Consider the following statements regarding the non-conformist Ajivika sect led by Makkhali Gosala during the Mahajanapadas period:
1. It centered entirely on the absolute metaphysical doctrine of Niyati, which posits that all events and human destinies are completely predetermined and unalterable.
2. It rejected the efficacy of human effort and the moral framework of karma, asserting that spiritual liberation occurs only after completing a fixed cosmic cycle.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Question

Accepted Answer

Both statements are correct. The Ajivikas were major heterodox rivals to early Buddhism and Jainism. Makkhali Gosala formulated absolute determinism or Niyativad, declaring that human willpower cannot accelerate or delay spiritual emancipation. Just like a ball of string unrolls to its full length, every soul must cycle through millions of existential states before automatic liberation, completely stripping moral responsibility from karma actions.

Answer

Answer