Geethartha Chinthane 148: Speaking of Comfort, but Bringing Sorrow

The Charvakas, who claim, “I accept only direct perception and reject scriptures and doubts,” are questioned: Why do you propagate atheism? They respond, Our goal is to bring peace to the common people. If God exists, people are compelled to engage in devotion, rituals, and worship. Isn’t this the reason for their struggles? If there is no God, there’s no need for such suffering. Our aim is for people to live happily. Without God, the threefold afflictions (tapatraya) cease to exist.

When countered with, If virtue and sin do not exist, people can steal and plunder others’ belongings, leading to chaos and societal collapse, they reply, If there is no hell, isn’t that a good thing? They argue that without laws, people cannot survive. However, the validity of scriptures is established through doubt and reasoning. If transcendental entities do not exist, people live without restraint, leading to lawlessness where anyone can harm anyone else.

The belief in virtue and sin instills fear and discipline. Ultimately, the Charvaka philosophy claims to alleviate suffering, but instead brings calamity. Though it promises happiness for the people, it invites disorder and increases sorrow—thus raising critical questions about its practical impact.

~ Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Paryaya Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Matha

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