Gosala Maskariputra was the founder of which of the following schools of Indian philosophy?
Livelihood Sect
Understanding Gosala Maskariputra and Indian Philosophy
The question asks about Gosala Maskariputra and which school of Indian philosophy he is known for founding. Understanding the founders and tenets of different philosophical schools is crucial in studying ancient Indian thought.
Gosala Maskariputra and the Livelihood Sect (Ajivika)
Gosala Maskariputra, also known as Gosala Mankhaliputta, was an ascetic and a contemporary of Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha) and Mahavira. He was a prominent figure in the intellectual landscape of ancient India.
He is historically recognized as the founder of the Ajivika philosophy. The term 'Ajivika' is often translated into English as the 'Livelihood Sect'.
The core tenets of the Ajivika philosophy were rooted in strict determinism (Niyati). Ajivikas believed that everything in the universe is predetermined and follows a fixed cosmic order. They held that human effort (karma) has no effect on the outcome of events, and liberation or final state is achieved only after passing through a fixed cycle of existences determined by Niyati, not by actions or moral conduct.
This fatalistic viewpoint distinguished them significantly from contemporary schools like Buddhism and Jainism, which emphasized the role of karma and individual effort in attaining liberation.
Examining the Options
- Mimamsa Sect: Mimamsa is a school of Hindu philosophy primarily focused on the interpretation of the Vedas, particularly the Brahmana section, and the performance of rituals. It is attributed to Jaimini and is entirely different from the Ajivika school.
- Livelihood Sect: This is the English translation commonly used for the Ajivika school, founded by Gosala Maskariputra.
- Vedanta School: Vedanta is another major school of Hindu philosophy, primarily focusing on the philosophical teachings of the Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, and Bhagavad Gita. Various sub-schools exist (like Advaita, Vishishtadvaita, Dvaita), founded by figures like Adi Shankara, Ramanujacharya, and Madhvacharya, centuries after Gosala.
- Popularity Sect: This is not a recognized school of Indian philosophy.
Based on historical accounts and the study of Indian philosophy, Gosala Maskariputra was indeed the founder of the school known as the Ajivika or Livelihood Sect.
| School | Prominent Founder(s) / Figure(s) | Key Concept(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Ajivika (Livelihood Sect) | Gosala Maskariputra | Strict Determinism (Niyati), Fatalism |
| Buddhism | Gautama Buddha | Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Karma, Nirvana |
| Jainism | Mahavira (24th Tirthankara) | Ahimsa (non-violence), Karma, Moksha |
| Mimamsa | Jaimini | Vedic Ritualism, Dharma based on Vedas |
| Vedanta | Adi Shankara, Ramanuja, Madhva (for sub-schools) | Interpretation of Upanishads, Brahma Sutras, Bhagavad Gita |
Conclusion
Gosala Maskariputra founded the Ajivika school, also known as the Livelihood Sect, which advocated a deterministic worldview. This makes 'Livelihood Sect' the correct answer.
The final answer is the Livelihood Sect.
Revision Table: Gosala Maskariputra Philosophy
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Founder | Gosala Maskariputra (Gosala Mankhaliputta) |
| School Name | Ajivika (Livelihood Sect) |
| Period | Around 6th-5th century BCE (contemporary of Buddha & Mahavira) |
| Core Doctrine | Niyati (Strict Determinism/Fatalism) |
| View on Karma | Karma has no effect; destiny is predetermined. |
| Goal | Attainment of a final state after a fixed cycle of existences. |
Additional Information on Indian Philosophical Schools
Indian philosophy is broadly categorized into Astika (orthodox) schools that accept the authority of the Vedas and Nastika (heterodox) schools that do not. Ajivika falls under the Nastika schools, alongside Buddhism, Jainism, and Charvaka.
The Ajivika philosophy was popular for a time but eventually declined, leaving limited primary texts. Our understanding of it comes primarily from references in Buddhist and Jain scriptures, which often criticized its deterministic views.
Important Questions from Indian schools of philosophy
Which of the following are guidelines for the practice of meditation?
I. Select a peaceful, quiet, and peaceful place for the practice of meditation.
II. Allow your eyes to close gently so that inner awareness of yourself can enter.
What are the benefits of Dhanurasana?
I. It gives new energy to the throat
II. It cures tumors.
III. It relieves gastric troubles
According to the Upanishads, which of the following is the definition of education?
Sequence the last Five paths to liberation according to Buddha philosophy.
A. Right Concentration (SamyakSamadhi)
B. Right Effort (SamyakVyayama)
C. Right mindfulness (SamyakSmrti)
D. Right livelihood (SamyakAjiva)
E. Right conduct (SamyakKarmanta)
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Which country has long history of formal education institution?
