Srimad Bhagavatam — Dvadasha Skandha, Shloka 21
The Earth Laughs at World-Conquering Kings; Yuga-Dharma and the Remedy for Kali
तदा क्रियातपोनिष्ठा नातिहिंस्रा न लम्पटा: । त्रैवर्गिकास्त्रयीवृद्धा वर्णा ब्रह्मोत्तरा नृप ॥ २१ ॥
tadā kriyā-tapo-niṣṭhā nāti-hiṁsrā na lampaṭāḥ trai-vargikās trayī-vṛddhā varṇā brahmottarā nṛpa
O Hari, sa Tretā-yuga ang mga tao ay nakatuon sa mga ritwal at mahigpit na tapás; hindi sila labis na marahas at hindi rin alipin ng pagnanasa. Ang kanilang hangarin ay lalo na ang tri-varga—dharma, artha, at kāma—at sa pagsunod sa mga tuntunin ng tatlong Veda ay nakakamtan nila ang kasaganaan. Bagaman nahahati ang lipunan sa apat na varna, karamihan ay mga brāhmaṇa.
FAQs
This verse describes a time when people were devoted to religious duties and austerity, avoided excessive violence and lust, lived according to Vedic guidance, and honored brāhmaṇas as leaders in spiritual culture.
In the context of describing Kali-yuga’s decline, Śukadeva contrasts it with earlier order—where spiritual leadership was respected—so Parīkṣit can understand how dharma deteriorates when brahminical virtues lose influence.
Practice steady discipline in spiritual duties (regular prayer, study, service) and voluntary restraint (simplicity, self-control), while avoiding harmful violence and exploitative sensuality—aligning daily life with dharma.