In Indian philosophy, the terms “Astika” and “Nastika” are used to classify different schools of thought, primarily within Hinduism but also including some non-Hindu traditions. The distinction is based on whether a school accepts the authority of the Vedas, the ancient scriptures of Hinduism.

Astika Schools

Astika schools are those that accept the authority of the Vedas. These schools are generally considered orthodox within Hinduism and include six major schools of thought, collectively known as the “Shad Darshanas”:

1. Nyaya: Focuses on logic and epistemology.
2. Vaisheshika: Deals with metaphysics and atomism.
3. Samkhya: A dualistic philosophy that distinguishes between consciousness (Purusha) and matter (Prakriti).
4. Yoga: Emphasizes physical and mental practices for spiritual liberation.
5. Mimamsa: Concerned with the interpretation of Vedic texts and rituals.
6. Vedanta: Explores the nature of reality and the relationship between the individual soul and the ultimate reality (Brahman).

Nastika Schools

Nastika schools are those that do not accept the authority of the Vedas. These schools are considered heterodox and include:

1. Buddhism: Founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), it focuses on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path to liberation from suffering.
2. Jainism: Emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa) and the liberation of the soul (jiva) from the cycle of birth and death.
3. Charvaka: A materialistic and atheistic school that rejects the existence of God, the soul, and the afterlife.
4. Ajivika: A deterministic school that believes in fate and the unalterable nature of events.
5. Ajnana: A school that questions the possibility of knowledge and emphasizes skepticism.

It’s important to note that the terms “Astika” and “Nastika” are not simply equivalent to “theist” and “atheist.” Some Astika schools, like Samkhya, do not believe in a personal God, while some Nastika schools, like Jainism, have their own concepts of deities or higher beings. The primary distinction lies in their acceptance or rejection of the authority of the Vedas.