In Jainism, the 4th era (ārā) of Utsarpini is called Suṣamā–Duṣamā Kāla – a period of mostly happiness with a little sorrow. Utsarpini itself is the ascending half of time where conditions keep improving.

Below is a simple picture of life in the 4th era of Utsarpini:

---

1. General condition of life

• Happiness:

- Life is generally pleasant and comfortable. - There is much more sukh (happiness) than dukh (sorrow).

• Sorrow:

- Some minor difficulties and quarrels start to appear. - But these do not dominate life; people still live mostly peacefully.

Compared to the earlier 3rd era (Suṣamā–Duṣamā), this 4th era has slightly more problems, but still good overall conditions.

---

2. Body, lifespan and environment

• Height and strength:

- Human beings are very tall and very strong compared to us. - Their bodies are healthy, beautiful and disease is very rare.

• Lifespan:

- Life spans are very long (thousands of years), and gradually increase as Utsarpini moves forward.

• Environment:

- Plenty of food, water, wealth, comfort. - The climate and nature are pleasant; natural calamities are very few.

Overall, basic needs are easily met; people do not struggle for survival like in later eras.

---

3. Mental and moral life

• Character:

- People are generally honest, kind, and disciplined. - Violence, cheating, hatred are far less than in our present 5th era of Avasarpini.

• Family and society:

- Society is well‑ordered, respectful and cultured. - Respect for parents, teachers and saints is strong.

• Greed and passions:

- Krodh, mān, māyā, lobh (anger, ego, deceit, greed) are present, but milder. - As Utsarpini rises, people gradually become more refined and more capable of self‑control.

---

4. Religion and spirituality

• Presence of Dharma:

- Jain Dharma is well established and widely respected. - People easily understand and accept spiritual teachings.

• Tirthankars and Kevalis:

- In every half‑cycle (both Utsarpini and Avasarpini), 24 Tirthankars appear. - They generally appear in the 3rd and 4th eras, when people are capable but still need guidance. - So, in the 4th era of Utsarpini, Tirthankars, Kevali Bhagwāns and great sādhus live and teach.

• Spiritual practice:

- Doing sāmāyik, pratikraman, tapas, dāna, brahmacharya etc. is much easier. - Many souls attain moksha, because: - The mind is pure, - Life span, strength and concentration are high, - External disturbances are few.

---

5. Difference from our present era

We are not in Utsarpini now. According to Jain Dharma:

• We are in 5th era (Duṣamā) of the Avasarpini half-cycle in Bhārat Kṣetra – an era of more sorrow, less happiness, short lives and weak spirituality.
• The 4th era of Utsarpini is almost the opposite:

- Long life, strength, mostly happiness, and very good conditions for dharma.

---

Digambar & Shvetambar views

• Both Digambar and Shvetambar traditions accept the same basic structure:

- Utsarpini and Avasarpini, - Six eras in each, - 4th Utsarpini = Suṣamā–Duṣamā with mostly happiness and good dharmic atmosphere.

• Small numerical or descriptive details may vary in some texts, but the overall picture of life in this era is the same.

---

For a simple explanation of Utsarpini and the eras (ārās), you can read more here: