Ajivika School. Poem by Rm. Shanmugam Chettiar

The Aseevagam or Ajivika
Is the vanished Indian religion,
Founded by Sage Makkali Gosala,
Probably around 500 BCE.

He is a contemporary of Mahavira.
Ajivika is one of the Heterodox
Schools of Indian philosophy;
A major rival of Vedic religion;

The Ajivika is known for its Niyati
Doctrine of absolute Fatalism.
It states everything that has happened
Is happening and preordained to happen.

It is a function of cosmic principles.
Attaining liberation or Moksha
From the cycle of birth and rebirth
Is of ablute impossibility.

Karma theory is a fallacy.
The school believes in atom theory,
Which was later adopted by Vaisheshika.
Every living organism is an Atman.

Ajivikas are considered atheists.
Ajvikism reached its popularity
During the rule of Mauryan King
Bindusara around fourth century.

Destiny or Niyati, Nature or svabhava,
Change or Sangati, and parinamam (evolution)
Are the major principles of Ajivika,
Which means Follower of the Way of Life.
28.10.2022