Who among the following Buddhist period thinkers is considered thoroughly materialist ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 3:

Ajit Keshkambalin is considered the most radical and thoroughly materialist thinker among the six famous non-Buddhist teachers (Tirthankaras) of the Buddhist period, representing the core philosophy of the Lokayata or Charvaka school of thought. His doctrine, known as *Uchchhedavada* (Annihilationism), asserted that existence is purely physical, composed of the four elements (earth, water, fire, and air). Upon death, the body dissolves, and consciousness ceases completely; there is no afterlife, soul (Atman), or result of actions (Karma). This rejection of all spiritual or moral accountability makes him the definitive materialist thinker of that era.

The incorrect option is 1 (Pakudh Kachchayana): Pakudh Kachchayana was an exponent of *Sassatavada* (Eternalism or Atomism), which held that seven primary categories (earth, water, fire, air, pleasure, pain, and soul) are eternal, uncreated, and immutable. While his philosophy deals with elements, it is not strictly materialist because it includes the concept of an eternal soul.

The incorrect option is 2 (Purana Kassapa): Purana Kassapa advocated for *Akriyavada* (Non-action), a doctrine of amoralism. He denied the moral consequence of actions, asserting that no amount of good or bad deeds results in spiritual merit or demerit. However, his focus was on the denial of moral consequence rather than the explicit denial of the existence of the soul or spiritual realm, making him an amoralist rather than a pure materialist.

The incorrect option is 4 (Sanjay Bellathiputta): Sanjay Bellathiputta was known for *Amaravikkhepavada* (Eel-wriggling) or skepticism. He refused to commit to any definitive philosophical position regarding the world, the afterlife, or moral accountability, believing that certainty was impossible. This agnostic and skeptical stance contrasts sharply with Keshkambalin's firm, dogmatic materialist assertion.