Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 450

Sec. VI
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
425
SIXTH SECTION
Ajīvika Sect.
Along with the Nirgranthas there existed heterodox sects in the society as depicted in the text such as, the Ājēvikas, Vainayikas, Vānaprasthas, Parivrājakas, Carakas, other Tirthikas, etc. Of all these sects the Ājivikas appear to be the most rival in their relation to the Nirgrantha order and their leader, Gośāla-Mańkhaliputra proclaims himself as Jina by challenging the spiritual leadership of Lord Mahāvīra.
The Bhs shows that they were originally associated with each other till they came to the parting of ways on the ground of doctrinal differences. Meaning of the name 'ājīviya': Skt. Ājīvika
The word 'Ājīviya' (Skt. Ājzvika) denotes one who follows special rules with regard to livelihood or live by profession (aživati), as it is derived from the term 'Ajiva (livelihood) of any class of people whether they are householders or religious mendicants,
Sri Abhayadeva Sūri? explains that those who live (ājivanti) by the practices of austerity and the worship of faculties as avivekilokatā (want of judgament as usual) are called Ajivikas and they were the disciples of Gośāla Maikhaliputra.
"Ajīvanti vā ye avivekilokato labdhipūjākhyātyādibhistapa
scaraņādibhiḥ te Ājīvikāḥ astitvenājīvikāḥ."
In the Buddhist texts there occurs the reference to Samyag-ājiva (right livelihood) as one of the eight paths (astāngikamārga) to be followed by the monks. It appears from these facts that the word 'Ājiviya signified a class of religious mendicants who originally lived by profession with regard to their livelihood. This view is supported by the significance of the word "Mankhatva', the profession of exhibiting
i Sanskrit : English Dictionary, Monier-Williams, p. 133; col. 1st ? Bhs (comm.), 1, 2, 25.
54