Fatalism is a philosophical doctrine which states that an individual does not have full control over the events that happen in his life. There is no trace of fatalism in the early Indian literature—Samhitas, Brahmanas and Upanisads; it surged in the succeeding period. This book argues that the predominance of the priestly class after the revival of Brahminism, as an aftermath of the decline of Buddhism, ushered in conspicuous changes in people’s attitude to life. The new modifications helped to entrench fate as a formidable force. It explains that the natural factors which led to the rise of fatalism were observation of the inexorability of death. The author has referred to a splendid array of scriptures ranging from the early and late Vedic literature, Ramayana, Mahabharata to Buddhist and Jain texts, Bible and other old western texts to establish her erudite findings.

Introduction

Chapter 1. Inception

Chapter 2. Rebirth and transmigration

Chapter 3. Karman and its consequences

Chapter 4. Karman, fate and free will

Chapter 5. Fate, eschatology and liberation

Chapter 6. Premonitions and presages

Chapter 7. Deflection: Remedial measures

Chapter 8. Vicarious deflection

Chapter 9. Fate and human endeavour