But the influence of the Kali Yuga, or the Horrid Age, gradually seeped into the hearts of kings and their subjects, corrupting their wonderful qualities, so that a tense situation arose between rulers and the ruled. It remains possible, however, through a special arrangement, to bridge the gaps left by this age of discord, provided that spiritual progress and the awareness of God are cultivated.
As the current era progresses, all the good qualities of human beings diminish, and all the impure qualities increase. The atheistic systems of so-called religion become predominant, replacing the codes of Vedic law [the Vedas, the original holy scriptures, also called the true gospel].
Kings or heads of state become like highway robbers, people in general devote themselves to lowly occupations, and all social classes become like laborers, artisans, and other artists. All cows become like goats, all spiritual hermitages become like materialistic houses, and family ties do not extend beyond the immediate relationship of marriage.
Avatar Kalki is this formidable figure, destined to annihilate the mass of atheists born during the Iron Age, the Dark Age, the current age.
Today, while we are still only at the beginning of the Dark Age, the Iron Age, many principles contrary to religion are already in use, and as this age progresses, many more pseudo-religious principles will undoubtedly be introduced into society. People will forget the true religious principles proclaimed by Lord Krishna, God, the Supreme Person, before the beginning of the Iron Age, which call upon all living beings to surrender to the Lord.
Unfortunately, because of this Dark Age, this terrible age of discord, strife, hypocrisy, indifference, decadence, and sin, people without understanding do not surrender to God.
So religion, truthfulness, cleanliness or purity, tolerance, mercy, lifespan, physical strength, and memory will all decline daily due to the powerful influence of the Iron Age.
During this dark age, wealth alone will be considered a sign of a man's noble birth, good character, and noble qualities. Law and justice will be applied only based on power.
Men and women will live together simply because of a superficial physical attraction, and success in business will depend on deception. Femininity and masculinity will be judged by one's sexual expertise, and a man will be known as wise simply by wearing a sacred thread, a symbol of honor.