In Kali Yuga, the Loud Voice Is Called Learned and Hypocrisy Is Called Holiness
Uttara Kanda, Chaupai 96
Doha 99 · Movement 1 of 2
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Bhushundi describes an age in which the structures of dharma have lost their living center. Vedic learning is sold, rulers oppress the people, and scriptural discipline commands no reverence. Every person crowns the path that pleases him as the true path.
The loud speaker is called a scholar. False undertakings and hypocrisy earn the title of sainthood. Theft becomes cleverness, pretense becomes exemplary conduct, and lies wrapped in mockery are praised as virtue.
One who abandons moral restraint and sacred guidance is acclaimed as wise and detached. Long nails and matted hair are accepted as proof of austerity. The portrait is built from reversals because Kali does not merely hide good and evil. It exchanges their names. Outer signals remain, but their inward meaning has drained away, leaving a society able to recognize costume while becoming blind to character.
When appearance inherits the throne of truth, matted hair becomes wisdom and the loudest voice receives the scholar's seat.
Read the passage from the Manas
बरन धर्म नहिं आश्रम चारी। श्रुति बिरोध रत सब नर नारी।। द्विज श्रुति बेचक भूप प्रजासन। कोउ नहिं मान निगम अनुसासन।। मारग सोइ जा कहुँ जोइ भावा। पंडित सोइ जो गाल बजावा।। मिथ्यारंभ दंभ रत जोई। ता कहुँ संत कहइ सब कोई।। सोइ सयान जो परधन हारी। जो कर दंभ सो बड़ आचारी।। जौ कह झूँठ मसखरी जाना। कलिजुग सोइ गुनवंत बखाना।। निराचार जो श्रुति पथ त्यागी। कलिजुग सोइ ग्यानी सो बिरागी।। जाकें नख अरु जटा बिसाला। सोइ तापस प्रसिद्ध कलिकाला।।
There is no observance of varna-dharma or the four ashramas. All men and women act contrary to the Vedas. Brahmins sell the Vedas, kings oppress their subjects, and none respect the commands of scripture. Whatever path pleases someone, that becomes their way. Whoever speaks loudly is considered a scholar. Whoever is devoted to false undertakings and hypocrisy, everyone calls him a saint. He who steals others' wealth is considered clever. Whoever practices hypocrisy is regarded a great teacher of conduct. Whoever speaks lies and makes buffoonery is praised as virtuous in Kali Yuga. He who is immoral and abandons the Vedic path is considered a wise man and renunciant in Kali Yuga. Whoever has long nails and matted hair becomes famous as a great ascetic in the age of Kali.