main differences between Digambar, Shwetambar, and Sthanakvasi in a simple table.
Here is a simple table of the main differences:
| Topic | Digambar | Shwetambar | Sthanakvasi | |---|---|---|---| | Meaning | “Sky-clad” | “White-clad” | Reform branch of Shwetambar | | Monk’s clothing | Monks remain nude | Monks wear white clothes | Monks wear white clothes | | Nuns | Generally not accepted as full nude ascetics | Nuns are accepted | Nuns are accepted | | Idol worship | Accepted in many traditions | Accepted | Usually not accepted | | Temples | Common | Common | Usually avoid temple worship | | Place of worship | Temples | Temples | Sthanak / upashray | | Image style | Tirthankars shown without clothes | Tirthankars shown with clothes | Usually no idols or images in worship | | Scriptures | Different canon and commentaries | Shwetambar Agamas are accepted | Same broad Shwetambar base, but fewer ritual practices | | Main emphasis | Strict ascetic discipline | Balance of asceticism and devotion | Simpler worship, meditation, and ethics |
Very short summary
- Digambar: most strict about monk conduct; no clothing for monks; idol worship accepted.
- Shwetambar: monks wear white clothes; idol worship accepted.
- Sthanakvasi: a reform group of Shwetambar; usually do not use temples or idols, and worship in sthanaks.
If you want, I can also make this into an even shorter 3-line version.