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CHAPTER UI GOŚĀLAKA
In the Āgamas (scriptures)
The sect founded by Gośāla ka, son of Mankhali, was known as 'Ājivaka. In the rock inscriptions of Emperor Asoka, there is mention of grants of caves to Ajiva ka monks(1). It is difficult to say accurately how long that sect continued to function, but its existence till the second century B.C. is proved from inscriptions, et cetera(2). According to Agamas, Gośāla ka was connected with Lord Mahavira more in the form of a rival than anything else. A detailed account of the life and the beliefs of Gośäia ka is found in Jaina scriptures. A number of topics is thus ea sily available from this source. In Bhagavati, Sataka XV. we find a detailed biography of Gosala ka in a horripilating and eventful form. There it is told:
"Kostha ka Chaitya was situated in the north-eastern corner of the city of Srāvasti. In this city lived a lady potter named Hālāhalā who was a devotee of the Ajiva ka sect. She was immensely rich and influential. No one could defeat her in argument. She knew by heart the Ajiva ka principles. Her whole being was immersed in attachment to them. She used to say, 'Ajiva ka faith alone is the truth and the highest spiritual knowledge. All the others are in vain'.
"Once Mankhali's son, Gośāla ka, who had been initiated twentyfour years earlier, was staying in the pottery mart of Halāhalā, who was an ardent follower of Ajiva ka Sangha. Six Disacharas (3), namely, Sāna, Kalanda. Karnikāra, Acoh idra, Agnive sya yana, and Arjuna, son of Gomayu, came there to meet him. They were well versed in eight types of Nimitta (knowledge of good and bad omens, astrology, music and dance They became disciples of Gosala ka.
