Ajivika was an ancient non-orthodox sect in India that existed from before the sixth century BCE. It is believed to have been founded by Nanda Vachchha and was later led by Kisa Samkichcha. The Ajivikas gained prominence under Makkhali Gosala, also known as Gosala Maskariputra, who lived contemporaneously with the Buddha and Mahavira. Initially a follower of Mahavira, Gosala eventually established his own sect.
Sources and Literature
There are no extant Ajivika texts. Knowledge about their
practices and beliefs primarily comes from Buddhist and Jain sources, as well
as inscriptions from various periods. These external records provide insight
into the sect’s doctrines and lifestyle.
Philosophical Beliefs
The Ajivikas developed a distinct philosophy with certain
overlaps with the six orthodox Hindu systems but maintained unique doctrines:
- Niyati (Fate): Gosala taught that all living beings were entirely controlled by Niyati or fate. He posited that individuals had no power or free will to alter their circumstances.
- Classes of Beings and Atoms: There were six classes (sangati) of beings, and their experiences were dictated by their class and inherent nature.
- Ajivikas believed in five eternal types of atoms: air, water, fire, earth, and life. Only the life atoms were endowed with knowledge.
- Cycle of Lives: All beings passed through 84,00,000 maha-kalpas (great aeons). After these cycles, they experienced 28 lives, including seven as a deity. Ultimately, they attained bliss, a process that could not be hastened through personal effort or external help.
- Fatalism: Existence was compared to a ball of yarn unwinding itself, symbolizing the gradual completion of life cycles. This deterministic view emphasized that no one could achieve perfection or aid others in doing so through their own efforts.
Practices and Lifestyle
Despite their fatalistic beliefs, Ajivika monks adhered to
strict moral observances and led austere lives:
- Asceticism: Monks practiced severe asceticism, often wandering nude.
- Dietary Restrictions: They abstained from consuming plants with roots and certain types of fruit.
- Worship: According to the Jain Bhagavati Sutra, they worshipped various deities. A Tamil text suggests they also revered the Ashoka tree. In South India, Gosala himself was worshipped as a deity.
Geographic Spread
Initially prominent in northern India, the Ajivikas later
migrated to regions at the foot of the Vindhya mountains and into South India,
where they established a significant presence.
Legacy
Although the Ajivika sect eventually declined and faded from
historical prominence, their doctrines and practices offer a fascinating
glimpse into the diverse philosophical and religious landscape of ancient
India. Their emphasis on fate and the deterministic nature of existence marked
a significant departure from the more self-deterministic views of their
contemporaries, such as the Buddhists and Jains.