Gosala
Every major religion has had to contend with opponents from
within and without. Early Christianity, for example, faced rival faiths,
some worshipping different gods altogether and others espousing doctrines
based on unofficial interpretations of Christian scripture. These latter
were called heresies and were suppressed by the official church. You have
read about Gosala and his teachings. Gosala and his followers were not branded
heretics and suppressed by any established authority. They were, however,
vigorously opposed by Jainist and Buddhist adherents alarmed by Gosala's understanding
of karma. Take a moment to learn more about Gosala and his world.
- As you know, Gosala was a contemporary
of Buddha, born in the kingdom of Maratha in the Ganges region of north India.
Examine this map of Buddha's
India. Locate Maratha and the other states of Ganges region.
- Gosala lived during a period of
tremendous philosophical and religious ferment. Read about this so-called
Epic Era. How long
did it last? In addition to Jainism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, what other philosophical
and religious schools developed during this period? How did these resemble
and differ from the three major Indian religions?
