History and Doctrines of the Ajivikas: A Vanished Indian Religion c13.s1.34

c13.s1.34

There can be little doubt that, with differences of approach and emphasis, Pūraṇa and Makkhali taught what was virtually the same doctrine. Pūraṇa’s reference to Makkhali as belonging to the highest of the six classes, and the passage in *Nīlakēci* above-mentioned,³ suggest that he may have looked up to Makkhali as his spiritual superior, at least during part of his career. But he appears to have claimed omniscience,⁴ and his very title suggests that he was looked upon by his followers as perfect.