Sects in Jainism

The principal division in Jainism is between Svetambara and Digambara, and it originated in monastic discipline rather than in doctrine.

Digambara ascetics hold that complete non-possession requires nudity; Svetambara ascetics wear white cloth. From that root follow a set of connected disagreements: whether the original canon survived, whether an omniscient being still takes food, and whether a woman can attain liberation in her present birth. Both traditions have their own sub-traditions - the Sthanakvasi and Terapanth among Svetambaras, who reject image worship, and the Bispanthi and Terapanth among Digambaras. On the central doctrines - karma, ahimsa, anekantavada, the path to liberation - the traditions agree closely.

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In-depth guides

  • Das Lakshana Parva — Ten days, ten virtues: the Digambara observance that follows Samvatsari, taken one dharma at a time.
  • Paryushan Parva — The most important festival in the Jain year: eight days of fasting, scripture and self-examination that end in asking forgiveness of every living being.
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