Question

How did the Ajivika school of philosophy view the cause of events and transformations in life?

• A. Events occur as a result of one's karma accumulated over lifetimes.
• B. All events have divine causes and are determined by deities.
• C. Human reasoning and moral choices are the primary causes of life events.
• D. Events and transformations occur without cause or reason; they arise spontaneously.

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Events and transformations occur without cause or reason; they arise spontaneously.

According to the Ajivika philosophy, events—whether pure or impure—arise spontaneously without cause or reason. This belief aligns with their broader deterministic worldview, especially the doctrine of Niyati, which emphasized that everything in the universe is governed by fate. This stands in contrast to Buddhist and Jain thought, which place importance on karma and intentional action.