Purana Kassapa

Indian philosopher

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July 13, 2026

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Purana Kassapa was an Indian philosopher and a contemporary of the Buddha, Mahavira, and Gosala Maskariputra. He is known for his doctrine of akriyavada, which denied the efficacy of former deeds and the ability of individuals to influence their own destiny through conduct. This view was criticized by religious opponents, including Buddhists, as immoral. Kassapa's teachings are primarily known through uncomplimentary references in Buddhist and Jaina literature. He was one of several heretic teachers in ancient India whose views challenged prevailing religious and philosophical norms.1

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Indian philosophy
Background
…thought: by naturalists, such as Purana (“The Old One”) Kassapa, who denied both virtue and vice (dharma and adharma) and thus all moral efficacy of human deeds; by determinists, such as the Ajivika Makkhali Gosala, who denied sin and freedom of will; and by materialists, such as Ajita Keshakambalin, who,…
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…thought: by naturalists, such as Purana (“The Old One”) Kassapa, who denied both virtue and vice (dharma and adharma) and thus all moral efficacy of human deeds; by determinists, such as the Ajivika Makkhali Gosala, who denied sin and freedom of will; and by materialists, such as Ajita Keshakambalin, who,…
Read More