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  • Major division in jain dharma
  • author Posted by
    Jain Follower

    Major division in jain dharma

    8 months ago 127

    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:
    - Bisapanthi (Bispanthi) - Terapanthi (Digambar) - Taranapanthi (Samaiyapanth) - Gumanapanthi (Main differences are about type of worship, use of flowers, offerings, and idols.)

    You can read more here

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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:
    - Murtipujak (Mandirmargi / Deravasi) – worship idols in temples. - Sthanakvasi – do not worship idols; focus on meditation and pravachan. - Terapanthi (Shvetambar) – non-idolatrous, very disciplined order under one Acharya.

    You can read more here and here

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    Summary (very simple)

    • Two main divisions:
    Digambar and Shvetambar.
    • Inside each, there are sub‑sects based mainly on:
    - style of monk life (rules, discipline), - idol worship vs. no idol worship, - some differences in scriptures accepted and rituals.

    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.

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