Nastika

Nastika is a term used in Indian religions to denote philosophies or beliefs that reject the authority of the Vedas as infallible scriptures. The word "nastika" literally translates to "that which is not" or "denial" in Sanskrit, often interpreted as "heterodox" or "atheistic" in a broad sense, though the latter is not always accurate as many nastika traditions do acknowledge deities or spiritual principles.

The primary distinction between nastika and astika ("orthodox") schools of Indian philosophy lies in their acceptance or rejection of Vedic infallibility. Astika schools, such as Vedanta, Mimamsa, Samkhya, Yoga, Nyaya, and Vaisheshika, consider the Vedas to be divinely inspired and authoritative.

The most prominent nastika traditions are Charvaka (also known as Lokayata), Buddhism, and Jainism. Charvaka is characterized by its materialism and skepticism, denying the existence of an afterlife, souls, and divine intervention. Buddhism, while often atheistic in its early forms regarding a creator god, does acknowledge spiritual concepts and rebirth. Jainism, similarly, does not posit a creator deity but emphasizes self-discipline and non-violence, with a belief in liberated souls.

The nastika schools offered alternative philosophical frameworks and spiritual paths that sometimes challenged the established Vedic order, contributing to the rich diversity of thought within ancient India. Their differing views on scripture, cosmology, and epistemology led to significant philosophical debates and shaped the development of religious and ethical systems in the subcontinent.