After giving an introductory talk on mantra meditation to a small group of 20 attending Bhaktivedanta Manor's Open Day I saw an ad about global warming

It reminded me of the story of the two frogs. One jumped into boiling water and immediately jumped out to save his life. The other jumped into a saucepan of cold water which was then placed on the flames, where it very gradually heated up. Unable to feel the small differences of temperature as the water heated he boiled to death.

Like frogs, we do not experience the incremental advance of Kali yuga as one year is only slightly more degraded than the last. Global warming is just one result of our so-called advanced modern life. Although civilisations have descended into hedonism before - often just before they disappear from history - the hedonistic materialism of the 20th/21st centuries coupled with the toxicity of industrialisation is producing results for the planet which will be with us throughout Kali yuga.

As Vaishnavas we must all play our part in helping to create a more peaceful, purified world - even though we pary to leave it soon.