With reference of Ajivikas, consider the following statements.
a) Makkhali Gosala was the prominent teacher of this sect.
b) Ajivikas believed in fatalism.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 1 i.e. Both a and b.
Statement (a): Makkhali Gosala was the prominent teacher of this sect.
Correct. Makkhali Gosala established and was the leading teacher of the Ajivika sect. He lived at the same time as Gautama Buddha and Mahavira. Initially, he was a companion of Mahavira but later separated and formed his own sect.
Statement (b): Ajivikas believed in fatalism.
Correct. The Ajivikas held a strong belief in Niyati (fate or destiny), asserting that everything is preordained and beyond human control. They denied the concept of free will and maintained that karma (individual actions) does not influence future outcomes. This strict belief in determinism is why they are recognized as fatalists.
Conclusion: Since both statements accurately describe the Ajivika sect, the correct answer is: Both (a) and (b)