(Sanskrit: doctrine denying the effect of deeds), set of beliefs held by heretic teachers in India who were contemporaries of the Buddha. The doctrine denied the orthodox karmic theory regarding the effect of former deeds on a person's present and future condition. But, consequently, it also denied the possibility of a person influencing his own destiny by preferring right conduct over bad conduct. The doctrine's teachers were therefore severely criticized for immorality by their religious opponents, including Buddhists. Their views are known only through uncomplimentary references in Buddhist and Jain literature. Among the heretic teachers whose names are known are Purana Kashyapa, Goshala Maskariputra, Ajita Keshakambalin, and Pa-kudha Katyayana. Goshala's followers formed the Ajivika sect, which enjoyed some acceptance during the Maurya period (third century BC) before dwindling into oblivion.
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