In Jainism there isn’t a single “true” sect to choose from. The two main traditions, Śvētāmbara and Digambar, are both authentic paths within Jain Dharma and each has its own historical developments, scriptures, and practices. Both aim for the same ultimate goal: kevala jñāna (omniscience) and liberation (moksha).

Key differences (brief and respectful):

• Monastic practice:

- Digambaras: monks wear no clothes (nude) as a symbol of renunciation; nuns also follow strict practices. - Śvētāmbaras: monks and nuns wear white clothing.

• Canon and scriptures:

- Śvētāmbaras follow a set of Agam literature they accept as canonical. - Digambaras have their own Set of scriptures and often critique or reinterpret some texts claimed by Śvētāmbara tradition.

• Beliefs about liberation and gender:

- Traditional Digambara view some paths to liberation as requiring rebirth (in some accounts) and have specific views on the role of women in moksha. - Śvētāmbaras generally teach that both men and women can attain moksha, and there are recognized female Jain teachers and liberators within their framework.

• Iconography and ritual:

- Images, temple practices, and pilgrimage sites differ between the two communities, though both honor the same Tirthankaras and basic Jain ethics (ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, aparigraha).

What to keep in mind:

• Both traditions are ancient and sincerely practice Jain dharma. Which path you resonate with can depend on personal inclination, community, and access to temples, teachers, and scriptures.
• If you’re exploring Jain practice, you might visit both Śvētāmbara and Digambara temples or read accessible summaries from reliable Jain sources to understand how each tradition approaches ethics, rituals, and interpretation of Jain teachings.

If you’d like, I can summarize specific Jain scriptures or explain how each tradition interprets a particular teaching (for example, ahimsa or non-attachment) in more detail.