Answer

Digambar and Shwetambar are the two major traditions of Jain Dharma.

Both follow the same core Jain principles:

• Ahimsa — non-violence
• Anekantavada — many-sided truth
• Aparigraha — non-possessiveness
• Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct
• Reverence for the 24 Tirthankars
• Goal of liberation: Moksha

Main Differences

• Meaning of names:
  Digambar means “sky-clad.” Digambar monks traditionally practice complete non-possession, including not wearing clothes.
  Shwetambar means “white-clad.” Shwetambar monks and nuns wear white clothes.
• Monastic practice:
  Digambar monks follow stricter external renunciation, including nudity for fully initiated monks.
  Shwetambar monks and nuns wear simple white robes.
• Scriptures:
  Shwetambars accept the preserved Agams as canonical scriptures.
  Digambars hold that the original Agams were lost over time and rely on later authoritative texts such as works of Acharyas.
• Idol worship style:
  Digambar images of Tirthankars are usually shown unclothed, without ornamentation, symbolizing complete detachment.
  Shwetambar images may be shown with simple decoration, eyes, and ornaments depending on tradition.
• Women and liberation:
  Shwetambar tradition teaches that women can attain moksha directly.
  Digambar tradition generally teaches that one must be born male in the final birth to attain moksha.
• Lord Mahavir’s life:
  There are some differences in details of Lord Mahavir’s biography, such as views regarding marriage, but both traditions deeply revere Him as the 24th Tirthankar.

Spiritual Understanding

Despite differences in practice and scripture tradition, both Digambar and Shwetambar Jains share the same spiritual goal: freeing the soul from karma and attaining moksha through purity, self-control, non-violence, and detachment.

Takeaway

Digambar and Shwetambar are different Jain traditions, but both are rooted in devotion to the Tirthankars and the path of liberation taught by Jain Dharma.