Answer

The two main sects within Jainism are:

• Digambara
• Śvetāmbara

Both follow the core Jain principles such as Ahimsa non-violence, Aparigraha non-possessiveness, Anekāntavāda many-sidedness, karma theory, liberation, and reverence for the 24 Tirthankars.

Explanation

1. Digambara

Digambara means “sky-clad.” This tradition emphasizes complete renunciation. In the Digambara monastic ideal, male monks renounce all possessions, including clothing.

Some features of the Digambara tradition include:

• Great emphasis on severe austerity and complete non-possession.
• Belief that an omniscient being does not require food.
• Digambara images of Tirthankars are usually shown unclothed, symbolizing total renunciation.
• They preserve their own scriptural and philosophical traditions.

2. Śvetāmbara

Śvetāmbara means “white-clad.” Monks and nuns in this tradition wear white robes.

Some features of the Śvetāmbara tradition include:

• Monastics wear simple white clothing.
• They preserve a canon of scriptures known as the Āgamas.
• Śvetāmbara images of Tirthankars may be clothed or decorated, depending on the tradition.
• The tradition has a large order of monks and nuns.

Sub-traditions

Within these two main sects, there are several sub-traditions.

Śvetāmbara sub-traditions include:

• Mūrtipūjaka – worship with temple images of Tirthankars.
• Sthānakavāsī – do not practice image worship; gather in prayer halls called sthānaks.
• Terāpanth – a non-image-worshipping tradition with a disciplined monastic structure under one Acharya.

Digambara sub-traditions include:

• Bīsapanth
• Terāpanth
• Tāraṇ Panth

These differ mainly in ritual practices, temple customs, and community traditions.

Spiritual Understanding

Although Jain sects differ in certain practices, scriptures, monastic rules, and temple traditions, their spiritual goal is the same:

• purification of the soul,
• removal of karma,
• practice of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct,
• attainment of moksha.

Takeaway

Jainism mainly has two sects: Digambara and Śvetāmbara. Their practices may differ, but both are rooted in the same Jain ideals of non-violence, self-discipline, renunciation, and liberation of the soul.