Answer

In the Shwetambar Jain tradition, monks and nuns wear white clothes. The word Shwetambar means “white-clad”:

• Shwet = white
• Ambar = clothing/garment

Explanation

Shwetambar Jains believe that wearing simple white clothing is compatible with the life of renunciation. Their monks and nuns practice non-attachment, non-violence, discipline, study, meditation, and self-control while wearing plain white garments.

In the Shwetambar tradition:

• Monks are called Sadhus or Munis.
• Nuns are called Sadhvis or Aryikas in some contexts.
• They usually carry items such as a muhapatti and rajoharan, depending on the specific Shwetambar sect.
• They accept the authority of the Agam scriptures preserved in the Shwetambar tradition.

Spiritual Understanding

The white clothing represents simplicity, purity, restraint, and detachment from worldly decoration. The true focus is not the clothing itself, but inner renunciation: conquering passions such as anger, pride, deceit, and greed.

Takeaway

Shwetambar Jainism emphasizes that liberation is attained through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, while living a disciplined life of non-violence, restraint, and spiritual purification.