Jaina Philosophy Historical Outline

Author(s): Narendra Nath Bhattacharya
Publisher: Munshiram Manoharlal Publisher's Pvt Ltd New Delhi

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The Incipient Stage 77
ripened by virtuous conduct, by vows, by penance, or by charity. That cannot be done. Samsāra is measured as with a bushel, with its joy and sorrow at its appointed end. It can neither be lessened nor increased, nor is there any excess or deficiency of it. Just as a ball of thread will, when thrown, unwind to its full length, so fool and wise, alike will take their course and make an end of sorrow."
From the combined testimony of the Buddhist and Jain sources we learn that, according to Gośāla, all beings are subject to a fixed and unchangeable series of existence, each of which has its own unalterable characteristic. He denies the effects of action and energy, since he holds that every being is helpless, unable neither to help himself nor to others. This doctrine is described in the Majjhima Nikāyao as Aheteuka (denying cause) and Akiriya (denying the effects of action), while in the Anguttara Nikāya: it is said to be a doctrine which denies the effect of deeds (Kamma), activity (Kiriya) and energy (Viriya).
This extreme type of fatalism upheld by Gośāla was entirely due to his frustration, which was evidently caused by his contemporary social experience. Probably he could not understand the significance of the gigantic historic transformation of his age—the collapse of tribal institutions and the rise of new values ushered in by the rise of state power. In vain he hoped that the good old tribal days would return again. In the destruction of the Vajjians, the last of the important free tribes, he saw the doom of every thing. Ajātaśatru's invasion against the Vajjians, and its probable effects, have significantly found expression in the list of eight finalities proclaimed by a Gośāla in his delirium. It was the last great storm cloud (carime pokkhaļasamvatte mahāmehe) that swept away all the traditional values and social relations. This great storm cloud also occurs in connection with Purana Kassapa's unfortunate suicide. In this great battle the Vajjians were annihilated, and their leader Cetaka, the maternal uncle of Mahāvīra, being defeated, committed suicide by drowning. - From this great storm cloud even the Buddha could not keep himself aloof. He said repeatedly that so long as the Vajjians would strictly maintain their tribal characteristics and strictly adhere to the tribal values they could not be annihilated. In fact Ajātasatru made desperate attempt
Basham, HDA, pp. 13-14. I. 409; II. 121. 'I. 287. * Āvasyaka Curni, II, pp. 172ff.; cf. Abhidhānarăjendra s.v. Külavālaya.