History and Doctrines of the Ajivikas: A Vanished Indian Religion c14.s2.10

c14.s2.10

Admittedly religion offers a number of examples of derogatory nicknames ultimately becoming the regular titles of heterodox sects—the words “ quaker ” and “ methodist ” come immediately to mind. In this connection the story of *Paṇḍara Jātaka* may be of some significance.³ A man suffers shipwreck and is cast ashore near the port of Karambiya in a state of nudity (*nagga-bhoggo*). Like Makkhali Gosāla and Pūraṇa Kassapa in Buddhaghosa’s stories,⁴ he is mistaken for an ascetic, and is given alms. Thereupon he declares with relief: “ I’ve found a way to make a living ! ” (*Laddho me jīvik’-opāyo*). This story surely indicates that the connection between the words *ājīva* and *ājīvika* was recognized in ancient India, at least by the Ājīvikas’ opponents.