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Another civilian clueless as to what the U.S. military does.Take a look at the some of job offers just for the Navy. Granted not all military jobs will cross to a civilian job.InsigniaGeneral ratingAbbreviationService ratingAbbreviationAviation boatswain's mateAB[I](Launching & Recovery)(Fuels)(Aircraft Handling)ABEABFABHAviation Boatswain's Mates are responsible for aircraft catapults, arresting gear and barricades. They operate fuel and lube oil transfer systems, as well as direct aircraft on the flight deck and in hangar bays before launch and after recovery. They use tow tractors to position planes and operate support equipment used to start aircraft.[15]Air traffic controllerACAir traffic controllers assist with the speedy flow of air traffic by directing and controlling aircraft. They operate field lighting systems and communicate with aircraft. They furnish pilots with information regarding traffic, navigation, and weather conditions, as well as operate and adjust ground-controlled approach (GCA) systems and interpret targets on radar screens and plot aircraft positions.[15]Air traffic controllerACAir traffic controllers assist with the speedy flow of air traffic by directing and controlling aircraft. They operate field lighting systems and communicate with aircraft. They furnish pilots with information regarding traffic, navigation, and weather conditions, as well as operate and adjust ground-controlled approach (GCA) systems and interpret targets on radar screens and plot aircraft positions.[15]Aviation machinist's mateAD[II]Aviation machinist's mates are usually assigned to billets concerned with the maintenance of turbo-jet aircraft engines and associated equipment. They are responsible for the maintenance and replacement of aircraft engines and accessories, as well as performing the duties of flight engineers.[15]Aviation Electrician's MateAE[III]Aviation Electrician's Mates are responsible for aircraft electrical power generating and converting systems. They maintain lighting, control, and indicating systems and can install as well as maintain flight and engine instrument systems.[15]Aerographer's mateAGAerographer's mates are the U.S. Navy's weather forecasters. They are trained in meteorology and the use of aerological instruments that monitor air pressure, temperature, humidity, wind speed, and direction. They prepare weather maps and forecasts and can analyze atmospheric conditions to determine the best flight levels for aircraft. An AG can measure wind and air density to aid the accuracy of anti-aircraft firing, shore bombardment and delivery of weapons by aircraft.[15]Aviation structural mechanicAM[II](Safety Equipment)(Hydraulics and Structures)AMEAMAviation structural mechanics are responsible for the maintenance of many aircraft parts such as wings, fuselage, tail, control surfaces, landing gear, and hydraulic systems. AME's maintain and repair oxygen, cockpit and cabin pressurization, and ejection seat systems.[15]Aviation ordnancemanAOAviation ordnancemen operate and handle aviation ordnance equipment. They are responsible for the maintenance of guns, bombs, torpedoes, rockets, and missiles. Their duties include the stowing, issuing, and loading of munitions and small arms.[15]Aviation support equipment technicianASAviation support equipment technicians perform intermediate maintenance on aviation accessory equipment at naval air stations and aboard aircraft carriers. They maintain gasoline and diesel engines, gas turbine compressor units and electrical systems.[15]Aviation electronics technicianAT[III]Aviation electronics technicians are responsible for the maintenance of radars, avionics, and navigation systems at all times. They do checks on equipment, and calibration of many aviation electronics systems on a regular basis.[15]Naval aircrewmanAW(Operator)(Mechanical)(Avionics)(Helicopter)(Tactical Helicopter)AWOAWFAWVAWSAWRNaval aircrewman operate airborne radar and electronic equipment used in detecting, locating, and tracking submarines. They provide information for aircraft and surface navigation and act as helicopter-rescue crewmen, and function as part of the flight crew on long-range and intermediate-range aircraft. Beginning in 2009, other enlisted aviation ratings that perform flight engineer or loadmaster duties in Navy aircraft will convert to the AW rating.[15]Aviation maintenance administrationmanAZAviation maintenance administrationmen perform clerical, administrative, and managerial duties necessary to keep aircraft maintenance activities running smoothly. They schedule and coordinated the maintenance workload, including inspections and modifications to aircraft and equipment.[15]Aircrew survival equipmentmanPRAircrew survival equipmentmen are responsible for the packing and care of parachutes. They maintain flight clothing, rubber life rafts, life jackets, oxygen-breathing apparatus, protective clothing, and air-sea rescue equipment.[15]The abbreviation comes from the former official title (still used informally) of parachute rigger.[16]Notes[edit]I^ : ABE, ABF, and ABH combine at paygrade E-9 to the rate of Master chief aviation boatswain's mate (ABCM).[17]II^ : AM, AME, and AD combine at paygrade E-9 to the rate of Master chief aircraft maintenanceman (AFCM).III^ : AE and AT combine at paygrade E-9 to the rate of Master chief avionics technician (AVCM).IV^ : 2009 AW rating merged with all other aircrew NEC's and changed their title from aviation warfare system operators to naval aircrewman.Construction ratings[edit]InsigniaGeneral ratingAbbreviationService ratingAbbreviationBuilderBU[I]Navy builders are like civilian construction workers. They are skilled carpenters, plasterers, roofers, cement finishers, asphalt workers, masons, and painters. They build and repair all types of structures including: piers, bridges, towers, schools, offices, houses, and other buildings.[15]Construction electricianCE[II]Construction electricians are responsible for the power production and electrical work required to build and operate airfields, roads, barracks, and hospitals. The work of a CE is equivalent to civilian construction electricians, telephone and electrical repairmen, lineman, and others.[15]Construction mechanicCM[III]Construction mechanics maintain many types of construction machinery including; buses, dump trucks, bulldozers, rollers, cranes, backhoes, and pile drivers. They work on gasoline and diesel engines and transmissions. They also repair electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic and steering systems.[15]Engineering aideEA[I]Engineering aides provide construction engineers with information needed to develop final construction plans. They conduct surveys for roads, airfields, buildings, etc. They perform soil tests, prepare topographic and hydrographic maps. They also survey for sewers, water lines, drainage systems and underwater excavations.[15]Equipment operatorEO[III]Equipment operators work with heavy machinery such as bulldozers, power shovels, pile drivers, etc. They use this machinery to dig ditches, excavate for building foundations, break up old concrete or asphalt paving and pour new paving. They grade and remove debris from construction sites, raise girders, and move and set in place other pieces of equipment or materials needed for the job.[15]SteelworkerSW[I]Steelworkers rig and operate all special equipment used to move or hoist structural steel, structural shapes and similar material. They erect and dismantle steel bridges, piers, buildings, storage tanks, etc. They work with steel shapes, plates and built-up sections used in the construction of overseas facilities. They are skilled in arc welding, MIG welding, TIG welding, and gas welding.[15]UtilitiesmanUT[II]Utilitiesmen supervise and perform tasks involved in the installation and maintenance of plumbing, steam, compressed air and fuel storage and distribution systems. They maintain air conditioning and refrigeration equipment, as well as sewage collecting and disposal facilities.[15]Notes[edit]I^ : BU, EA, and SW combine, as follows:at paygrade E-8 to the rating of Senior chief constructionman (CUCS)at paygrade E-9 to the rating of Master chief constructionman (CUCM).[18]II^ : CE and UT combine at paygrade E-9 to the rating of Master chief utilitiesman (UCCM).[18]III^ : CM and EO combine at paygrade E-9 to the rating of Master chief equipmentman (EQCM).[18]Medical[edit]InsigniaGeneral ratingAbbreviationService ratingAbbreviationHospital corpsmanHMHospital corpsmen are medical professionals who provide health care to service people and their families. They serve as pharmacy technicians, medical technicians, nurse's aides, physician's or dentist's assistants, battlefield medics, and more. All work falls into several categories: first aid and minor surgery, patient transportation, patient care, prescriptions and laboratory work, food service inspections, and clerical duties.[15]Administration, deck, technical, and weapons specialty ratings[edit]InsigniaGeneral ratingAbbreviationService ratingAbbreviationBoatswain's mateBMBoatswain's mates train and supervise personnel in all activities relating to marlinspike, deck, and boat seamanship, and oversee the maintenance of the ship's external structure and deck equipment. They act as petty officers in charge of small craft and may perform duties as master-at-arms, serve in or take charge of gun crews, and damage control parties.Boatswain's mates are also responsible for the "deck side" watch. In port, three of the crew are on deck watch 24/7 (in hazardous areas such as war zones there are more than three, depending on ship's size). They are the Officer of the Deck, Boatswain's Mate of the watch, and Messenger of the Watch (usually a Seaman or Seaman Apprentice). They are stationed very close to the gangway and monitor all the comings and goings of persons to and from the ship. At sea the boatswain's mate of the watch is within ear shot of the conning officer (on the bridge). The boatswain's mate of the watch supervises the rest of the enlisted watch standers on deck. They include helmsman, messenger of the watch, and all the look outs. In port or at sea the boatswain's mate of the watch is charged with the responsibility of making all announcements to the crew; everything from chow call to general quarters (battle stations).[15]Culinary specialistCS(Surface)(Subsurface)CSCSSCulinary specialists prepare menus and order food items. They operate galley and dining facilities, manage large facilities, keep records for food supplies and financial budgets, and can even serve as flight attendant aircrewmen. They can also serve as a personal food service specialist, household/estate manager or chef for an admiral, the First Family, President of the United States at Camp David and the White House, to the Vice President at Number One Observatory Circle or for a commanding officer aboard ship or at shore bases. Ashore, Culinary Specialists often manage and maintain clubs, TAD hotels and Permanent Party naval barracks.