Kali yuga (Hinduism)

According to Hindu teachings, the cycles of existence (or mahayuga) are each divided into four ages or yuga, the gold, silver, bronze and iron ages, after which creation is drawn in to itself to re-emerge in a new golden age. The present age, kali yuga, the lowest and last of the cycle, is also the shortest and is doomed to end in catastrophe. It entails more suffering than the other ages, but the suffering can be seen as understandable and bearable when it is known to be the result of accumulated wrongs in previous ages. The ill effects of this age are said to be diminished by singing or chanting in praise of God. It is also said that the kali yuga is overcome by love; and that the avatar or reincarnation of the absolute in this age is to teach return to God through response to God's love.