Astika refers to a philosophical tradition within Indian thought that accepts the authority of the Vedas, which are ancient sacred texts. This tradition encompasses several schools of thought, including Vedanta, Sankhya, and Yoga. Astika philosophies emphasize the importance of spiritual knowledge and the pursuit of truth. In contrast to Astika, there is the Nastika tradition, which rejects the authority of the Vedas. Astika thinkers often explore concepts such as dharma (duty), karma (action), and moksha (liberation). These ideas play a significant role in shaping the spiritual and ethical frameworks of various Indian religions, including Hinduism and Buddhism.