Major division in jain dharma
In Jain Dharma, the major division is mainly into two big sects:
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1. Digambar (दिगम्बर)
- Meaning: “Sky-clad” – monks do not wear clothes, symbol of complete renunciation.
- Monks: Practise nudity, keep very few external possessions.
- View about women and moksha: Generally hold that a woman must take birth as a man to attain moksha.
- Idol form: Tirthankar idols are without clothes, very simple, with calm, downcast eyes.
- Important sub-sects:
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2. Shvetambar (श्वेताम्बर)
- Meaning: “White-clad” – monks and nuns wear simple white clothes.
- Monks & nuns: Wear white robes; keep limited but some more external possessions than Digambar monks.
- View about women and moksha: Accept that women can attain moksha directly.
- Idol form: Tirthankar idols are usually clothed, decorated, often with open/glass eyes.
- Main sub-sects:
You can read more here and here
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Summary (very simple)
- Two main divisions:
- Inside each, there are sub‑sects based mainly on:
But core Jain principles like ahimsa (non‑violence), satya (truth), asteya, brahmacharya, aparigraha, and the path of right faith–right knowledge–right conduct are common to all.