Which sect doesnt worsbip idols
5
Answer
In Jain Dharma, the main sects that generally do not worship idols are:
- Sthānakavāsī — a Śvetāmbara Jain tradition that does not practice idol worship.
- Terāpanth — also a Śvetāmbara Jain tradition, founded from the Sthānakavāsī tradition, and does not worship idols.
Explanation
Jainism has both idol-worshipping and non-idol-worshipping traditions.
- Mūrtipūjak Śvetāmbars worship Tirthankar idols in temples.
- Digambars also worship Tirthankar idols, though their temple practices differ from Śvetāmbars.
- Sthānakavāsīs and Terāpanthis focus on meditation, prayer, samayik, pratikraman, scriptural study, and ethical living without idol worship.
Spiritual Understanding
All Jain traditions revere the Tirthankars. The difference is mainly in the method of worship. Idol-worshipping Jains use images of Tirthankars as a focus for devotion and reflection, while non-idol-worshipping Jains emphasize inner worship, meditation, and conduct.
Takeaway
The Jain sects that do not worship idols are mainly Sthānakavāsī and Terāpanth.