By Rajmahendra Hegde Jun 16, 2023 | Reading time: 2 minutes.
Definition
Nastik Darshan is a term that originates from Indian philosophy and can be translated as “atheistic worldview” or “school of skepticism.” It refers to a philosophical perspective that rejects the existence of a personal God or a divine being. The term “nastik” is misunderstood in modern time, the actual meaning of the Sanskrit word “nāstika,” which means one who does not believe in the authority of the Vedas, the ancient Hindu scriptures. Not one who not believe on God.
This branch of Darshan emerged as a distinct school of thought within the Indian philosophical tradition, primarily in response to the dominant theistic perspectives found in Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism. It challenges the notion of a supreme deity or any form of transcendental reality.
Types of Nasthik Dharshanas
Apart from six Asthik Dharshana three other Nasthik Dharshanas are
- Buddhism
- Jainism
- Charvaka
Totally Indian Philosophy consists of known and popular 6+3 NINE DHARSHANAS.
In happiness and suffering, in joy and grief, we should regard all creatures as we regard our own self, and should therefore refrain from inflicting upon others such injury as would appear undesirable to us if inflicted upon ourselves. - Jainism
What is Nastika Dharshina
According to nastik darshan, the material world and empirical observations are the only sources of knowledge and truth. It emphasizes the importance of rationality, logic, and empirical evidence in understanding the nature of reality. Nastik darshan questions the validity of religious scriptures, rituals, and metaphysical concepts such as soul, afterlife, and divine intervention.
Charvaka philosophy
One of the most prominent figures associated with nastik darshan is Charvaka, also known as Lokayata. Charvaka philosophy, which originated around the 6th century BCE, promotes a materialistic worldview. It denies the existence of a soul, rebirth, and the concept of karma, and asserts that the pursuit of sensory pleasure is the ultimate goal of life.
“This world being a miserable hole, let us enjoy to the utmost what morsels of pleasure are left to us.” - Charvaka
Nastik darshan encompasses a wide range of perspectives, including atheism, agnosticism, skepticism, and rationalism. While it challenges theistic beliefs, it does not necessarily reject spirituality or moral values. Some proponents of nastik darshan focus on humanistic principles, ethical conduct, and the promotion of social justice based on reason and compassion.
We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world. - Buddhism
Dharshanas
It’s important to note that nastik darshan is not a monolithic or widely followed school of thought in contemporary India. Hinduism, with its diverse range of beliefs, continues to be the dominant religious tradition in the country. However, the presence of nastik darshan within the Indian philosophical landscape highlights the diversity and richness of philosophical traditions in India.