k. What does Hindu philosophy say about agnosticism and atheism?

Agnosticism and Atheism are both valid concepts in the Hindu thought.

An important thing to recognize is that neither agnosticism nor atheism mean nastik. Within the Hindu traditions there are some that accept the Vedas as scriptures. They are the astiks. Those who don’t accept Vedas as they are, but either partially or utilize them when needed or convenient, are the nastiks. Jainism and Buddhism are therefore nastik faiths. 

To paraphrase Satguru Bodhinatha Veylanswami of the Kaua’i Hindu Monastery, Hinduism is about advancing the human condition. That said, Hinduism does not ostracize or punish. The multiplicity of paths to the Truth are the foundation of Hindu traditions. Agnostics who find the concept of God to be unknowable and the atheists who reject the concept of God are equally a part of the Hindu tradition.

Swami Vivekanada said, “Man is not traveling from error to truth, but climbing up from truth to truth, from truth that is lower to truth that is higher.” Agnosticism and Atheism are as an aspect of the Truth.

Other reading material: Also see Jainism

Contributor: Rajeev Singh

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