History and Doctrines of the Ajivikas: A Vanished Indian Religion c22.17

c22.17

*Saṅgati*, interpreted by Hoernle, on the basis of Buddhaghosa, as “environment”,³ we would translate as “lot” or “chance”. It seems to represent the principle of *Niyati* as manifested in action. The term is known to Jaina writers, and is connected by them also with the *niyativādins* or the Ājīvikas. Thus, the *Sūtrakṛtāṅga*, quoting the opinions of foolish philosophers, declares one of their doctrines to be that pleasure and pain are not caused by oneself or others, but are the work of chance.¹ On this Śīlāṅka comments: "Now the niyativādin declares his attitude. (The word) saṅgaīyam (in the text) implies transmigration wholly by inner development. Experience of all joy and sorrow whatever is fortuitous. Therein Niyati is its (i.e. chance's) essential nature as fortuity. They say that since joy and sorrow, etc., are not produced by human action and so on, therefore for all beings they are caused by Destiny and are fortuitous."²