[19]Cryptologic technicianCT[I](Interpretive)(Maintenance)(Networks)(Collection)(Technical)CTICTMCTNCTRCTTCryptologic technicians control the flow of messages and information and also conduct electronic warfare. Their work depends on their specific branch: CTAs or administration cryptologic technicians (as of 01 OCT 07 CTA merged with the YN rating) perform administrative and clerical duties that control access to classified material. CTIs or interpretive cryptologic technicians handle radiotelephone communications and foreign language translation. CTMs or maintenance cryptologic technicians maintain electronic and electromechanical equipment. CTNs or networking cryptologic technicians handle computer communication. CTRs or collection cryptologic technicians handle all Morse code communications and operate radio direction-finding equipment. Finally, CTTs or technical cryptologic technicians deal with electronic warfare. CTTs are the first line of defense against inbound threats and anti-ship missiles. They also collect, analyze, and provide electronic intelligence support to commands throughout the world.[15]Explosive ordnance disposalEODExplosive ordnance disposal technicians locate, identify, render safe and dispose of all forms of ordnance (conventional, nuclear, chemical, biological, military, and improvised) both U.S. and foreign made. Parachute or Helicopter insertion and deep-sea diving capabilities are sometimes necessary to perform this mission. In addition to working closely with other military services, EOD technicians occasionally assist civilian law enforcement agencies.[20]Electronics technicianETSurfaceNuclear PowerSubmarine, NavigationSubmarine, CommunicationsETETN[21]ETV[21]ETR[21]Electronics technicians are responsible for electronic equipment used to send and receive messages, detect enemy planes and ships, and determine target distances. They maintain, repair, and calibrate all electronic equipment used for communications, detection tracking, identification, and navigation. Specially qualified electronics technicians are employed onboard nuclear-powered ships to operate the nuclear reactor and maintain its control subsystems.[15]Fire controlmanFCConventionalNon-Conventional (Aegis)FCFCAFire controlmen (FC's) maintain the control mechanism used in weapons systems on combat ships. Complex electronic, electrical and hydraulic equipment is required to ensure the accuracy of Navy guided-missile and surface gunfire-control systems. They are responsible for the operation, routine care and repair of this equipment, which includes radars, computers, weapons direction equipment, target designation systems, gyroscopes and rangefinders.[15]Fire controlman - Aegis (FCA's) maintain the Aegis Combat System, an integrated naval weapons system on the Ticonderoga-class cruiser and the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.Fire control technicianFTFire control technicians maintain the electronic equipment used in submarine weapons systems. They are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the complex electronic, electrical and mechanical equipment required to ensure the accuracy of Navy guided-missile systems and underwater weapons. They are responsible for ship safety by recognizing and analyzing data from several critical systems including sonar, radar, periscope, radio, and torpedo inputs.[15]Gunner's mateGMGunner's mates operate and maintain all gunnery equipment, guided-missile launching systems, rocket launchers, guns, turrets, and associated equipment. They repair electrical, electronic, hydraulic and mechanical systems, and make detailed casualty analysis. They test ammunition, missiles and their ordnance components. GMs train and supervise personnel in the handling and stowage of ammunition, missiles, and assigned ordnance equipment.[15]Intelligence specialistISIntelligence specialists are involved in collecting and interpreting intelligence especially secret information about enemies or potential enemies. They analyze photographs and prepare charts, maps, and reports that describe in detail the strategic situation all over the world.[15]Information systems technician (Surface)Information Systems Technician Submarines (Submarine)IT[II]ITSInformation systems technicians design, install, operate, and maintain state-of-the-art informations systems. This technology includes local and wide area networks, mainframe, mini and microcomputer systems and associated peripheral devices. They also write programs to handle the collection, manipulation and distribution of data for a wide variety of applications and requirements. They perform the functions of a computer system analyst, operate telecommunications systems including automated networks and the full spectrum of data links and circuits.[22]LegalmanLNLegalmen are the Navy's paralegals. They assist Staff Judge Advocates in the proper administration of military justice and administrative law, such as courts-martial, nonjudicial punishment, and administrative separation. They work in Region Legal Service Offices (RLSO), Defense Service Offices, aboard aircraft carriers and large amphibious ships, and at various independent duty locations. Legalmen assist service members, retirees, and their family members with powers of attorney, wills, tax returns, voter registration procedures, immigration and customs regulations, Social Security regulations, and veterans' benefits.[15]Logistics specialistLS(Surface)(Subsurface)LSLSSLogistics specialists manage inventories and issuance of repair parts/general supplies and specialized supplies (e.g., personal flight gear for naval aircrews or specialized combat equipment for Navy SEALs or Naval Military Construction Battalion "Seabees"), as well as distribute mail for naval ships, submarines, aviation squadrons, and shore-based activities. They procure, receive, store and issue material and repair selected components. They utilize financial accounting and database systems to perform inventory and financial management functions. Additionally, they sort and distribute all official and personal mail, manage money order and stamp inventories, and maintain financial and inventory reports.[15]Master-at-armsMAMasters-at-arms uphold law and order aboard ships, shore stations, control access to naval installations, and deploy overseas with expeditionary forces and squadrons performing antiterrorism/force protection (AT/FP) duties. The basic duty of an MA is to enforce rules and regulations, maintain good order and discipline, and protect life and property. Some other duties include conducting criminal investigations, personal protective services, take part in correctional and rehabilitative programs, military working dog (MWD) handlers, small arms instruction, lethal and non-lethal weapons training, and organize and train sailors assigned to shore patrol police duty. Their equivalents in the civilian world are detectives, security guards, and policemen.[15]Mass communication specialistMCMass communication specialists are public affairs and visual information experts. They present the U.S. Navy story to audiences in the Navy and to the rest of the world through a variety of media. Mass communication specialists write and produce print and broadcast journalism, news, and feature stories for military and civilian newspapers, magazines, television and radio broadcast stations. They record still and video photography of military operations, exercises, and other Navy events.[15]MinemanMNMinemen test, maintain, and repair mines and their components. They are responsible for assembling, testing, and delivering mines to the planting agent. They maintain minehandling and minelaying equipment.[15]At sea, minemen primarily man Avenger Class mine countermeasures ships as well the new Independence Class littoral combat ships as a part of the MCM module. Their duties at sea include but are not limited to: operating mine hunting sonar, operating remote controlled submersibles in prosecuting mine-like contacts, rigging and deploying minesweeping gear as well as standing normal underway deck and combat information center watches.[23]Missile technicianMTMissile technicians operate and maintain the UGM-133 Trident II D5 missile Strategic Weapon System (SWS) carried aboard ballistic missile submarines and at strategic weapons facilities. Missile technicians operate and maintain electronic, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic strategic weapon subsystems, test and operate the MK98 fire-control system and MK 6 guidance system, perform classified targeting operations, and provide physical security to nuclear weapon systems.[15]MusicianMUMusicians play in official Navy bands and special groups such as jazz bands, dance bands and small ensembles. They give concerts and provide music for military ceremonies, religious services, parades, receptions and dances. Official unit bands usually do not include stringed instruments, but each musician must be able to play at least one brass, woodwind or percussion instrument. Sailors are selected for this rating through auditions.[15]Navy counselorNC(Career)(Recruiter)NC(C)NC(R)Navy counselors offer vocational guidance to Navy personnel — individually and in groups — aboard ships and at shore facilities. They assess the interests, aptitudes, abilities and personalities of individuals and assist them in reaching their full potential. They are responsible directly to the command triumvirate (CO, XO, CMC) and report on many items such as retention, attrition, advancement, testing and various other facets of the career development program. Additionally, it is their keen eye and attention to detail that ensure personnel throughout the command are updated on current Navy policies in regards to career management, off duty education and administrative procedures, among various other responsibilities.[15]Operations specialistOSOperations specialists operate radar, navigation and communications equipment in the shipboard combat information centers (CICs) or bridges. They detect and track ships, planes, and missiles. They operate and maintain identification friend or foe (IFF) systems, electronic countermeasures (ECM) equipment and radio-telephones.