History and Doctrines of the Ajivikas: A Vanished Indian Religion c17.s6.1

c17.s6.1

The Jaina commentator Malliṣeṇa, whose *Syādvāda-mañjarī* was written as late as A.D. 1292,³ knew of the Ājīvikas. They are referred to by him as though still in existence; he understands an important point of their doctrine, and he even quotes what appears to be a verse from an Ājīvika religious poem.⁴ It is probable that he was in touch with the Ājīvikas of the Tamil country, who were still active at the time.