Indian philosophy has been classified according to those who believe in God as proclaimed by the Vedas, and those who do not believe in God and do not follow the Vedic dictums. The former are called the Astikas, the latter the Nastikas. But the real distinction between Astika and Nastika is based on their qualities of character rather than their beliefs. Astika refers to a person who has confidence in the Self, whereas Nastika is one who does not have such Self-confidence. There is also an Astika-Nastika, one who develops faith in God and prays to Him whenever some personal difficulties arise; but as soon as the problems are past and he is happy again, he forgets all about God. (DBG, p. 59)