[15]They control and assist aircraft.Personnel specialistPSPersonnel specialists provide enlisted personnel with information and counseling about Navy jobs, opportunities for general education and training, and promotion requirements. They assist enlisted members' families with legal aid or reassignments in hardship situations. Personnel Specialists keep records up to date, prepare reports, type letters and maintain files.[15]QuartermasterQM[III]Quartermasters assist the navigator and officer of the deck (OOD), steer the ship, take radar bearings and ranges, make depth soundings and celestial observations, plot courses and command small craft.[15]Religious program specialistRPReligious program specialists assist Navy chaplains with administrative and budgetary tasks. They serve as custodians of chapel funds, keep religious documents and stay in contact with religious and community agencies. They prepare devotional and religious educational materials, set up volunteer programs, operate shipboard libraries, supervise chaplains' offices and perform administrative, clerical and secretarial duties. They train personnel in religious programs and publicize religious activities.[15]Special warfare boat operatorSBSpecial warfare boat operators (SWCC - special warfare combatant-craft crewmen) drive fast speedboats down narrow, winding rivers, or the open ocean while performing high speed, medium range, or all weather insertion/extraction of special operations forces. They participate in maritime interdiction operations, tactical swimmer operations, intelligence collection, operation deception, and coastal patrol.[24]Retail Services SpecialistRSRetail Services Specialists manage barber shops, tailor shops, ships' uniform stores, laundries, dry cleaning plants and cobbler shops. They serve as clerks in exchanges, gas stations, warehouses, and commissary stores. Some RSs function as Navy club managers.[25][26]Special warfare operatorSOSpecial warfare operators are Navy SEALs, which are the Navy's primary unconventional warfare units that conduct warfare at SEa, in the Air, and on Land (SEAL). A SEAL's core skills consist of: sniper, breacher, communicator, maritime/engineering, close air support, corpsman, driver, navigator (rural/urban/protective security), heavy weapons operator, sensitive site exploitation, air operations (parachuting/helicopter insertion, etc.), climber, interrogator, technical surveillance, and advanced special operations. SEALs oversee ocean-borne mine disposal, carry out direct action raids against military targets, conduct reconnaissance, and secure beachheads for invading amphibious forces.[24]Sonar technicianST(Surface)(Subsurface)STGSTSSonar technicians are responsible for underwater surveillance. They assist in safe navigation and aid in search and rescue and attack operations. They operate and repair sonar equipment and jam enemy sonars. Sonar Technicians operate, maintain and repair sonar systems, antisubmarine warfare fire control equipment and other various equipment associated with underwater detection, counter-detection, warfare and communications.[15]YeomanYN(Surface)(Subsurface)YNYNSYeomen perform administrative and clerical work. They deal with visitors, coordinate worldwide travel, submit passport applications, telephone calls and incoming mail, and assist various ships, squadrons, staff commands, and special warfare teams around the world with administrative tasks. They write and type business and social letters, notices, directives, forms and reports.[15]Notes[edit]I^ : Cryptologic technician now includes former rating of electronic warfare technician (EW).[27]II^ : Information systems technician now includes former rating of cryptologic technician – communications (CTO).[27]III^ : Quartermaster QM now exists as electronics technician (navigation) ETV on submarines.[27]Engineering and hull ratings[edit]InsigniaGeneral ratingAbbreviationService ratingAbbreviationDamage controlmanDC[I]Damage controlmen perform the work necessary for damage control, ship stability, fire-fighting. They also prepare defenses against chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) warfare attacks. They instruct personnel in damage control and CBR defense and repair damage-control equipment and systems.[15]Electrician's mateEM(Nuclear)EMNElectrician's mates are responsible for the operation and repair of a ship's or station's electrical power plant and electrical equipment. They also maintain and repair power and lighting circuits, distribution switchboards, generators, motors and other electrical equipment. Specially qualified electrician's mates are employed onboard nuclear-powered ships to maintain the control subsystems in nuclear reactors.[15]EnginemanENEnginemen are responsible for internal diesel and gasoline engines. They also maintain refrigeration, air-conditioning, distilling-plant engines and compressors.[15]Gas turbine system technicianGS(Electrical)(Mechanical)GSEGSMGas turbine system technicians are responsible for all gas turbine engines. They maintain propulsion machinery, including gears, shafting and controllable pitch propellers, assigned auxiliary equipment propulsion control systems, electrical and electronic circuitry up to the printed circuit module, and alarm and warning circuitry. They handle administrative tasks related to gas turbine propulsion system operation and maintenance.[15]Hull maintenance technicianHT[I]Hull maintenance technicians are responsible for maintaining ships' hulls, fittings, piping systems and machinery. They install and maintain all shipboard and shore based plumbing and piping systems. They look after a vessel's safety and survival equipment and perform many tasks related to damage control.[15]Interior communications electricianIC[II]Interior communications electricians operate and repair electronic devices used in the ship's interior communications systems, SITE TV systems, 1MC (public address system), electronic megaphones and other announcing equipment. They are responsible for the gyrocompass systems.[15]Machinist's mateMM(Nuclear)submarine (Weapons)submarine (Auxiliary)MMNMMAMachinist's mates are responsible for the continuous operation of the many engines, compressors, gears, refrigeration, and air-conditioning equipment along with other types of machinery onboard ships and shore installations. They are responsible for the ship's steam propulsion and auxiliary equipment and the outside (deck) machinery. Specially trained and qualified machinist's mates are deployed onboard nuclear-powered ships to maintain the machinery and piping in nuclear reactors. Some nuclear machinists mates (engineering laboratory technicians) receive additional specialization in health physics and maintaining reactor chemistry.[15]Torpedoman's mateTMsubmarine (Weapons, not SLBMS)TMs are responsible for all phases of weapons loading, unloading and storage on all classes of submarines. This includes torpedoes, Tomahawk missiles and countermeasure devices. A TM works on high pressure air and hydraulic systems to maintain loading and launching capabilities for torpedo and vertical launch tubes.[28]Machinery repairmanMR[I]Machinery repairmen are skilled machine tool operators. They make replacement parts and repair or overhaul a ship's engine auxiliary equipment, such as evaporators, air compressors and pumps. They repair deck equipment, including winches, hoists, condensers, and heat exchange devices. Shipboard machinery repairmen frequently operate main propulsion machinery, besides performing machine shop and repair duties.Navy diverNDNavy divers are responsible for a wide variety of tasks like underwater ship maintenance, construction, and underwater rescue. They are assigned to Naval Special Warfare Units to provide diving technical expertise and supervisory support to all submersible operations.[29]

Just how screwed is Tesla? You don't have to look at the past few weeks, months, or even years to see that it's a tough—if sometimes exhilarating—ride for Elon Musk's flagship EV operation. The problems didn't start on August 7, when Tesla CEO Musk tweeted a cryptic plan to take his company private at $420 a share. “Funding Secured”: A meme is born. You don't even have to examine his ongoing Britney Spearsian public meltdown—the performative weed-smoking, his imbecilic insertion into the Thai cave rescue, complete with pedophilia accusations, or his unabating bullshitting over production numbers for his product.Closer to the core issue are his self-inflicted legal entanglements with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which evidently began with his "funding secured" tweet—sent, some presume, in the twilight state of poorly medicated insomnia—and were exacerbated by Musk's unnecessary antagonism of the SEC after his lawyers had reached a reasonable settlement.But it's not even legal problems that are going to push Tesla (and, let's be honest, Musk) over the precipice. The problem is pure and simple: they have no money. In fact, they have a massive pile of growing debt, and the lenders are going to want that money back.Recently, hedge fund manager (and Musk antagonist) David Einhorn of Greenlight Capital wrote to his investors that Tesla right now bears a grim resemblance to Lehman Brothers before its 2008 bankruptcy (a collapse that Einhorn predicted months earlier, and that helped tilt the planet into a catastrophic all-hands “correction”). For Tesla, as for Lehman Bros., a mixture of emboldened deception, arrogance, and desperation have turned the Muskman into a monster.