Today is the 10th anniversary of the World Trade Center in New York. The attacks by the Al Queda which saw two high-jacked planes forced to crash into it changed the world as we see it today. It was a day of the loss of innocence and faith in man. I think this was one of those days where for the rest of your life, you remember what you were doing when you heard the news. I was at home watching TV – the local comedy Phua Chu Kang in fact – when the news scrolled across my TV. I was riveted by it but didnt realise the magnitude until I read the newspapers the next day.

Post 9-11, the world as we know it has changed. We all have changed. Travel has become difficult and most importantly, the level of distrust has dramatically increased. We fear foreigners and unknown people now. The world has in fact become a worse place to live in.

Hindu Mythology has something called Kalyug. This age of vice is the last of the four stages the world goes through. People say when it is time for this Kalyug, the world becomes bad and evil and hence many people that the world is currently undergoing this. In the epic Mahabharata, a discourse by Markandeya identifies some of the attributes of the Kalyug. These attributes are:

In relation to Rulers – Rulers will become unreasonable: they will levy taxes unfairly. Rulers will no longer see it as their duty to promote spirituality, or to protect their subjects: they will become a danger to the world. People will start migrating, seeking countries where wheat and barley form the staple food source.

In Relation to Human Relationships – Avarice and wrath will be common. Humans will openly display animosity towards each other. Ignorance of dharma will occur. People will have thoughts of murder with no justification and will see nothing wrong in that. Lust will be viewed as socially acceptable and sexual intercourse will be seen as the central requirement of life. Sin will increase exponentially, whilst virtue will fade and cease to flourish. People will take vows and break them soon after. People will become addicted to intoxicating drinks and drugs. Gurus will no longer be respected and their students will attempt to injure them. Their teachings will be insulted, and followers of Kama will wrest control of the mind from all human beings. Brahmins will not be learned or honoured, Kshatriyas will not be brave, Vaishyas will not be just in their dealings.

If you see the above as a guide, we are well into the age of darkness. So what do you think? Also where were you and what were you doing when you heard the news about the 9-11 attacks?