What the Eelam Inscriptions Say They Point to Ājīvika Tradition
What the Eelam Inscriptions Say: They Point to Ājīvika Tradition
The inscriptional evidence found on the island of Eelam, dating back more than two thousand years, provides evidence of the ascetic traditions that existed during that period. Those who adopted the ascetic way of life often did so after completing their household life. Among these ascetics were kings, ministers, military commanders, and even bards. Women who had completed their family responsibilities were also included among them.
Thus, the only tradition during the Sangam period of ancient Tamilakam that allowed people from all social groups — especially those who had fulfilled their household duties — to enter ascetic life was the ancient Tamil tradition known as Ājīvika. The inscriptions confirm that these people accepted and followed ascetic life during the later stages of their lives, considering it one of the most important duties of their existence.
The other religious traditions of that period generally did not accept the idea of people entering ascetic life after living a complete household life. They emphasized renunciation from a young age. Furthermore, such traditions did not usually accept musicians and bards entering ascetic orders. The Ājīvika tradition, however, developed as a path where people could enter asceticism after completing their responsibilities in family life.
Those who adopted this way of life followed disciplines such as non-violence, abstaining from eating meat, and avoiding alcohol. They emerged in opposition to practices associated with Vedic religion, which they rejected. Therefore, the practice of vegetarianism was followed by these communities from an early period.
The reason for these practices was connected to their yogic philosophy. According to their belief, attaining the highest state of spiritual purity required the activation and refinement of the inner spiritual centres (chakras). Foods such as meat and intoxicants were considered unsuitable because they disturbed self-control and stimulated desires connected to worldly pleasures. This was why they opposed the Vedic belief that liberation could be attained while continuing such practices.
These ascetics travelled from region to region in order to spread their teachings. Many among them were experts in astronomy and calculations, poets of the Sangam age, members of royal families, and bards. Music held an important role within their tradition. As a result, music also became a central element in Tamil society and continues to appear in many aspects of life, including ceremonies and important social events.
Those who fail to understand this history may create various explanations, like a person who touches only one part of an elephant and believes they understand the whole animal. To some, this may appear as just another fictional article among many; but to us, it represents our own history.
Translation by Hari
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