Classical Indian culture views time and history very differently from the modern technological world. A cyclical conception of time and a vision of history subordinated to eternity can open enlightening perspectives in these moments of unique thought.

The modern West gives great prominence to "History," where it largely locates the essence and meaning of humanity. Classical India, on the other hand, does not see history but the manifestation, in innumerable forms, of archetypes located on another plane, for which reason it has not been interested in memorizing the succession of concrete events.

Instead of conceiving time as rectilinear and neutral, as in the scientific view, India sees it as cyclical. Time can only be measured from natural cycles, so it is logical that it adopts a cyclical form at all levels. One of these cycles is made up of four eras (known in Greco-Roman antiquity as Gold, Silver, Bronze and Iron) during which, as life becomes less and less simple, the character of humanity progressively degenerates.

According to the Hindu tradition, we are currently in the Kali Yuga or "Age of Conflicts", where the low passions of men take preeminence to the detriment of virtue (dharma). However, living in the Shadow Age also has unsuspected advantages.

Álvaro Enterría has lived in India since 1989. He is known for his book La India Inside. A cultural guide for the traveler, which has 15 editions