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Charvaka
How does Charvaka view the supernatural?
Charvaka, also known as Lokayata, is a school of thought in ancient Indian philosophy that holds materialism and skepticism about the supernatural as its core beliefs. This philosophy originated in the 6th century BCE and was considered to be a heterodox school of thought in contrast to the orthodox Hindu and Buddhist beliefs prevalent at that time.
According to Charvaka, the only reality is the material world that can be perceived through our senses. They reject the existence of any supernatural entities such as gods, souls, afterlife, and reincarnation. They believe that these concepts are mere fabrications of the human mind and have no basis in reality.
The Charvaka philosophy holds that the material world is made up of four elements - earth, water, fire, and air. These elements combine and interact to form all living and non-living things. They believe that consciousness is a product of the physical brain and ceases to exist after death. Therefore, they do not believe in the concept of an immortal soul or an afterlife.
Furthermore, Charvaka rejects the idea of karma and rebirth, which are central beliefs in Hinduism and Buddhism. They argue that these concepts are used by religious leaders to control and manipulate people. They believe that individuals are solely responsible for their actions and their consequences in this life, and there is no carryover to the next life.
Charvaka also criticizes the concept of a creator god. They argue that the universe has always existed and does not need a creator. They believe that the idea of a god is a result of human fear and ignorance, and it serves no purpose in explaining the natural world.
In summary, Charvaka views the supernatural as a mere illusion created by human imagination. They believe that the material world is the only reality and reject the existence of any supernatural entities or forces. This philosophy promotes a rational and scientific approach to understanding the world and rejects blind faith and superstitions.