astika

English

Etymology

From Sanskrit आस्तिक (āstika, “orthodox, believing, pious, faithful”), from अस्ति (asti, “to be, exist”) + -क (-ka).

Noun

astika (uncountable)

  1. (Hinduism) A philosophical school or individual accepting certain tenets fundamental to Hinduism, by various definitions:
    1. The supreme authority of the Vedas.
    2. The existence of atman (roughly "soul").
    3. The existence of ishvara (a supreme deity).
    Antonym: nastika

Usage notes

The definition of astika is not universally agreed upon. A prime example is Buddhism; many consider it to be nastika since it denies the authority of the Vedas and the Hindu priesthood, while other schools go as far as to consider Gautama Buddha as an avatar of the god Vishnu.

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