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Ajivika
How does Ajivika view determinism?
Ajivika is a philosophical school that originated in ancient India and is known for its strong belief in determinism. Determinism is the idea that all events, including human actions, are ultimately determined by external factors and cannot be changed or altered by human will or choice.
According to Ajivika, everything in the universe is predetermined and governed by a cosmic force known as niyati, or fate. This force is believed to be the ultimate cause of all events and is responsible for the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that all living beings go through.
In the Ajivika philosophy, individuals have no control over their destiny and are simply playing out a predetermined role in the grand scheme of things. This idea of determinism is in stark contrast to other philosophical schools in India, such as Buddhism and Jainism, which emphasize the role of free will and individual choice in shaping one's destiny.
For Ajivikas, the concept of determinism is closely linked to the idea of karma, which is the belief that all actions, good or bad, have consequences that will be experienced in this life or the next. They believe that every action is predetermined by one's past actions and that individuals have no control over the outcome of their actions.
This deterministic view also extends to the concept of liberation or moksha. While other philosophies may view liberation as a result of individual effort and spiritual practice, Ajivikas believe that it is predetermined and will eventually happen to everyone, regardless of their actions or beliefs.
The Ajivika philosophy also has a fatalistic outlook, as individuals are seen as mere pawns in the hands of fate. This can be seen in their acceptance of suffering and their belief that it is an inevitable part of life, as it is predetermined by niyati.
However, this deterministic view does not mean that Ajivikas are passive or resigned to their fate. They still believe in living a moral and ethical life, as they believe that their actions will have consequences in this life or the next. They also believe in following their dharma, or duty, which is seen as a way to fulfill one's predetermined role in the universe.
In conclusion, Ajivika views determinism as a fundamental aspect of their philosophy. They believe that everything in the universe is predetermined by fate, and individuals have no control over their destiny. This deterministic view is closely linked to their belief in karma and the cycle of birth and death. While some may see this as a fatalistic outlook, Ajivikas still emphasize the importance of living a moral and ethical life and fulfilling one's duty in the grand scheme of things.