“There are many parallels to TSLA,” Einhorn wrote to his investors. “In 2013, TSLA was on the brink of failure as customers who had paid deposits weren’t taking delivery of the Model S. TSLA’s cash reserves fell to a dangerously low level and CEO Elon Musk secretly and desperately tried to sell the company to Google. Rather than communicating truth to shareholders, Mr. Musk bluffed his way through the crisis. There were no regulatory, legal or market consequences for failing to own up to reality. The business survived, and Mr. Musk was celebrated for his successful bluffing.”What else is bumming out the Muskman right now? Let's see:Even though a judge approved the SEC’s settlement over the "funding secured" tweet, Tesla’s still in some legal soup. A Department of Justice investigation into Musk's claim is ongoing, and the SEC is still sniffing around other issues.Potential workplace violations from local and state governments dogging Tesla, as well as potential tax credit violations.Evidently (and unsurprisingly), the GOP is likely going to end the EV credit regime that has been vital to growing the electric car marketplace (and to subsidizing Tesla's already high ticket price).He and Grimes unfollowed each other on Instagram.Crucially, the SEC is drilling down on Tesla’s (and Musk’s) claims of production numbers and profitability—claims that are self-reported and that have a direct impact on the long-term health of the company and the stability of its stock.If you’re to take the cynical view of Musk’s prickly, obfuscating public demeanor, he shares Donald Trump’s worst traits: Keep on bullshitting, and if the bullshitting isn’t working, bullshit more. Eventually, people will believe the bullshit. The big difference between Musk and Trump, though, is that while Trump will likely never be held accountable for this lies-upon-lies tactics, Musk—and Tesla—eventually will.While people can debate the build quality of Tesla's cars, or quibble over whether the companty's sales volume is 25,000 units a quarter or twice that or half that, the truth is that unless some sort of multi-billion dollar miracle appears before mid-2019, Tesla will have no choice but to file for bankruptcy protection.The facts: Tesla is carrying $10.1 billion in debt, and Musk has to return to the capital markets by the first half of 2019 to refinance at least a portion of that. This has created excruciating pressure on the company to start turning a profit to help entice prospective financiers.Around $230 million of that debt—in the form of a convertible bond—is due in November. That's days away. And that payment wouldn't ease the pressure. In fact, it underlines the importance of Tesla's stated goal of turning a profit in this, the 15th year of Tesla's existence. The company had a net-debt position of $9.2 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2018, rising from $8 billion at the end of the first quarter and $4.8 billion at the close of second-quarter 2017, according to investment firm Goldman Sachs. It also a $960 million bullet payment due in March.These aren't good trends.Especially since Tesla, which has a market cap of around $45 billion, has left a trail of broken financial promises. On April 13, Musk tweeted an insult at The Economist for (correctly) questioning the ability of Tesla to meet its financial goals.Even if the sales of the Model 3 lead to a cash flow positive state in Q3 and/or Q4, what happens in Q1 2019, when sales of the new "affordable" car begin to naturally tail off? The state of the company is no less precarious just because it's now only a catastrophe and not a massive catastrophe.Musk is a genius. Few people would dispute that. Since becoming Chairman of the board of Tesla in 2004, he has achieved one of the most difficult things in business: He took a product with promise, and crafted that product into a modern-day myth. When you think of an electric car, you think of the Tesla—just like an iPhone will be the symbol for the cell phone long after we’re gone. He has millions of followers, and just as many antagonists. He is unrestrained, loutish, and sly. Rolling Stone anointed him the Jim Morrison of Silicon Valley. Think of the stresses of his work day: he juggles a company with a market cap of $45 billion, a feud with the SEC, a demanding rock-star girlfriend, angry Cardi B tweets, a swarm of stock shorts, production and distribution problems with the Model 3 that sometimes lead him to tweet angrily at individual customers.But despite all the noise and all the inspiration, Musk is lacking in the fundamentals. Mass-producing cars is hard stuff. But Musk didn't make it any easier on him by essentially ignoring the hard lessons that established automakers spent a century learning. One can only hope that once SpaceX starts sending humans up on its rockets, he applies the lessons NASA learned with the Apollo 1, Challenger, and Columbia disasters. Arrogance and space travel are a toxic mixture.I'm pretty sure Musk is smart enough to know the future of his company is cloudy at best. I'm also pretty sure he'd like to not be sitting atop the Tesla cookie when it finally crumbles. All of the madness and public freak-out we're witnessing is either for real—the pressure of keeping all these very fragile plates spinning, is actually getting to him—or he's trying to force the board to fire him. To borrow from Francis Ford Coppola, if every man has got a breaking point, then I believe that Musk has reached his. The man needs a vacation.So what happens to Tesla after it declares bankruptcy in 2019? It's anyone's guess, but my money is on either Volkswagen or Apple buying it up for pennies on the dollar. Because they most certainly have secured the funding.

SB 12.2.1sri-suka uvacatatas canu-dinam dharmahsatyam saucam ksama dayakalena balina rajannanksyaty ayur balam smrtihSYNONYMSsri-sukah uvaca—Sukadeva Gosvami said; tatah—then; ca—and; anudinam—day after day; dharmah—religion; satyam—truth; saucam—cleanliness; ksama—tolerance; daya—mercy; kalena—by the force of time; balina—strong; rajan—O King Pariksit; nanksyati—will become ruined; ayuh—duration of life; balam—strength; smrtih—memory.TRANSLATIONSukadeva Gosvami said: Then, O King, religion, truthfulness, cleanliness, tolerance, mercy, duration of life, physical strength and memory will all diminish day by day because of the powerful influence of the age of Kali.PURPORTDuring the present age, Kali-yuga, practically all desirable qualities will gradually diminish, as described in this verse. For example, dharma, which indicates a respect for higher authority that leads one to obey religious principles, will diminish.In the Western world, theologians have been unable to scientifically present the laws of God or, indeed, God Himself, and thus in Western intellectual history a rigid dichotomy has arisen between theology and science. In an attempt to resolve this conflict, some theologians have agreed to modify their doctrines so that they conform not only to proven scientific facts but even to pseudoscientific speculations and hypotheses, which, though unproven, are hypocritically included within the realm of "science." On the other hand, some fanatical theologians disregard the scientific method altogether and insist on the veracity of their antiquated, sectarian dogmas.Thus bereft of systematic Vedic theology, material science has moved into the destructive realm of gross materialism, while speculative Western philosophy has drifted into the superficiality of relativistic ethics and inconclusive linguistic analysis. With so many of the best Western minds dedicated to materialistic analysis, naturally much of Western religious life, separated from the intellectual mainstream, is dominated by irrational fanaticism and unauthorized mystic and mystery cults. People have become so ignorant of the science of God that they often lump the Krsna consciousness movement in with this odd assortment of fanciful attempts at theology and religion. Thus dharma, or true religion, which is strict and conscious obedience to God’s law, is diminishing.Satyam, truthfulness, is also diminishing, simply because people do not know what the truth is. Without knowing the Absolute Truth, one cannot clearly understand the real significance or purpose of life merely by amassing huge quantities of relative or hypothetical truths.Ksama, tolerance or forgiveness, is diminishing as well, because there is no practical method by which people can purify themselves and thus become free of envy. Unless one is purified by chanting the holy names of the Lord in an authorized program of spiritual improvement, the mind will be overwhelmed by anger, envy and all sorts of small-mindedness. Thus daya, mercy, is also decreasing. All living beings are eternally connected by their common participation in the divine existence of God. When this existential oneness is obscured through atheism and agnosticism, people are not inclined to be merciful to one another; they cannot recognize their self-interest in promoting the welfare of other living beings. In fact, people are no longer even merciful to themselves: they systematically destroy themselves through liquor, drugs, tobacco, meat-eating, sexual promiscuity and whatever other cheap gratificatory processes are available to them.Because of all these self-destructive practices and the powerful influence of time, the average life span (ayur) is decreasing. Modern scientists, seeking to gain credibility among the mass of people, often publish statistics supposedly showing that science has increased the average duration of life. But these statistics do not take into account the number of people killed through the cruel practice of abortion. When we figure aborted children into the life expectancy of the total population, we find that the average duration of life has not at all increased in the age of Kali but is rather decreasing drastically.Balam, bodily strength, is also decreasing. The Vedic literature states that five thousand years ago, in the previous age, human beings—and even animals and plants—were larger and stronger. With the progress of the age of Kali, physical stature and strength will gradually diminish.Certainly smrti, memory, is weakening. In former ages human beings possessed superior memory, and they also did not encumber themselves with a terrible bureaucratic and technical society, as we have done. Thus essential information and abiding wisdom were preserved without recourse to writing. Of course, in the age of Kali things are dramatically different.SB 12.2.2vittam eva kalau nrnamjanmacara-gunodayahdharma-nyaya-vyavasthayamkaranam balam eva hiSYNONYMSvittam—wealth; eva—alone; kalau—in the age of Kali; nrnam—among men; janma—of good birth; acara—good behavior; guna—and good qualities; udayah—the cause of manifestation; dharma—of religious duty; nyaya—and reason; vyavasthayam—in the establishment; karanam—the cause; balam—strength; eva—only; hi—indeed.TRANSLATIONIn Kali-yuga, wealth alone will be considered the sign of a man’s good birth, proper behavior and fine qualities. And law and justice will be applied only on the basis of one’s power.PURPORTIn the age of Kali, a man is considered high class, middle class or low class merely according to his financial status, regardless of his knowledge, culture and behavior. In this age there are many great industrial and commercial cities with luxurious neighborhoods reserved for the wealthy. On beautiful tree-lined roads, within apparently aristocratic homes, it is not unusual to find many perverted, dishonest and sinful activities taking place. According to Vedic criteria, a man is considered high class if his behavior is enlightened, and his behavior is considered enlightened if his activities are dedicated to promoting the happiness of all creatures. Every living being is originally happy, because in all living bodies there is an eternal spiritual spark that partakes of the divine conscious nature of God. When our original spiritual awareness is revived, we become naturally blissful and satisfied in knowledge and peace. An enlightened, or educated, man