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Valmikism

Valmikism, or Balmikism, is a Hindu sect that honors the sage Valmiki, also called Bala Shah or Lal Beg, as their ancestor and patron saint. Followers believe Valmiki was an incarnation of God and regard his works, the Ramayana and the Yoga Vasistha, as sacred texts. Valmiki is often shown wearing red clothing, earning him the name Lal Bhekh or Lal Beg.

Ajivikas the fatalists

The Ajivikas were an ancient Indian philosophical school founded by Gosala Maskariputra, a contemporary of the Buddha. They were strict fatalists, believing that everything in life was predetermined by destiny (niyati), leaving no room for free will. According to their philosophy, religious practices or efforts could not influence future lives, as all actions were already preordained. They likened the cycle of reincarnation (samsara) to a ball of string that unrolls until its end. The Ajivikas lived an ascetic lifestyle, often shunning clothing, as they believed this was their destined path. Though influential in southern India for many centuries, the school eventually disappeared by the 14th century.