृक् ॥ १८ ॥
bhautikānāṁ ca bhāvānāṁ śakti-hrāsaṁ ca tat-kṛtam aśraddadhānān niḥsattvān durmedhān hrasitāyuṣaḥ
Muni itu dengan penglihatan rohaninya melihat kemerosotan kekuatan segala keadaan material akibat pengaruh zaman. Dia juga melihat manusia yang tidak beriman, kurang sifat baik, tumpul fikiran, berumur pendek dan malang; lalu dia merenung demi kesejahteraan semua varṇa dan āśrama.
The unmanifested forces of time are so powerful that they reduce all matter to oblivion in due course. In Kali-yuga, the last millennium of a round of four millenniums, the power of all material objects deteriorates by the influence of time. In this age the duration of the material body of the people in general is much reduced, and so is the memory. The action of matter has also not so much incentive. The land does not produce food grains in the same proportions as it did in other ages. The cow does not give as much milk as it used to give formerly. The production of vegetables and fruits is less than before. As such, all living beings, both men and animals, do not have sumptuous, nourishing food. Due to want of so many necessities of life, naturally the duration of life is reduced, the memory is short, intelligence is meager, mutual dealings are full of hypocrisy and so on.
FAQs
This verse describes Kali Yuga as causing a decline in strength and virtue, making people faithless, less intelligent, and short-lived.
He foresees widespread deterioration in human qualities—loss of sattva, faith, and longevity—prompting him to consider what will truly benefit everyone.
Recognize the tendency toward distraction and faithlessness, and intentionally cultivate sattva through devotion, study, and disciplined living.