should endeavor to revive his own spiritual understanding, and he should help others experience the same sublime consciousness.The great Western philosopher Socrates stated that if a man is enlightened he will automatically act virtuously, and Srila Prabhupada confirmed this fact. But in the Kali-yuga this obvious truth is disregarded, and the search for knowledge and virtue has been replaced by a vicious, animalistic competition for money. Those who prevail become the "top dogs" of modern society, and their consumer power grants them a reputation as most respectable, aristocratic and well educated.This verse also states that in the age of Kali brute strength (balam eva) will determine law and "justice." We should keep in mind that in the progressive, Vedic culture, there was no artificial dichotomy between the spiritual and the public realms. All civilized people took it for granted that God is everywhere and that His laws are binding upon all creatures. The Sanskrit word dharma, therefore, indicates one’s social, or public, obligation as well as one’s religious duty. Thus responsibly caring for one’s family is dharma, and engaging in the loving service of God is also dharma. This verse indicates, however, that in the age of Kali the principle of "might makes right" will hold sway.In the first chapter of this canto we observed how this principle infiltrated India’s past. Similarly, as the Western world achieved political, economic and technological hegemony over Asian lands, bogus propaganda was disseminated to the effect that Indian, and in general all non-Western, religion, theology and philosophy are somehow primitive and unscientific—mere mythology and superstition. Fortunately this arrogant, irrational view is now dissipating, and people all over the world are beginning to appreciate the staggering wealth of spiritual philosophy and science available in the Sanskrit literature of India. In other words, many intelligent people no longer consider traditional Western religion or empirical science, which has virtually superseded religion as the official Western dogma, necessarily authoritative merely because the West has politically and economically subdued other geographic and ethnic configurations of humanity. Thus there is now hope that spiritual issues can be contested and resolved on a philosophical level and not merely by a crude test of arms.Next this verse points out that the rule of law will be applied unequally to the powerful and the powerless. Already in many nations justice is available only to those who can pay and fight for it. In a civilized state, every man, woman and child must have equal and rapid access to a fair system of laws. In modern times we sometimes refer to this as human rights. Certainly human rights are one of the more obvious casualties of the age of Kali.SB 12.2.3dampatye ’bhirucir heturmayaiva vyavaharikestritve pumstve ca hi ratirvipratve sutram eva hiSYNONYMSdam-patye—in the relationship of husband and wife; abhirucih—superficial attraction; hetuh—the reason; maya—deceit; eva—indeed; vyavaharike—in business; stritve—in being a woman; pumstve—in being a man; ca—and; hi—indeed; ratih—sex; vipratve—in being a brahmana; sutram—the sacred thread; eva—only; hi—indeed.TRANSLATIONMen and women will live together merely because of superficial attraction, and success in business will depend on deceit. Womanliness and manliness will be judged according to one’s expertise in sex, and a man will be known as a brahmana just by his wearing a thread.PURPORTJust as human life as a whole has a great and serious purpose—namely spiritual liberation—fundamental human institutions such as marriage and child-rearing should also be dedicated to that great objective. Unfortunately, in the present age the satisfaction of the sex impulse has become the overriding, if not the exclusive, reason for marriage.The sexual impulse, which induces the male and female of almost every species to combine physically, and in higher species also emotionally, is ultimately not a natural urge, because it is based on the unnatural identification of the self with the body. Life itself is a spiritual phenomenon. It is the soul that lives and gives apparent life to the biological machine called the body. Consciousness is the soul’s manifest energy, and thus consciousness, awareness itself, is originally an entirely spiritual event. When life, or consciousness, is confined within a biological machine and falsely mistakes itself to be that machine, material existence occurs and sex desire arises.God intends human life to be an opportunity for us to rectify this illusory mode of existence and return to the vast satisfaction of pure, godly existence. But because our identification with the material body is a long historical affair, it is difficult for most people to immediately break free from the demands of the materially molded mind. Therefore the Vedic scriptures prescribe sacred marriage, in which a so-called man and a so-called woman may combine in a regulated, spiritual marriage sheltered by overarching religious injunctions. In this way the candidate for self-realization who has selected family life can derive adequate satisfaction for his senses and simultaneously please the Lord within his heart by obeying religious injunctions. The Lord then purifies him of material desire.In Kali-yuga this deep understanding has been almost lost, and, as stated in this verse, men and women combine like animals, solely on the basis of mutual attraction to bodies made of flesh, bone, membrane, blood and so on. In other words, in our modern, godless society the weak, superficial intelligence of humanity rarely penetrates beyond the gross physical covering of the eternal soul, and thus family life has in most cases lost its highest purpose and value.A corollary point established in this verse is that in the age of Kali a woman is considered "a good woman" if she is sexually attractive and, indeed, sexually efficient. Similarly, a sexually attractive man is "a good man." The best example of this superficiality is the incredible attention twentieth-century people give to materialistic movie stars, music stars and other prominent figures in the entertainment industry. In fact, pursuing sexual experiences with various types of bodies is similar to drinking old wine from new bottles. But few people in the Kali-yuga can understand this.Finally, this verse states that in the age of Kali a man will become known as a priest, or brahmana, merely by wearing ceremonial dress. In India, brahmanas wear a sacred thread, and in other parts of world members of the priestly class have other ornaments and symbols. But in the age of Kali the symbols alone will suffice to establish a person as a religious leader, despite his ignorance of God.SB 12.2.4lingam evasrama-khyatavanyonyapatti-karanamavrttya nyaya-daurbalyampanditye capalam vacahSYNONYMSlingam—the external symbol; eva—merely; asrama-khyatau—in knowing a person’s spiritual order; anyonya—mutual; apatti—of exchange; karanam—the cause; avrttya—by lack of livelihood; nyaya—in credibility; daurbalyam—the weakness; panditye—in scholarship; capalam—tricky; vacah—words.TRANSLATIONA person’s spiritual position will be ascertained merely according to external symbols, and on that same basis people will change from one spiritual order to the next. A person’s propriety will be seriously questioned if he does not earn a good living. And one who is very clever at juggling words will be considered a learned scholar.PURPORTThe previous verse stated that in the age of Kali the priestly class will be recognized by external symbols alone, and this verse extends the same principle to the other orders of society, namely the political or military class, the business or productive class, and finally the laborer or artisan class.Modern sociologists have demonstrated that in those societies chiefly governed by the Protestant ethic, poverty is considered a sign of indolence, dirtiness, stupidity, immorality and worthlessness. In a God-conscious society, however, many persons voluntarily decide to dedicate their lives not to material acquisition but rather to the pursuit of knowledge and spirituality. Thus a preference for the simple and the austere may indicate intelligence, self-control and sensitivity to the higher purpose of life. Of course, in itself poverty does not establish these virtues, but it may sometimes be the result of them. In the Kali-yuga, however, this possibility is often forgotten.Intellectuality is another casualty of the bewildering age of Kali. Modern so-called philosophers and scientists have created a technical, esoteric terminology for each branch of learning, and when they give lectures people consider them learned simply because of their ability to speak that which no one else can understand. In Western culture, the Greek Sophists were among the first to systematically argue for rhetoric and "efficiency" above wisdom and purity, and sophistry certainly flourishes in the twentieth century. Modern universities have very little wisdom, though they do possess a virtual infinity of technical data. Although many modern thinkers are fundamentally ignorant of the higher, spiritual reality, they are, so to speak, "good talkers," and most people simply don’t notice their ignorance.SB 12.2.5anadhyataivasadhutvesadhutve dambha eva tusvikara eva codvahesnanam eva prasadhanamSYNONYMSanadhyata—poverty; eva—simply; asadhutve—in one’s being unholy; sadhutve—in virtue, or success; dambhah—hypocrisy; eva—alone; tu—and; svi-karah—verbal acceptance; eva—alone; ca—and; udvahe—in marriage; snanam—bathing with water; eva—alone; prasadhanam—cleaning and decorating of the body.TRANSLATIONA person will be judged unholy if he does not have money, and hypocrisy will be accepted as virtue. Marriage will be arranged simply by verbal agreement, and a person will think he is fit to appear in public if he has merely taken a bath.PURPORTThe word dambha indicates a self-righteous hypocrite—someone not so much concerned with being saintly as with appearing saintly. In the age of Kali there is a rather large number of self-righteous, hypocritical religious fanatics claiming to have the only way, the only truth and the only light. In many Muslim countries this mentality has resulted in brutal repression of religious freedom and thus destroyed the opportunity for enlightened spiritual dialectic. Fortunately, in much of the Western world there is a system of free religious expression. Even in the West, however, self-righteous hypocrites consider sincere and saintly followers of other disciplines to be heathens and devils.Western religious fanatics are usually addicted to many bad habits, such as smoking, drinking, sex, gambling