Whats the difference between Shwetambar, Digambar, Sthanakwasi & Terapanti in Jainism?

In Jainism, the major sects and sub-sects reflect differences in beliefs, practices, and interpretations of Jain scriptures. Here are the main distinctions:

1. Shwetambar (Śvētāmbara)

• Meaning: "White-clad"—they wear simple white clothes.
• Scriptures: Accept the canonical scriptures (Agamas) as authentic.
• Monks and Nuns: Both males and females can become ascetics.
• Beliefs: Believe that women can attain liberation (moksha).
• Practices: Use alms bowls, cover their mouth with a cloth (muhapatti), and have elaborate temple rituals.

2. Digambar (Digambara)

• Meaning: "Sky-clad"—male monks do not wear clothes, symbolizing renunciation of all possessions.
• Scriptures: Do not accept the current Shwetambar Agamas as authentic; have their own set of texts.
• Monks and Nuns: Only men can be monks (naked ascetics); women can be nuns (wearing white), but Digambaras believe women must be reborn as men to attain liberation.
• Practices: Practice more severe austerities; monks eat with their hands.

3. Sthanakwasi

• Sub-sect of Shwetambar Jainism.
• Meaning: "Followers of the place," referencing meditation halls (sthanaks) rather than temples.
• Beliefs: Reject idol worship and temple rituals; focus on meditation, self-discipline, and inner purity.
• Scriptures: Follow the Agamas but emphasize ethical conduct and internal worship.
• Practices: Do not build temples or install images/idols.

4. Terapanthi

• Another reformist sub-sect of Shwetambar Jainism, arising from Sthanakwasi.
• Meaning: "Followers of the Thirteen Principles."
• Founder: Acharya Bhikshu in the 18th century.
• Beliefs: Strict discipline, centralized leadership under a single Acharya, rejection of idol worship, and emphasis on ethical conduct and simplicity.
• Practices: No temples or images, focus on meditation and moral living.

Summary Table:

| Sect/Sub-sect | Idol Worship | Attire | Scriptures | Women’s Liberation | Temples | |-----------------|--------------|----------------|-------------------|--------------------|---------| | Shwetambar | Yes | White clothes | Agamas | Yes | Yes | | Digambar | No (mainly) | Nude (monks) | Own texts | No | Yes | | Sthanakwasi | No | White clothes | Agamas | Yes | No | | Terapanthi | No | White clothes | Agamas | Yes | No |

These distinctions represent variations in interpretation and practice, but all agree on the core Jain principles: non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha).