Shloka 18
The Earth Laughs at World-Conquering Kings; Yuga-Dharma and the Remedy for Kali
श्रीशुक उवाच कृते प्रवर्तते धर्मश्चतुष्पात्तज्जनैर्धृत: । सत्यं दया तपो दानमिति पादा विभोर्नृप ॥ १८ ॥
śrī-śuka uvāca kṛte pravartate dharmaś catuṣ-pāt taj-janair dhṛtaḥ satyaṁ dayā tapo dānam iti pādā vibhor nṛpa
श्रीशुक उवाच कृते प्रवर्तते धर्मश्चतुष्पात्तज्जनैर्धृतः । सत्यं दया तपो दानमिति पादा विभोर्नृप ॥
Just as there are four seasons, there are four ages of the earth, each lasting hundreds of thousands of years. The first of these is Satya-yuga, when such good qualities as charity are prominent.
FAQs
This verse states that in Kṛta-yuga dharma stands on four supports: truthfulness (satya), compassion (dayā), austerity (tapaḥ), and charity (dānam).
He explains the yugas to show how dharma declines over time, helping Parīkṣit understand the spiritual urgency and the changing conditions of righteousness in Kali-yuga.
Practice honesty in speech and conduct, cultivate compassion through non-harm and service, adopt disciplined habits (simplicity, restraint, steady sādhana), and give generously—time, resources, and care—in a spirit of devotion.