In this Part-21: Criticism of Cāruvāka (Atheists cum Materialists) continued; Epistemology of Cāruvāka evaluated; Live life as you wish and enjoy thoroughly is the principle of Cāruvāka. Cāruvāka believe only in sensual perception and they don't believe in Inference or Āgama.
What is Āgama? Defectless words are Āgama. Now, after saying they don't believe in something called defectless words, how would they preach their philosophy? Cāruvāka also has a Guru to preach and Śiṣyās to learn. If they say, "I don't believe in defectless words, but my words saying sensual perception alone is true has to be believed by disciples", is it right? After saying words are apramāṇa and won't give any true cognition, how can they say their philosophy preach truth through the words of their preceptor? So, Cāruvāka will be forced to ever shut their mouth by their own principles. If they teach their belief to others or enter into a debate, they stand defeated by their own principles.
What is inference? Defectless reasoning. They say they don't believe in reasoning. Now, if they get into a debate, they have to give reasons for their own beliefs. After saying they don't believe in reasoning, how can they get into a debate stating reasons? Hence, they are unfit for a debate and hence Vedāntins never call it a debate with Cāruvāka, instead only criticize them.
When opponent says that Cāruvāka is useless, Cāruvāka who listens can only keep their mouth shut. As they don't believe in reasoning or words, the moment they get into debate, they stand defeated by their own principles. If they don't debate also they get defeated because opponent is declearing they are useless.
If Cāruvāka don't agree to defectless words, they are defeated. If they agree also they are defeated because they originally believe only in perception.
If Cāruvāka don't agree to inference, they are defeated. If they agree also they are defeated because they originally believe only in perception.
Such a silly belief system is Cāruvāka.
Their theory of consciousness born from mere combination of the elements of nature, criticism based on their non-acceptance of Dharma-adharma etc to be continued in next episode.
Sarvam Śrī Krṣṇārpaṇamastu!
About the Author
Sri. Srinivasan was born in Chennai in 1984 to CMHM Pranesh and P. Rukmani. A Mechanical engineer by profession, he started his religious studies under Pujya Sri “Chrompet” Sridharan. He is currently learning from Pt. Pujya Sri. Narayana Acharya of Srirangam.
Sri. Srinivasan is very actively engaged in Siddhanta Prachara under the tutelage of his Gurugaly Pt. Sri. Narayanacharya
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