how to wear Śvetāmbara sadhus clothes
Śvetāmbara sadhus wear simple white clothes. Here is the basic way they dress, in simple terms:
- Upper garment: A white uttariya or light white robe that can be draped over the shoulder.
- Lower garment: A white dhoti or similar white wrap tied around the waist.
- Modesty/cover: They wear plain white coverings to keep the body modest, and avoid elaborate or colorful clothing.
- Accessories: They do not wear jewelry or adornments; they keep things minimal and clean. Many Śvetāmbara monks also carry a small bowl for alms and a rosary or mala for meditation.
Important notes:
- Śvetāmbara monks and nuns are distinguished from Digambara monks, who traditionally go without clothes. So the clothing style described here specifically applies to the Śvetāmbara tradition.
- Practices can vary a little among different monasteries or regional communities, but the core is plain white, simple, modest clothing.
If you’d like, I can give a brief comparison of Digambara vs. Śvetāmbara clothing to show how they differ.