History and Doctrines of the Ajivikas: A Vanished Indian Religion c11.s9.42

c11.s9.42

In another passage of the *Aṅguttara*⁶ the Buddha expresses a very forcible opinion on the value of Makkhali’s teaching. Just as a hair blanket (*kesakambala*) is the worst of all fabrics in texture, appearance, and utility, so of all unorthodox doctrines (*samaṇa-ppavādānaṃ*) that of Makkhali is the worst. It seems that this attack was originally levelled against Ajita Kesakambalī, since the striking simile is especially appropriate to him. But the change of the name to Makkhali is itself significant; it must have been made at a time when Ajita was almost forgotten, and the forces of Buddhism needed further ammunition against the Ājīvikas.