________________
APPENDIX-C
Ajivika Philosophy The Ājivika cult was established by Gośāla — Mahavíra's once pupil but subsequent rival. Gošala had many followers in the times of Mahā vīra and Buddha and even subsequently for hundreds of years. It vanished in the north but sustained for many more years in the south.
It has however totally vanished from the surface of the earth as a distinct cult though its principles do survive in modified form. We have not got any direct evidence about its principles and whatever material we get, is obtained from what the rival religious systems of Jainism and Buddhisin have said about it. Though these materials, being the materials supplied by rivals, may be taken to be tendentious and prejudicial, there cannot be any doubt about the fundamental and basic concepts of the Ajivika cult.
Mr. A. L, Basham has rendered a very great service in compiling all available materials regarding this cult in his book “History and Doctrines of Ajivikas" ( a vanished Indian religion ). This book was published by Motilal Benarasidas, Varanasi.
Dr. Zimmer, the well known Indologist, explains the etymological meaning of the word 'Ājivika' as meaning “As long as the life monad has not completed the normal course of evolution.”] The word 'Jīva' means life monad. The prefix 'A' signifies 'as long as'. Reading the whole, 'Ajiva' means 'so long as the life monad lasts'. This interpretation of Dr. Zimmer fits in with Gośala's doctrine of absolute determinism called ‘Niyati', because according to him, every life has to go through a fixed number of inevitable births before getting final realiza1. Philosophies of India, p. 264.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
