The second age in each Maha Yuga is the Treta Yuga. Treta means three and refers to the fact that dharma now walks less steadily, on three of its four feet. Virtue and moral perfection still exist, but they have declined by one-fourth. The duration of the age has similarly declined by one-fourth. Vishnu, lord of heavenly light and the preserver of life on earth, is the presiding god. People are now de· voted to the pursuit of knowledge, which they consider the highest virtue.
In the Treta Yuga the gift-giving trees supply food and clothing to everyone in abundance until greedy people try to make them their private property. Then the special trees disappear, and life on earth becomes difficult for the first time. Heavy rainfall creates rivers, and the mixture of earth and water makes the soil fertile for the growth of many new kinds of trees. Although the new trees bear fruit and are useful to human beings, they are ordinary trees rather than gift-giving trees. Therefore, people must work hard to acquire food and clothing. Because of the rain and severe changes in the weather, they also need to construct houses for shelter.
In the Treta Yuga people are more passionate and greedy. They are no longer happy with what they have. Dissatisfaction, resentment, and anger replace saris faction, peace, and contentment in their hearts. They covet their neighbors' possessions. The strong take land from the weak in order to possess more food and greater wealth. Many men take the wives of others.