Four pillars of dharma
Following the Vedic societal rules of righteous living is termed as following dharma. One living such a life stands on following fours pillars
- truth (Devanagari: सत्य ISO15919: satya) - being truthful in ones everyday dealings.
- mercy (Devanagari: दया ISO15919: dayā) - compassion towards others misery.
- austerity (Devanagari: तप ISO15919: tapa) - one leading a life where one does not indulge in matters of sensual pleasure.
- benevolence (दान) - making donations according to Vedic guidance.
Some scriptures name purity instead of benevolence.
- purity (Devanagari: शौच ISO15919: śauca) - thoughts and actions are inspired by divine virtues like benevolence, patience etc.
At the onset of Sat yug all four pillars are nice and strong.
सतयुग में धर्म पद गोविंद राधे । सत्य दया तप दान चार हैं बता दे ॥
satayuga meṁ dharma pada goviṁda rādhe । satya dayā tapa dāna cāra haiṁ batā de ॥
Over the course of Sat yug purity of thought abates.
By the end of Treta yug the pillar of austerity also collapses.
By the end of Dwapar yug the pillar of mercy collapses. People start loving violence.
At the onset of Kali yug only the pillar of truth remains. And over the course of Kali yug that too gets shattered. And instead they are replaced by four pillars of irreligion.
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