Jain tradition split into two major sects—Digambar (Sky-clothed) and Shwetambar (White-clothed)—early in the post-Mahavira era due to differences in monastic rules, interpretation of scriptures, and practices. Here are the key reasons in simple terms:

• Clothing and how monks and nuns dress

- Digambar: monks are traditionally seen as naked (ascetic vows, minimal possessions). - Shwetambar: monks and nuns wear white clothes as a sign of their vows and renunciation.

• Canonical scriptures and authority

- Digambar forces emphasize a different set of scriptures and sometimes regard certain texts as the authentic records of Jain teachings. - Shwetambar tradition accepts a broader canon and includes different scriptures in their understanding.

• Role of women and ordination

- Digambar generally holds more restrictive views on the possibility of women attaining certain monastic attainments in some lineages. - Shwetambar tradition is often seen as more permissive about women’s monastic participation and attainment in many lineages, though there are diverse opinions within both sects.

• Historical and doctrinal differences

- Both groups share the core Jain beliefs (tirthankaras, karma, moksha, ahimsa, satya, etc.) but have developed distinct practices, rituals, and temple customs over centuries. - There are also minor differences in festival observances, pilgrimage sites, and temple traditions.

Important: both Digambar and Shwetambar revere the 24 Tirthankaras and follow Jain ethics and philosophy, but their practical expressions differ in dress, texts, and certain monastic rules.

If you’d like, I can point you to specific Jain sources that discuss these two sects in detail.