Are we in dukham kal right now?
Short answer: Yes, in Jain cosmology we are in a dukham kal phase.
What that means:
- Time is cyclic and divided into two halves: Utsarpini (ascending/good times) and Avasarpini (descending/bad times).
- Each half has six aras. We are currently in the Avasarpini half, in the 5th ara, called Dukham Kal. This is described as a period where misery is more common and spiritual conditions decline, though some happiness remains. The cycle will continue until the end of this ara, after which Utsarpini will begin again. ( jainworld.jainworld.com)
- All major Jain traditions agree we are in this 5th ara of Avasarpini, though there are small differences in exact dating or phrasing among Digambar and Śvetāmbara sources. ( jainknowledge.com)