• What is dharma in Jainism

- Dharma means the righteous path or virtue by which a soul can progress toward liberation. It is the order of the cosmos and the conduct that supports spiritual progress. - Core Jain dharma includes five supreme moral vows: non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy or restraint (brahmacharya), and non-attachment/non-possessiveness (apeksha). Along with these, there is right conduct, self-discipline, and the practice of asceticism appropriate to one’s stage of spiritual development. - In Jain philosophy, dharma is also the path shown by the Tirthankaras to destroy karma and attain kevala jnana (perfect knowledge) and omniscience.

• Digambar vs. Shwetambar: practical differences (simple, non-sectarian terms)

- Monastic dress: - Digambar: monks traditionally renounce clothing entirely (dressing in the sky) and practice complete nudity as a sign of renunciation. - Shwetambar: monks wear white clothes (śvetāmbara) as part of their monastic code. - Canon and scriptures: - Digambar: follow a distinct set of Jain canonical texts attributed to their lineage; some believe the original Jain scriptures were revealed in a form preserved by their sect. - Shwetambar: follow a different collection of canonical texts and believe the true teachings are preserved in their own Agamas. - Spiritual possibilities for women: - Digambar: traditionally hold that kevala jnana and final liberation are attained in a male form; women can attain liberation only in the presence of a male body or through special circumstances, though there are variations in belief among individuals and sub-traditions. - Shwetambar: generally accept that women can attain moksha through right faith, conduct, and spiritual practice, though they may have different interpretations of the path for women. - Daily/ritual practices and temple customs: - Both traditions share the core vows and ethics of Jainism, but there are differences in temple practices, pilgrimage routes, and certain rituals, reflecting their historical lineages.

• Summary

- Dharma in Jainism is the path of righteous conduct and the discipline by which one purifies karma and progresses toward liberation. - The Digambar and Shwetambar communities share the same foundational ethics but differ in practice regarding monastic dress, scriptural canon, and some doctrinal nuances about liberation and the role of women.

If you’d like, I can tailor this to a specific Jain text or festival and explain how each tradition views it.