Were the ideas of the Upanishadic thinkers different from those of the fatalists and materialists? Give reasons for your answer.

Upanishadic thinkers:

a. They were curious about the meaning of life, the possibility of life after death and rebirth (transmigration).

b. They believed in the single ultimate reality (god) and soul.

c. They understood the significance of sacrificial tradition at believed that performing sacrifices will bring them good health, long life etc.

d. They also believed in doing penance and good Karmas.

FATALISTS: - (They belonged to the Ajinika tradition)

1. They believed that everything is predetermined.

2. Doing penance will neither help in gaining good karmas ‘nor help in getting rid of bad karmas.

3. Pleasure and pain cannot be altered in the course of samsara (transmigration).It can neither be lessened or increased

MATERIALIST :- (they belonged to the traditions of lokayats)

1. They did not believe in alms or sacrifice or offerings. This world or the next one.

2. According to them human beings is made up of five elements. When he dies the earthy in him returns to the earth, the fluid of water, the heat to fire, the unwind to air, and his senses pass into space