Who Was the Founder of the Ajivika Sect? A Glimpse into Ancient Indian PhilosophyThe history of Indian philosophy is rich with diverse schools of thought. Among them, the Ajivika sect stands out as a unique and lesser-known tradition. Though it no longer exists today, the Ajivikas played an important role in the spiritual landscape of ancient India. They emerged around the same time as Buddhism and Jainism and had their own beliefs about fate, karma, and liberation.
This topic explores who founded the Ajivika sect, what the Ajivikas believed, and how their philosophy shaped ancient Indian thought.
Who Was the Founder of the Ajivika Sect?
Makkhali Gosala The Philosopher Behind Ajivika
The Ajivika sect was founded by Makkhali Gosala (also spelled Gosala Maskariputra), a contemporary of Gautama Buddha and Mahavira, the founder of Jainism. Makkhali Gosala is believed to have lived during the 6th century BCE, a time when northern India was experiencing a wave of spiritual awakening and debate.
Gosala began his journey as a wandering ascetic and later developed his own teachings, which led to the formation of the Ajivika movement. For a time, he was even a companion of Mahavira before the two parted ways due to differing views on spiritual practices and liberation.
The Beliefs of the Ajivika Sect
Doctrine of Niyati (Fate)
The most distinctive belief of the Ajivikas was Niyati, or the doctrine of fate. According to this view, everything in life is predetermined. Every event big or small happens due to a fixed, unchangeable cosmic order. The Ajivikas denied the effectiveness of human effort, free will, or even karma.
They believed that liberation would come naturally after the soul had passed through a fixed number of lifetimes. Therefore, no effort such as prayer, fasting, or meditation could speed up the process.
Rejection of Karma
In contrast to Buddhism and Jainism, which strongly emphasized karma as the law of moral cause and effect, the Ajivikas rejected karma altogether. They argued that karma was irrelevant since everything was bound by destiny. This belief made their philosophy both radical and controversial during their time.
Belief in the Soul
Despite their rejection of karma, the Ajivikas believed in the existence of an eternal soul, which passed through a cycle of rebirths. However, the soul’s journey was seen as automatic and mechanical, moving through various lives until it ultimately reached liberation.
Historical Context and Growth
Rise During the 6th Century BCE
The Ajivika sect arose in a period known as the Second Urbanization in India. This was a time of intellectual growth, political change, and the questioning of traditional Vedic authority. Many sramana movements (non-Vedic traditions) emerged during this period, offering alternative paths to spiritual understanding.
The Ajivikas gained followers among both the common people and some rulers. They were especially influential in regions like Magadha and South India for a few centuries.
Patronage and Influence
Ajivikas received royal patronage during certain periods. The Mauryan emperor Bindusara, father of Ashoka, is believed to have supported the Ajivikas. However, their influence gradually declined after the rise of Buddhism and Jainism, especially as their core ideas did not gain as wide acceptance.
Over time, the sect lost prominence and eventually faded from public life, leaving behind limited records of their teachings.
Comparison with Other Sects
Ajivikas vs. Buddhism
Buddhism taught that right action, mindfulness, and meditation could lead to liberation. The Ajivikas, in contrast, believed that nothing could change one’s destiny.
This fundamental difference in belief about human effort was one of the key reasons why the Ajivikas did not gain as large a following.
Ajivikas vs. Jainism
Makkhali Gosala’s early connection with Mahavira makes the comparison with Jainism especially important. Jainism emphasized extreme self-discipline and non-violence, as well as personal responsibility for spiritual progress. The Ajivikas, however, taught that austerity was unnecessary because liberation was fated.
The break between Gosala and Mahavira marks a turning point in both traditions, highlighting their diverging philosophies.
Decline and Disappearance
The Ajivika sect slowly declined due to several factors
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Lack of a strong textual tradition – Unlike Buddhists and Jains, the Ajivikas did not preserve their teachings in written form.
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Opposition from other religions – Both Buddhist and Jain texts often criticized the Ajivikas.
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Changing political support – As dynasties shifted, support for Ajivikas waned.
By around the 14th century CE, the sect had completely disappeared from historical records.
Legacy of the Ajivika Sect
Although the Ajivika sect no longer exists, it played a significant role in shaping early Indian philosophical thought. Its strong belief in determinism challenged the ideas of free will and moral responsibility, forcing other schools to refine their teachings.
The story of Makkhali Gosala and his radical approach to fate continues to be studied by scholars interested in ancient Indian philosophy and the diversity of spiritual traditions in the subcontinent.
Conclusion A Forgotten but Fascinating Tradition
Makkhali Gosala, the founder of the Ajivika sect, was a bold thinker in a time of great spiritual exploration. While his doctrine of fate did not survive the centuries, it remains an important piece in the puzzle of India’s philosophical history.
The Ajivikas may have vanished, but their story serves as a reminder of the many paths that human beings have taken in the search for truth, freedom, and meaning.