In Jain Dharma, not all munis are nude. This applies mainly to Digambar munis.

Why Digambar munis do not wear clothes

In Jain philosophy, a true ascetic should practice complete renunciation. Clothes are also considered a form of possession and attachment. So Digambar munis give up clothes to follow:

• Aparigraha — non-possession
• Vairagya — detachment
• Sarvatha tyag — total renunciation
• Shuddha achar — pure ascetic conduct

They believe that the muni should be free from all external possessions, including clothing, to live in the highest state of renunciation.

Spiritual meaning

For a Digambar muni, nudity is not indecency. It is a sign of:

• absence of shame,
• absence of attachment,
• complete control over desires,
• and dedication to liberation.

Important difference

In Shwetambar tradition, monks do wear white clothes. They also follow Jain monkhood and renunciation, but their tradition accepts simple clothing as part of ascetic discipline.

So, the reason is not “because they are careless,” but because they follow a path of extreme detachment and non-possession.