and animal slaughter. Although the followers of the Krsna consciousness movement strictly avoid illicit sex, intoxication, gambling and animal-killing, and although they dedicate their lives to the constant glorification of God, self-righteous hypocrites claim that such strict austerity and devotion to God are "tricks of the devil." Thus the sinful are promoted as religious, and the saintly are decried as demonic. This pathetic incapacity to grasp the most rudimentary criteria of spirituality is a prominent symptom of Kali-yuga.In this age, the institution of marriage will degenerate. Indeed, already a marriage certificate is sometimes cynically rejected as "a mere piece of paper." Forgetting the spiritual purpose of marriage and misunderstanding sex to be the goal of family life, lusty men and women directly engage in sexual affairs without the troublesome formalities and responsibilities of a legal relationship. Such foolish people argue that "sex is natural." But if sex is natural, pregnancy and childbirth are equally natural. And for the child it is certainly natural to be raised by a loving father and mother and in fact to have the same father and mother throughout his life. Psychological studies confirm that a child needs to be cared for by both his father and his mother, and thus it is obviously natural for sex to be accompanied by a permanent marriage arrangement. Hypocritical people justify unrestricted sex by saying "it is natural" but to avoid the natural consequence of sex—pregnancy—they use contraceptives, which certainly do not grow on trees. Indeed, contraceptives are not at all natural. Thus hypocrisy and foolishness abound in the age of Kali.The verse concludes by saying that people will neglect to ornament their bodies properly in the present age. A human being should decorate his body with various religious ornaments. Vaisnavas mark their bodies with tilaka blessed with the holy name of God. But in the age of Kali, religious and even material formalities are thoughtlessly discarded.SB 12.2.6dure vary-ayanam tirthamlavanyam kesa-dharanamudaram-bharata svarthahsatyatve dharstyam eva hidaksyam kutumba-bharanamyaso ’rthe dharma-sevanamSYNONYMSdure—situated far away; vari—of water; ayanam—a reservoir; tirtham—holy place; lavanyam—beauty; kesa—hair; dharanam—carrying; udaram-bharata—filling the belly; sva-arthah—the goal of life; satyatve—in so-called truth; dharstyam—audacity; eva—simply; hi—indeed; daksyam—expertise; kutumba-bharanam—maintaining a family; yasah—fame; arthe—for the sake of; dharma-sevanam—observance of religious principles.TRANSLATIONA sacred place will be taken to consist of no more than a reservoir of water located at a distance, and beauty will be thought to depend on one’s hairstyle. Filling the belly will become the goal of life, and one who is audacious will be accepted as truthful. He who can maintain a family will be regarded as an expert man, and the principles of religion will be observed only for the sake of reputation.PURPORTIn India there are many sacred places through which holy rivers flow. Foolish persons eagerly seek redemption from their sins by bathing in these rivers but do not take instruction from learned devotees of the Lord who reside in such places. One should go to a holy place seeking spiritual enlightenment and not just for ritualistic bathing.In this age, people tirelessly arrange their hair in different styles, trying to enhance their facial beauty and sexuality. They do not know that actual beauty comes from within the heart, from the soul, and that only a person who is pure is truly attractive. As the difficulties of this age increase, filling one’s belly will be the mark of success, and one who can maintain his own family will be considered brilliant in economic affairs. Religion will be practiced, if at all, only for the sake of reputation and without any essential understanding of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.SB 12.2.7evam prajabhir dustabhirakirne ksiti-mandalebrahma-vit-ksatra-sudranamyo bali bhavita nrpahSYNONYMSevam—in this way; prajabhih—with populace; dustabhih—corrupted; akirne—being crowded; ksiti-mandale—the earth globe; brahma—among the brahmanas; vit—vaisyas; ksatra—ksatriyas; sudranam—and sudras; yah—whoever; bali—the strongest; bhavita—he will become; nrpah—the king.TRANSLATIONAs the earth thus becomes crowded with a corrupt population, whoever among any of the social classes shows himself to be the strongest will gain political power.SB 12.2.8praja hi lubdhai rajanyairnirghrnair dasyu-dharmabhihacchinna-dara-dravinayasyanti giri-kananamSYNONYMSprajah—the citizens; hi—indeed; lubdhaih—avaricious; rajanyaih—by the royal order; nirghrnaih—merciless; dasyu—of ordinary thieves; dharmabhih—acting according to the nature; acchinna—taken away; dara—their wives; dravinah—and property; yasyanti—they will go; giri—to the mountains; kananam—and forests.TRANSLATIONLosing their wives and properties to such avaricious and merciless rulers, who will behave no better than ordinary thieves, the citizens will flee to the mountains and forests.SB 12.2.9saka-mulamisa-ksaudra-phala-puspasti-bhojanahanavrstya vinanksyantidurbhiksa-kara-piditahSYNONYMSsaka—leaves; mula—roots; amisa—meat; ksaudra—wild honey; phala—fruits; puspa—flowers; asti—and seeds; bhojanah—eating; anavrstya—because of drought; vinanksyanti—they will become ruined; durbhiksa—by famine; kara—and taxation; piditah—tormented.TRANSLATIONHarassed by famine and excessive taxes, people will resort to eating leaves, roots, flesh, wild honey, fruits, flowers and seeds. Struck by drought, they will become completely ruined.PURPORTSrimad-Bhagavatam authoritatively describes the future of our planet. Just as a leaf disconnected from a plant or tree dries up, withers and disintegrates, when human society is disconnected from the Supreme Lord it withers up and disintegrates in violence and chaos. Despite our computers and rockets, if the Supreme Lord does not send rain we shall all starve.SB 12.2.10sita-vatatapa-pravrd-himair anyonyatah prajahksut-trdbhyam vyadhibhis caivasantapsyante ca cintayaSYNONYMSsita—by cold; vata—wind; atapa—the heat of the sun; pravrt—torrential rain; himaih—and snow; anyonyatah—by quarrel; prajah—the citizens; ksut—by hunger; trdbhyam—and thirst; vyadhibhih—by diseases; ca—also; eva—indeed; santapsyante—they will suffer great distress; ca—and; cintaya—by anxiety.TRANSLATIONThe citizens will suffer greatly from cold, wind, heat, rain and snow. They will be further tormented by quarrels, hunger, thirst, disease and severe anxiety.SB 12.2.11trimsad vimsati varsaniparamayuh kalau nrnamSYNONYMStrimsat—thirty; vimsati—plus twenty; varsani—years; parama-ayuh—the maximum duration of life; kalau—in Kali-yuga; nrnam—of men.TRANSLATIONThe maximum duration of life for human beings in Kali-yuga will become fifty years.SB 12.2.12-16ksiyamanesu dehesudehinam kali-dosatahvarnasramavatam dharmenaste veda-pathe nrnampasanda-pracure dharmedasyu-prayesu rajasucauryanrta-vrtha-himsa-nana-vrttisu vai nrsusudra-prayesu varnesucchaga-prayasu dhenusugrha-prayesv asramesuyauna-prayesu bandhusuanu-prayasv osadhisusami-prayesu sthasnusuvidyut-prayesu meghesusunya-prayesu sadmasuittham kalau gata-prayejanesu khara-dharmisudharma-tranaya sattvenabhagavan avatarisyatiSYNONYMSksiyamanesu—having become smaller; dehesu—the bodies; dehinam—of all living entities; kali-dosatah—by the contamination of the age of Kali; varna-asrama-vatam—of the members of varnasrama society; dharme—when their religious principles; naste—have been destroyed; veda-pathe—the path of the Vedas; nrnam—for all men; pasanda-pracure—mostly atheism; dharme—religion; dasyu-prayesu—mostly thieves; rajasu—the kings; caurya—banditry; anrta—lying; vrtha-himsa—useless slaughter; nana—various; vrttisu—their occupations; vai—indeed; nrsu—when men; sudra-prayesu—mostly low-class sudras; varnesu—the so-called social orders; chaga-prayasu—no better than goats; dhenusu—the cows; grha-prayesu—just like materialistic homes; asramesu—the spiritual hermitages; yauna-prayesu—extending no further than marriage; bandhusu—family ties; anu-prayasu—mostly very small; osadhisu—plants and herbs; sami-prayesu—just like sami trees; sthasnusu—all the trees; vidyut-prayesu—always manifesting lightning; meghesu—the clouds; sunya-prayesu—devoid of religious life; sadmasu—the homes; ittham—thus; kalau—when the age of Kali; gata-praye—is almost finished; janesu—the people; khara-dharmisu—when they have assumed the characteristics of asses; dharma-tranaya—for the deliverance of religion; sattvena—in the pure mode of goodness; bhagavan—the Supreme Personality of Godhead; avatarisyati—will descend.TRANSLATIONBy the time the age of Kali ends, the bodies of all creatures will be greatly reduced in size, and the religious principles of followers of varnasrama will be ruined. The path of the Vedas will be completely forgotten in human society, and so-called religion will be mostly atheistic. The kings will mostly be thieves, the occupations of men will be stealing, lying and needless violence, and all the social classes will be reduced to the lowest level of sudras. Cows will be like goats, spiritual hermitages will be no different from mundane houses, and family ties will extend no further than the immediate bonds of marriage. Most plants and herbs will be tiny, and all trees will appear like dwarf sami trees. Clouds will be full of lightning, homes will be devoid of piety, and all human beings will have become like asses. At that time, the Supreme Personality of Godhead will appear on the earth. Acting with the power of pure spiritual goodness, He will rescue eternal religion.PURPORTSignificantly, these verses point out that most so-called religions in this age will be atheistic (pasanda-pracure dharme). In confirmation of the Bhagavatam’s prediction, the United States Supreme Court has recently ruled that to be considered a religion a system of belief need not recognize a supreme being. Also, many atheistic, voidistic belief systems, often imported from the Orient, have attracted the attention of modern atheistic scientists, who expound on the similarities between Eastern and Western voidism in fashionable, esoteric books.These verses vividly describe many unsavory symptoms of the age of Kali. Ultimately, at the end of this age, Lord Krsna will descend as Kalki and remove the thoroughly demonic persons from the face of the earth.SB 12.2.17caracara-guror visnorisvarasyakhilatmanahdharma-tranaya sadhunamjanma karmapanuttayeSYNONYMScara-acara—of all moving and nonmoving living beings; guroh—of the spiritual master; visnoh—the Supreme Lord, Visnu; isvarasya—the Supreme Personality of Godhead; akhila—of all; atmanah—of the