Types of jains as per the belief

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.