History and Doctrines of the Ajivikas: A Vanished Indian Religion c22.s2.27

c22.s2.27

The other Tamil sources do not mention the doctrine of unchanging permanence. But the length at which it is treated in *Nilakēci*, and the reliability of that work, together with the traces of such a theory to be found in Northern works, are sufficient evidence that it was held by some Ājīvikas at least. Vāmana, the 13th-14th century commentator on the work,² seems to have understood the doctrine, and greatly expands and elucidates the elliptical verses of the text. From this we may infer that the static world view was held by some Ājīvikas until the sect lost its independent existence. It was probably conceived and elaborated by the ascetic leaders of Ājīvikism, and had little influence upon the laymen.