Word

Astika Philosophy

Sanskrit

In General

The branches of thought which accept Vedas as sources of knowledge are called Astika Darsanas. It is not a word opposite to atheist for an astika need not believe in god. There are many school of thought in Hinduism which do not find the necessity of a supreme almighty god, but they accept Vedas and are classed as Astika Darshanas. Charvakas are materialists and they are often called as Nastikas, meaning not Astikas. Buddhists and Jains do not accept Veda and thus they are also called as Nastikas.