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Ajivika
Is Ajivika still practiced today?
The Ajivika philosophy, which originated in ancient India, is a deterministic belief system that focuses on the idea of fate. It is based on the concept that all events and actions are predetermined and cannot be changed. While this philosophy was once widely practiced in India, it is not as prevalent today.
The Ajivika philosophy was founded by Makkhali Gosala in the 5th century BCE. It gained popularity during the time of the Mauryan Empire, but gradually declined in the following centuries. Today, there are very few followers of this philosophy, and it is considered a minor school of thought in Indian philosophy.
One of the main reasons for the decline of Ajivika is the rise of Buddhism and Jainism, which also originated in ancient India. These two religions also share similar beliefs in the concept of fate and determinism, but they gained more followers and became more influential than Ajivika.
Another factor that contributed to the decline of Ajivika is the lack of a strong and organized community. Unlike Buddhism and Jainism, which have monastic orders and established institutions, Ajivika did not have a well-organized structure. This made it difficult for the philosophy to spread and gain followers.
However, while Ajivika may not be widely practiced today, its influence can still be seen in various aspects of Indian culture. For example, the concept of karma, which is central to Ajivika, is still widely believed and practiced in Hinduism and Buddhism. The idea of fate and predetermined events is also reflected in Indian literature, art, and folklore.
Some scholars also argue that certain aspects of Ajivika may have been absorbed into other philosophies and religions over time. For instance, some Jain texts contain teachings that are similar to those of Ajivika. This suggests that while the philosophy may not be actively practiced, its ideas and concepts may still be present in other belief systems.
In conclusion, while Ajivika may not be a widely practiced philosophy today, its influence can still be seen in Indian culture and other belief systems. It may have declined in popularity over the centuries, but its ideas and concepts continue to shape and influence the way people think about fate and determinism.