In Satya Yuga, the foundation of dharma rests firmly on four pillars: truth, compassion, austerity and charity. Likewise, adharma (unrighteousness) also stands on four pillars: falsehood, violence, discontent and conflict. People of Satya Yuga naturally uphold the fourfold dharma. Most individuals are content, gentle, friendly with all, calm, self-controlled, patient, even-minded and spiritually inclined.
In Treta Yuga, under the influence of time, the strength of dharma gradually diminishes by one quarter. Society is guided by the four varnas, with Brahmins holding a significant role. Violence and immoral relations are rare. People follow sacred rituals, engage in penance and maintain devotion to *dharma*, *artha* and *kama*. Most people remain well-versed in the Vedas.
In Dvapara Yuga, the influence of adharma grows, especially violence, discontent, deceit and hatred. Because of this, the four pillars of dharma — austerity, truth, compassion and charity — decline to half their original strength. People in this age are active, ritual-oriented and keen on studying and teaching the Vedas. Many are wealthy, family-loving and materially comfortable. During this period, Kshatriyas and Brahmins hold primary influence.
In Kali Yuga, all four pillars of adharma expand greatly, and the four pillars of dharma weaken sharply, leaving only one-quarter of dharma remaining, and eventually even that will fade. People of Kali Yuga tend to be greedy, immoral, hard-hearted, easily angered, quarrelsome, unlucky and excessively hopeful of gain. All beings possess the three *gunas* — sattva, rajas and tamas — and as time passes, these qualities rise and fall within the mind, shaping human behaviour and the condition of dharma in every age.