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  • Types of jains as per the belief
  • author Posted by
    Jain Follower

    Types of jains as per the belief

    one year ago 530

    In Jainism, followers are generally categorized based on their level of renunciation and practice. The main types of Jains are:

    1. Śrāvaka (Householder Jain / Layperson)

    - Śrāvakās are householders who follow Jain principles while living a family life. - They observe the "Anuvratas" (small vows), which are less strict than those observed by monks and nuns. - They support the monastic community and strive to live ethically, practicing non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), chastity (brahmacharya), and non-possession (aparigraha) to the best of their capacity.

    1. Śramaṇa (Muni / Monk) and Āryikā (Nun)

    - Monks (Muni for males, Āryikā or Sādhvī for females) renounce all worldly attachments and take the "Mahavratas" (great vows) of complete non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possessiveness. - They live a life of strict discipline, meditation, and detachment, wandering from place to place except during the rainy season (Chaturmas).

    Further, based on sects, Jains are also divided into:

    1. Digambara

    - Digambara monks practice nudity as a sign of renunciation and believe women cannot attain liberation in the present life. - Their lay followers (Shravaks and Shravikas) follow specific customs and rituals.

    1. Śvetāmbara

    - Śvetāmbara monks wear white clothes and believe women can attain liberation. - Their lay followers have slightly different rituals and scriptural interpretations compared to Digambaras.

    Within these, there are further sub-sects such as Sthānakavāsī, Terāpanthī, Mūrtipūjaka (within Śvetāmbara), and various traditions within Digambara.

    Summary:

    • Based on way of life: Householders (Śrāvaka) and Monastics (Śramaṇa/Muni/Āryikā).
    • Based on sect: Digambara and Śvetāmbara (and their sub-sects).

    These distinctions help Jains practice the path to liberation according to their capacity and commitment.

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