Having rejected the authority of the scriptures, the notions of virtue and vice, and belief in life after death, the Cārvākas are naturally opposed to the performance of religious ceremonies with the object of either attaining heaven or avoiding hell or propitiating departed souls. They raise cheap laughter at the customary rites. If the food offered during funeral ceremony (śrāddha) for the departed soul can appease his hunger, what is the use of a traveller's taking food with him? Why should not his people make some offerings in his name at home to satisfy his hunger? Similarly, food offered
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