The Carvaka school of philosophy and the “hindu atheist”….
In this article, we shall be examining and debunking the claim that atheism is part of hinduism while discussing the Charvaka school of philosophy in ancient India….
The Charvaka school of philosophy
Charvaka (Sanskrit: चार्वाक; IAST: Cārvāka), also known as Lokāyata, is an ancient school of Indian materialism or atheism.
Although other materialistic schools existed in India before Charvaka, it was the only one to systematise materialist philosophy setting them down in the form of aphorisms in 6th century BCE.
The earliest Charvaka scholar whose texts still survive is Ajita Kesakambali.
The Charvaka methodology of scepticism mentioned in Ayodhya Kand or chapter 109 of Ramayana where Jabali tries to persuade Ram to accept the kingdom through nastika arguments. [which Ram rejects in the next chapter]
“O, the highly wise! Arrive at a conclusion, therefore, that there is nothing beyond this Universe. Give precedence to that which meets the eye and turn your back on what is beyond our knowledge.” (2.108.17)
This philosophy was well documented during the hindu reformation period when buddhism and jainism arose. Although Charvaka was a living philosophy in India up to the 12th century, this system somewhat disappeared without a trace after that. Most of the primary literature of Charvaka such as the Barhaspatya sutras were lost.
The philosophy of Charvaka
Charvaka is categorised as a heterodox school of Indian philosophy that revolves around a materialistic and atheistic outlook on life.
Charvaka considers inference as an incomplete source of knowledge and holds direct perception and sensory experience as the proper sources of truth.
According to Charvaka philosophy, inferred knowledge is conditional and one must acknowledge doubt while inferring a set of observation or truth.
For Charvaka’s atheistic beliefs perception is of 2 types.
External
External perception comes from the physical interaction of the 5 senses with worldly objects.
Internal Perception
Internal Perception comes from the inner sense or mind.
Inference, on the other hand, is described as coming to a conclusion or new truth based on other observations and previously concluded truths.
In Charvaka philosophy, as long as the relation between two phenomenons or observations is not proven, it’s an uncertain truth. Hence, Charvaka philosophy rejects metaphysics and supernaturals.
The “hindu atheist”?
The hindus often claim atheism is part of hinduism citing the Charvaka school of philosophy as an example.
Let us examine that claim.
The Charvaka school was a materialistic and atheistic school of philosophy in ancient India.
Traditionally, hindus claim the mythical character Brihaspati as the founder of Charvaka philosophy but scholars dispute this.
The Charvaka school of philosophy on the other hand consider perception and sensory experience as the only proper source of truth.
Therefore Charvakas reject metaphysical concepts like rebirth, afterlife, extracorporeal soul, religion, other worlds like heaven and hell, karma, fate and paap-punya. The Charvakas also rejected the use of supernatural causes to explain natural phenomena.
Although atheism did emerge in a hindu dominant ancient India just like many other ancient societies, it wasn’t accepted as part of the hindu society. The Charvakas, on the other hand, rejected hinduism as well.
So, can you be a hindu and an atheist at the same time?
Nope, not even if you claim to be a Charvak.
Want more? Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/sY96wsoZTow