Supreme Soul; dharma-tranaya—for the protection of religion; sadhunam—of saintly men; janma—the birth; karma—of their fruitive activities; apanuttaye—for the cessation.TRANSLATIONLord Visnu—the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the spiritual master of all moving and nonmoving living beings, and the Supreme Soul of all—takes birth to protect the principles of religion and to relieve His saintly devotees from the reactions of material work.SB 12.2.18sambhala-grama-mukhyasyabrahmanasya mahatmanahbhavane visnuyasasahkalkih pradurbhavisyatiSYNONYMSsambhala-grama—in the village Sambhala; mukhyasya—of the chief citizen; brahmanasya—of the brahmana; maha-atmanah—the great soul; bhavane—in the home; visnuyasasah—of Visnuyasa; kalkih—Lord Kalki; pradurbhavisyati—will appear.TRANSLATIONLord Kalki will appear in the home of the most eminent brahmana of Sambhala village, the great soul Visnuyasa.SB 12.2.19-20asvam asu-gam aruhyadevadattam jagat-patihasinasadhu-damanamastaisvarya-gunanvitahvicarann asuna ksaunyamhayenapratima-dyutihnrpa-linga-cchado dasyunkotiso nihanisyatiSYNONYMSasvam—His horse; asu-gam—swift-traveling; aruhya—mounting; devadattam—named Devadatta; jagat-patih—the Lord of the universe; asina—with His sword; asadhu-damanam—(the horse who) subdues the unholy; asta—with eight; aisvarya—mystic opulences; guna—and transcendental qualities of the Personality of Godhead; anvitah—endowed; vicaran—traveling about; asuna—swift; ksaunyam—upon the earth; hayena—by His horse; apratima—unrivaled; dyutih—whose effulgence; nrpa-linga—with the dress of kings; chadah—disguising themselves; dasyun—thieves; kotisah—by the millions; nihanisyati—He will slaughter.TRANSLATIONLord Kalki, the Lord of the universe, will mount His swift horse Devadatta and, sword in hand, travel over the earth exhibiting His eight mystic opulences and eight special qualities of Godhead. Displaying His unequaled effulgence and riding with great speed, He will kill by the millions those thieves who have dared dress as kings.PURPORTThese verses describe the thrilling pastimes of Lord Kalki. Anyone would be attracted by the sight of a powerful, beautiful man riding on a wonderful horse at lightning speed, chastising and devastating cruel, demonic people with the sword in His hand.Of course, fanatical materialists may argue that this picture of Lord Kalki is a mere anthropomorphic creation of the human mind—a mythological deity created by people who need to believe in some superior being. But this argument is not logical, nor does it prove anything. It is merely the opinion of certain people. We need water, but that does not mean man creates water. We also need food, oxygen and many other things that we do not create. Since our general experience is that our needs correspond to available objects existing in the external world, that we appear to need a Supreme Lord would tend to indicate that in fact there is a Supreme Lord. In other words, nature endows us with a sense of need for things that actually exist and that are in fact necessary for our well-being. Similarly, we experience a need for God because we are in fact part of God and cannot live without Him. At the end of Kali-yuga this same God will appear as the mighty Kalki avatara and beat the pollution out of the demons.SB 12.2.21atha tesam bhavisyantimanamsi visadani vaivasudevanga-ragati-punya-gandhanila-sprsampaura-janapadanam vaihatesv akhila-dasyusuSYNONYMSatha—then; tesam—of them; bhavisyanti—will become; manamsi—the minds; visadani—clear; vai—indeed; vasudeva—of Lord Vasudeva; anga—of the body; raga—from the cosmetic decorations; ati-punya—most sacred; gandha—having the fragrance; anila—by the wind; sprsam—of those who have been touched; paura—of the city-dwellers; jana-padanam—and the residents of the smaller towns and villages; vai—indeed; hatesu—when they have been killed; akhila—all; dasyusu—the rascal kings.TRANSLATIONAfter all the impostor kings have been killed, the residents of the cities and towns will feel the breezes carrying the most sacred fragrance of the sandalwood paste and other decorations of Lord Vasudeva, and their minds will thereby become transcendentally pure.PURPORTNothing can surpass the sublime experience of being dramatically rescued by a great hero who happens to be the Supreme Lord. The death of the demons at the end of Kali-yuga is accompanied by fragrant spiritual breezes, and thus the atmosphere becomes most enchanting.SB 12.2.22tesam praja-visargas casthavisthah sambhavisyativasudeve bhagavatisattva-murtau hrdi sthiteSYNONYMStesam—of them; praja—of progeny; visargah—the creation; ca—and; sthavisthah—abundant; sambhavisyati—will be; vasudeve—Lord Vasudeva; bhagavati—the Supreme Personality of Godhead; sattva-murtau—in His transcendental form of pure goodness; hrdi—in their hearts; sthite—when He is situated.TRANSLATIONWhen Lord Vasudeva, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, appears in their hearts in His transcendental form of goodness, the remaining citizens will abundantly repopulate the earth.SB 12.2.23yadavatirno bhagavankalkir dharma-patir harihkrtam bhavisyati tadapraja-sutis ca sattvikiSYNONYMSyada—when; avatirnah—incarnates; bhagavan—the Supreme Lord; kalkih—Kalki; dharma-patih—the master of religion; harih—the Supreme Personality of Godhead; krtam—Satya-yuga; bhavisyati—will begin; tada—then; praja-sutih—the creation of progeny; ca—and; sattviki—in the mode of goodness.TRANSLATIONWhen the Supreme Lord has appeared on earth as Kalki, the maintainer of religion, Satya-yuga will begin, and human society will bring forth progeny in the mode of goodness.SB 12.2.24yada candras ca suryas catatha tisya-brhaspatieka-rasau samesyantibhavisyati tada krtamSYNONYMSyada—when; candrah—the moon; ca—and; suryah—the sun; ca—and; tatha—also; tisya—the asterism Tisya (more commonly known as Pusya, extending from 3° 20´ to 16° 40´ Cancer); brhaspati—and the planet Jupiter; eka-rasau—in the same constellation (Cancer); samesyanti—will enter simultaneously; bhavisyati—will be; tada—then; krtam—Satya-yuga.TRANSLATIONWhen the moon, the sun and Brhaspati are together in the constellation Karkata, and all three enter simultaneously into the lunar mansion Pusya—at that exact moment the age of Satya, or Krta, will begin.SB 12.2.25ye ’tita vartamana yebhavisyanti ca parthivahte ta uddesatah proktavamsiyah soma-suryayohSYNONYMSye—those who; atitah—past; vartamanah—present; ye—who; bhavisyanti—will be in the future; ca—and; parthivah—kings of the earth; te te—all of them; uddesatah—by brief mention; proktah—described; vamsiyah—the members of the dynasties; soma-suryayoh—of the sun-god and the moon-god.TRANSLATIONThus I have described all the kings—past, present and future—who belong to the dynasties of the sun and the moon.SB 12.2.26arabhya bhavato janmayavan nandabhisecanametad varsa-sahasram tusatam pancadasottaramSYNONYMSarabhya—beginning from; bhavatah—of your good self (Pariksit); janma—the birth; yavat—up until; nanda—of King Nanda, the son of Mahanandi; abhisecanam—the coronation; etat—this; varsa—years; sahasram—one thousand; tu—and; satam—one hundred; panca-dasa-uttaram—plus fifty.TRANSLATIONFrom your birth up to the coronation of King Nanda, 1,150 years will pass.PURPORTAlthough Sukadeva Gosvami previously described approximately fifteen hundred years of royal dynasties, it is understood that some overlapping occurred between kings. Therefore the present chronological calculation should be taken as authoritative.SB 12.2.27-28saptarsinam tu yau purvaudrsyete uditau divitayos tu madhye naksatramdrsyate yat samam nisitenaiva rsayo yuktastisthanty abda-satam nrnamte tvadiye dvijah kalaadhuna casrita maghahSYNONYMSsapta-rsinam—of the constellation of the seven sages (the constellation known to Westerners as Ursa Major); tu—and; yau—which two stars; purvau—first; drsyete—are seen; uditau—risen; divi—in the sky; tayoh—of the two (named Pulaha and Kratu); tu—and; madhye—between; naksatram—the lunar mansion; drsyate—is seen; yat—which; samam—on the same line of celestial longitude, as their midpoint; nisi—in the night sky; tena—with that lunar mansion; eva—indeed; rsayah—the seven sages; yuktah—are connected; tisthanti—they remain; abda-satam—one hundred years; nrnam—of human beings; te—these seven sages; tvadiye—in your; dvijah—the elevated brahmanas; kale—in the time; adhuna—now; ca—and; asritah—are situated; maghah—in the asterism Magha.TRANSLATIONOf the seven stars forming the constellation of the seven sages, Pulaha and Kratu are the first to rise in the night sky. If a line running north and south were drawn through their midpoint, whichever of the lunar mansions this line passes through is said to be the ruling asterism of the constellation for that time. The Seven Sages will remain connected with that particular lunar mansion for one hundred human years. Currently, during your lifetime, they are situated in the naksatra called Magha.SB 12.2.29visnor bhagavato bhanuhkrsnakhyo ’sau divam gatahtadavisat kalir lokampape yad ramate janahSYNONYMSvisnoh—of Visnu; bhagavatah—the Supreme Personality of Godhead; bhanuh—the sun; krsna-akhyah—known as Krsna; asau—He; divam—to the spiritual sky; gatah—having returned; tada—then; avisat—entered; kalih—the age of Kali; lokam—this world; pape—in sin; yat—in which age; ramate—take pleasure; janah—the people.TRANSLATIONThe Supreme Lord, Visnu, is brilliant like the sun and is known as Krsna. When He returned to the spiritual sky, Kali entered this world, and people then began to take pleasure in sinful activities.SB 12.2.30yavat sa pada-padmabhyamsprsan aste rama-patihtavat kalir vai prthivimparakrantum na casakatSYNONYMSyavat—as long as; sah—He, Lord Sri Krsna; pada-padmabhyam—with His lotus feet; sprsan—touching; aste—remained; rama-patih—the husband of the goddess of fortune; tavat—for that long; kalih—the age of Kali; vai—indeed; prthivim—the earth; parakrantum—to overcome; na—not; ca—and; asakat—was able.TRANSLATIONAs long us Lord Sri Krsna, the husband of the goddess of fortune, touched the earth with His lotus feet, Kali was powerless to subdue this planet.PURPORTAlthough even during the time of Lord Krsna’s presence on earth Kali had entered the earth to a slight extent through the impious activities of Duryodhana and his allies, Lord Krsna consistently suppressed Kali’s influence. Kali could not flourish until Lord Krsna had left the earth.SB 12.2.31yada devarsayah saptamaghasu vicaranti hitada pravrttas tu kalirdvadasabda-satatmakahSYNONYMSyada—when; deva-rsayah sapta—the seven sages among the demigods; maghasu—in the lunar mansion Magha; vicaranti—are traveling; hi—indeed; tada—then; pravrttah—begins; tu—and; kalih—the age of Kali; dvadasa—twelve; abda-sata—centuries [These twelve