History and Doctrines of the Ajivikas: A Vanished Indian Religion c15.s3.2

c15.s3.2

It will be remembered that, after the magic duel between Mahāvīra and Gosāla, the former told his followers that the latter was mortally afflicted and was returning to Hālāhalā’s pottery to die, but that before his death he would proclaim the eight finalities (*carimāim*), the four drinks (*pāṇagāim*), and the four substitutes for drink (*apāṇagāim*).³ These Mahāvīra described in cryptic language, which is only partially elucidated by the commentator Abhayadeva.⁴ The eight finalities have already been enumerated⁵ and seem to be portents of very rare occurrence. The four drinks and the four substitutes for drink, on the other hand, are apparently a series of rules regulating the final penance of the Ājīvika ascetic.