Last Leg

Picture a mighty bull, its four powerful legs representing the pillars of righteousness: austerity, cleanliness, compassion, and truthfulness. In Hindu scriptures like the Srimad Bhagavatam, this bull represents dharma – the cosmic order that sustains the universe.

The tradition describes four world ages, each spanning hundreds of thousands of years. In Satya yuga, the golden age of truth, all four legs of dharma stood strong, upheld by humanity’s dedication to these virtues.

As time progressed, with each subsequent age, another leg weakened and fell – marking our gradual drift from these principles.

We now find ourselves in Kali yuga, the age of darkness. In this final epoch marked by conflict and confusion, only one leg remains: truthfulness.

This ancient concept offers a striking insight into our present moment, as we navigate a world where discerning truth has become increasingly complex.

For us as practitioners of yoga, this symbolism carries a profound message: it’s a call to stand firmly in our commitment to truth. Our practices can help us to do this in specific ways.

Through meditation we tap into the wisdom that arises not from our individual, limited perspective, but from the vast intelligence of life itself.

Through self-study we cultivate the discernment needed to recognize and hold fast to this inner wisdom, even in these turbulent and precarious times.

Our practices anchor us in the truth of our innate goodness and interconnectedness. We can trust the clear knowing that resides in our heart of hearts to guide our actions.

As a wise teacher once said, while Kali yuga may reign in the outer world, each of us has the power to create Satya yuga within ourselves.

In creating this inner sanctuary of goodness, we don't hide from the darkness – we become living bridges between timeless wisdom and our world. In doing so, we help to stabilize that final leg of dharma - not just for ourselves but for all.

May we recognize this time not just as one of dissolution, but as an invitation to participate in a grand regeneration. Through our dedication to truth, may we help midwife the rebirth of all the benevolent virtues, transforming the darkness of our time into the fertile soil from which a new era of consciousness can emerge.