Charvaka School or Lokayata Philosophy

Brihaspati laid the foundation stone of this school and it was supposed to be one of the earliest schools that developed a philosophical theory. The philosophy is old enough to find mention in the Vedas and Brihadarankya Upanishad. The Charvaka School was the main propounder of the materialistic view to achieving salvation. As it was geared towards the common people, the philosophy was soon dubbed as Lokayata or something derived from the common people. The word ‘Lokayata’ also meant a keen attachment to the physical and material world (Loka). They argued for a complete disregard of any world beyond this world that was inhabited by a person. They denied the existence of any supernatural or divine agent who could regulate our conduct on earth. They argued against the need to achieve salvation and also denied the existence of Brahma and God.  They believed in anything that could be touched and be experienced by the human senses. 

Some of their main teachings are:

The word ‘Lokayata’ also meant a keen attachment to the physical and material world (Loka). They argued for a complete disregard of any world beyond this world that was inhabited by a person. They denied the existence of any supernatural or divine agent who could regulate our conduct on earth. They argued against the need to achieve salvation and also denied the existence of Brahma and God.

 They believed in anything that could be touched and be experienced by the human senses. Some of their main teachings are: They argued against Gods and their representatives on the earth – the priestly class. They argued that a Brahman manufactures false rituals so as to acquire gifts (Dakshina) from the followers.

 Man is the centre of all activities and he should enjoy himself as long as he lives. He should consume all earthly goods and indulge in sensual pleasure.

 The Charvakas do not consider ‘ether’ as one of the five essential elements as it cannot be experienced through the perception. Hence, they say the universe consists of only four elements: fire, earth, water and air.

 This school argues that there is no other world after this one, hence death is the end of a human being and pleasure should be the ultimate objective of life. Hence, they propound the theory of ‘eat, drink and make merry’.

 The materialistic philosophies dominated over the idealist ones. The idealist philosophers responded by critiquing the indulgences recommended by the former group. They recommended that man should follow the path of God and rituals towards salvation. Yet, both the schools grew and many more texts discussing their theories were produced in the coming decades.