Nastika

Nastika ( Sanskrit : नास्तिक , nāstika ; "denier", from na-asti : 'is not') is a technical term in Hindu philosophy . The word occurs as a noun and also in adjectival use. As a noun, Nastika denotes an "unbeliever" or "theorist of nonexistence". What is meant is someone who does not accept the authority of the Vedas and in particular denies the existence of gods and the effectiveness of the rituals of the Vedic religion. Hence, Nastika is sometimes translated as "atheist".

In Hinduism, the philosophical systems are divided into two main groups, Nastika and Astika . The Nastikas are the followers of Buddhism , Jainism and the materialistic Charvaka - or Lokayata school. Astika ("Bejaher", from asti : 'is') is the name given to the followers of the six "orthodox" schools , whose teachings are based on the Vedas.