hundred years of the demigods equal 432,000 earth years]; atmakah—consisting of.TRANSLATIONWhen the constellation of the seven sages is passing through the lunar mansion Magha, the age of Kali begins. It comprises twelve hundred years of the demigods.SB 12.2.32yada maghabhyo yasyantipurvasadham maharsayahtada nandat prabhrty esakalir vrddhim gamisyatiSYNONYMSyada—when; maghabhyah—from Magha; yasyanti—they will go; purva-asadham—to the next lunar mansion, Purvasadha; maha-rsayah—the seven great sages; tada—then; nandat—beginning from Nanda; prabhrti—and his descendants; esah—this; kalih—age of Kali; vrddhim—maturity; gamisyati—will attain.TRANSLATIONWhen the great sages of the Saptarsi constellation pass from Magha to Purvasadha, Kali will have his full strength, beginning from King Nanda and his dynasty.SB 12.2.33yasmin krsno divam yatastasminn eva tadahanipratipannam kali-yugamiti prahuh pura-vidahSYNONYMSyasmin—on which; krsnah—Lord Sri Krsna; divam—to the spiritual world; yatah—gone; tasmin—on that; eva—same; tada—then; ahani—day; pratipannam—obtained; kali-yugam—the age of Kali; iti—thus; prahuh—they say; pura—of the past; vidah—the experts.TRANSLATIONThose who scientifically understand the past declare that on the very day that Lord Sri Krsna departed for the spiritual world, the influence of the age of Kali began.PURPORTAlthough technically Kali-yuga was to begin during the time of Lord Krsna’s presence on earth, this fallen age had to wait meekly for the departure of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.SB 12.2.34divyabdanam sahasrantecaturthe tu punah krtambhavisyati tada nrnammana atma-prakasakamSYNONYMSdivya—of the demigods; abdanam—years; sahasra—of one thousand; ante—at the end; caturthe—in the fourth age, Kali; tu—and; punah—again; krtam—the Satya-yuga; bhavisyati—will be; tada—then; nrnam—of men; manah—the minds; atma-prakasakam—self-luminous.TRANSLATIONAfter the one thousand celestial years of Kali-yuga, the Satya-yuga will manifest again. At that time the minds of all men will become self-effulgent.SB 12.2.35ity esa manavo vamsoyatha sankhyayate bhuvitatha vit-sudra-vipranamtas ta jneya yuge yugeSYNONYMSiti—thus (in the cantos of this Srimad-Bhagavatam); esah—this; manavah—descending from Vaivasvata Manu; vamsah—the dynasty; yatha—as; sankhyayate—it is enumerated; bhuvi—upon the earth; tatha—in the same way; vit—of the vaisyas; sudra—sudras; vipranam—and brahmanas; tah tah—the situations of each; jneyah—are to be understood; yuge yuge—in each age.TRANSLATIONThus I have described the royal dynasty of Manu, as it is known on this earth. One can similarly study the history of the vaisyas, sudras and brahmanas living in the various ages.PURPORTJust as the dynasty of kings includes exalted and insignificant, virtuous and wicked monarchs, varieties of human character are found in the intellectual, commercial and laboring orders of society.SB 12.2.36etesam nama-linganampurusanam mahatmanamkatha-matravasistanamkirtir eva sthita bhuviSYNONYMSetesam—of these; nama—their names; linganam—which are the only means of remembering them; purusanam—of the personalities; maha-atmanam—who were great souls; katha—the stories; matra—merely; avasistanam—whose remaining portion; kirtih—the glories; eva—only; sthita—are present; bhuvi—on the earth.TRANSLATIONThese personalities, who were great souls, are now known only by their names. They exist only in accounts from the past, and only their fame remains on the earth.PURPORTAlthough one may consider oneself to be a great, powerful leader, he will ultimately end up as a name in a long list of names. In other words, it is useless to be attached to power and position in the material world.SB 12.2.37devapih santanor bhratamarus ceksvaku-vamsa-jahkalapa-grama asatemaha-yoga-balanvitauSYNONYMSdevapih—Devapi; santanoh—of Maharaja Santanu; bhrata—the brother; maruh—Maru; ca—and; iksvaku-vamsa-jah—born in the dynasty of Iksvaku; kalapa-grame—in the village Kalapa; asate—the two of them are living; maha—great; yoga-bala—with mystic power; anvitau—endowed.TRANSLATIONDevapi, the brother of Maharaja Santanu, and Maru, the descendant of Iksvaku, both possess great mystic strength and are living even now in the village of Kalapa.SB 12.2.38tav ihaitya kaler antevasudevanusiksitauvarnasrama-yutam dharmampurva-vat prathayisyatahSYNONYMStau—they (Maru and Devapi); iha—to human society; etya—returning; kaleh—of the age of Kali; ante—at the end; vasudeva—by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vasudeva; anusiksitau—instructed; varna-asrama—the divine system of occupational and spiritual orders of society; yutam—comprising; dharmam—the code of eternal religion; purva-vat—just as previously; prathayisyatah—they will promulgate.TRANSLATIONAt the end of the age of Kali, these two kings, having received instruction directly from the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Vasudeva, will return to human society and reestablish the eternal religion of man, characterized by the divisions of varna and asrama, just as it was before.PURPORTAccording to this and the previous verse, the two great kings who will reestablish human culture after the end of Kali-yuga have already descended to the earth, where they are patiently waiting to render their devotional service to Lord Visnu.SB 12.2.39krtam treta dvaparam cakalis ceti catur-yugamanena krama-yogenabhuvi pranisu vartateSYNONYMSkrtam—Satya-yuga; treta—Treta-yuga; dvaparam—Dvapara-yuga; ca—and; kalih—Kali-yuga; ca—and; iti—thus; catuh-yugam—the cycle of four ages; anena—by this; krama—sequential; yogena—pattern; bhuvi—in this world; pranisu—among living beings; vartate—goes on continuously.TRANSLATIONThe cycle of four ages—Satya, Treta, Dvapara and Kali—continues perpetually among living beings on this earth, repeating the same general sequence of events.SB 12.2.40rajann ete maya proktanara-devas tathaparebhumau mamatvam krtvantehitvemam nidhanam gatahSYNONYMSrajan—O King Pariksit; ete—these; maya—by me; proktah—described; nara-devah—kings; tatha—and; apare—other human beings; bhumau—upon the earth; mamatvam—possessiveness; krtva—exerting; ante—in the end; hitva—giving up; imam—this world; nidhanam—destruction; gatah—met.TRANSLATIONMy dear King Pariksit, all these kings I have described, as well as all other human beings, come to this earth and stake their claims, but ultimately they all must give up this world and meet their destruction.SB 12.2.41krmi-vid-bhasma-samjnanteraja-namno ’pi yasya cabhuta-dhruk tat-krte svarthamkim veda nirayo yatahSYNONYMSkrmi—of worms; vit—stool; bhasma—and ashes; samjna—the designation; ante—in the end; raja-namnah—going by the name "king"; api—even though; yasya—of which (body); ca—and; bhuta—of living beings; dhruk—an enemy; tat-krte—for the sake of that body; sva-artham—his own best interest; kim—what; veda—does he know; nirayah—punishment in hell; yatah—because of which.TRANSLATIONEven though a person’s body may now have the designation "king," in the end its name will be "worms," "stool" or "ashes." What can a person who injures other living beings for the sake of his body know about his own self-interest, since his activities are simply leading him to hell?PURPORTAfter death, the body may be buried and eaten by worms, or it may be thrown in the street or forest to be eaten by animals who will pass out its remnants as stool, or it may be burned and converted into ashes. Therefore one should not pave his way to hell by using his temporary body to injure the bodies of other living beings. In this verse the word bhuta includes nonhuman life forms, who are also creatures of God. One should give up all envious violence and learn to see God in everything by the process of Krsna consciousness.SB 12.2.42katham seyam akhanda bhuhpurvair me purusair dhrtamat-putrasya ca pautrasyamat-purva vamsa-jasya vaSYNONYMSkatham—how; sa iyam—this same; akhanda—unbounded; bhuh—earth; purvaih—by the predecessors; me—my; purusaih—by the personalities; dhrta—held in control; mat-putrasya—of my son; ca—and; pautrasya—of the grandson; mat-purva—now under my sway; vamsa-jasya—of the descendant; va—or.TRANSLATION[The materialistic king thinks:] "This unbounded earth was held by my predecessors and is now under my sovereignty. How can I arrange for it to remain in the hands of my sons, grandsons and other descendants?"PURPORTThis is an example of foolish possessiveness.SB 12.2.43tejo-’b-anna-mayam kayamgrhitvatmatayabudhahmahim mamataya cobhauhitvante ’darsanam gatahSYNONYMStejah—fire; ap—water; anna—and earth; mayam—composed of; kayam—this body; grhitva—accepting; atmataya—with the sense of "I"; abudhah—the unintelligent; mahim—this earth; mamataya—with the sense of "my"; ca—and; ubhau—both; hitva—giving up; ante—ultimately; adarsanam—disappearance; gatah—they have obtained.TRANSLATIONAlthough the foolish accept the body made of earth, water and fire as "me" and this earth as "mine," in every case they have ultimately abandoned both their body and the earth and passed away into oblivion.PURPORTAlthough the soul is eternal, our so-called family tradition and earthly fame will certainly pass into oblivion.SB 12.2.44ye ye bhu-patayo rajanbhunjate bhuvam ojasakalena te krtah sarvekatha-matrah kathasu caSYNONYMSye ye—whatever; bhu-patayah—kings; rajan—O King Pariksit; bhunjate—enjoy; bhuvam—the world; ojasa—with their power; kalena—by the force of time; te—they; krtah—have been made; sarve—all; katha-matrah—mere accounts; kathasu—in various histories; ca—and.TRANSLATIONMy dear King Pariksit, all these kings who tried to enjoy the earth by their strength were reduced by the force of time to nothing more than historical accounts.PURPORTThe word rajan, "O King," is significant in this verse. Pariksit Maharaja was preparing to give up his body and go back home, back to Godhead, and Sukadeva Gosvami, his most merciful spiritual master, devastated any possible attachment that he might have to the position of king by showing the ultimate insignificance of such a position. By the causeless mercy of the spiritual master one is prepared to go back home, back to Godhead. The spiritual master teaches one to relax one’s strong grip on material illusion and leave the kingdom of maya behind. Although Sukadeva Gosvami speaks very bluntly within this chapter about the so-called glory of the material world, he is exhibiting the causeless mercy of the spiritual master, who takes his surrendered disciple back to the kingdom of Godhead, Vaikuntha.Thus end the purports of the humble servants of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to the Twelfth Canto, Second Chapter, of the Srimad-Bhagavatam, entitled "The Symptoms of Kali-yuga."Reference:Srimad Bhagavatam commentary by A C Bhativedanta Swami Prabhupada