Ajivika definitions
| Word backwards | akivijA |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Ajivika is a noun. |
| Syllabic division | A-ji-vi-ka |
| Plural | The plural form of the word Ajivika is Ajivikas. |
| Total letters | 7 |
| Vogais (3) | a,i,a |
| Consonants (4) | a,j,v,k |
Ajivika was an ancient Indian philosophical and ascetic movement that emerged in the 5th century BCE. It was founded by Makkhali Gosala, a contemporary of Gautama Buddha and Mahavira, the founder of Jainism. The followers of Ajivika believed in a strict determinism, asserting that all events are predestined and that individual free will is an illusion.
Ajivika teachings revolved around the concept of niyati, or fate, which governed the destiny of all living beings. According to the Ajivikas, everything in the universe was predetermined and the course of one's life was already fixed. This belief in determinism led to a fatalistic attitude among the followers of Ajivika, who accepted their lot in life without trying to change it.
Key Beliefs
The Ajivika movement emphasized the transitory nature of life and the inevitability of suffering. They believed that liberation from this cycle of birth and death could only be achieved through complete surrender to fate. This philosophy stood in contrast to the teachings of other contemporary Indian schools of thought, such as Buddhism and Jainism, which emphasized the role of individual effort in attaining liberation.
Ascetic Practices
Ajivika followers were known for their austere way of life and strict adherence to ascetic practices. They renounced worldly possessions and comforts, living a life of poverty and simplicity. Some Ajivika ascetics even practiced extreme forms of self-mortification, such as fasting and prolonged periods of meditation.
Decline
Despite its popularity in ancient India, the Ajivika movement eventually declined and disappeared over time. The reasons for its decline are not entirely clear, but it is believed that the rigid fatalism of the philosophy may have contributed to its downfall. Additionally, the rise of other more appealing philosophical traditions, such as Buddhism and Jainism, may have also played a role in the decline of the Ajivika movement.
In conclusion, Ajivika was a significant philosophical and ascetic movement in ancient India that emphasized determinism and a fatalistic worldview. While it eventually faded into obscurity, its impact on Indian culture and philosophy can still be seen in the broader context of the spiritual traditions that emerged during that time period.
Ajivika Examples
- The Ajivika sect was an ancient Indian ascetic group.
- Ajivika philosophy emphasized determinism and fatalism.
- Historians study the Ajivika movement as part of ancient Indian religious history.
- The Ajivika community believed in a strict code of conduct.
- Scholars analyze the texts of the Ajivika tradition to understand their beliefs.
- Ajivika practitioners followed a specific path of renunciation.
- The Ajivika sect declined over time but left a lasting impact on Indian culture.
- Some archaeological sites in India are associated with the Ajivika community.
- Modern scholars continue to explore the teachings of the Ajivika sect.
- The Ajivika belief system influenced other religious traditions in ancient India.