Sects In Jainism
Jainism, one of the oldest religions in India, has evolved over time into several sects, each with unique interpretations, practices, and traditions. The two primary sects in Jainism are the Digambara and Śvētāmbara sects, each further divided into various sub-sects. These divisions reflect differences in theological beliefs, rituals, and the interpretation of Jain teachings.
1. Digambara Sect
The term Digambara means "sky-clad," which indicates that the monks of this sect practice nudity as a symbol of renunciation. The Digambara sect emphasizes a path of extreme asceticism and adheres to a strict interpretation of Jain teachings. The practice of nudity among Digambara monks is deeply rooted in their understanding of the Jain principles of non-attachment (Aparigraha) and renunciation.
Reasons for Nudity in Digambara Jainism
Complete Renunciation (Mahavrata): Digambara monks believe that true renunciation requires the abandonment of all material possessions, including clothing. This extreme form of renunciation is seen as essential for spiritual liberation (moksha), symbolizing the rejection of attachment, ego, and physical comfort.
Detachment from the Body: In Digambara philosophy, the body is considered a temporary vessel for the soul. Monks practice nudity to emphasize the belief that the soul's journey is independent of the body and material possessions. By renouncing clothing, they demonstrate that the body should not be a source of pride or attachment.
Imitation of the Tirthankaras: The 24th Tirthankara, Mahavira, is believed to have practiced complete nudity after renouncing the world. Digambara monks strive to follow his example, believing that this path leads to ultimate purity and liberation.
Purity and Non-possession: Clothing is seen as a form of possession that can create attachment, hindering spiritual progress. By giving up clothes, Digambara monks aim to live in a state of pure non-possession (Aparigraha), one of the five great vows (Mahavratas) in Jainism.
Austerity (Tapas): The practice of nudity is also seen as a form of asceticism central to Digambara Jainism. Enduring the hardships of being unclothed, such as exposure to the elements and societal norms, is believed to purify the soul and advance the path to liberation. This austerity develops inner strength, discipline, and detachment.
Symbolic and Spiritual Significance
Symbol of Absolute Renunciation: Nudity in Digambara Jainism is not merely about physical appearance but is a profound symbol of total renunciation of worldly life, signifying a monk's commitment to spiritual purification and detachment from the material world.
Rejection of Social Norms: By going naked, Digambara monks reject societal conventions and norms, reinforcing their commitment to spiritual ideals over worldly concerns.
Key Beliefs and Practices
Nudity as a Symbol of Renunciation: Digambara monks believe that complete renunciation includes shedding all possessions, including clothing. Nudity represents detachment from the material world.
Views on Liberation (Moksha): Digambaras believe that only those who have renounced everything, including clothes, can achieve moksha. They also hold that women cannot achieve liberation unless reborn as men.
Scriptures: The Digambara sect believes that the original Jain scriptures (Agamas) were lost over time and do not accept the current Śvētāmbara texts as authentic. Their teachings are based on secondary texts like the Prakrit commentaries and Shatkhandagama.
Idol Worship: Digambara idols of the Tirthankaras are always shown in a seated or standing meditative posture, unclothed, symbolizing renunciation. These idols are typically austere and devoid of ornamentation.
Monastic Life: Digambara monks lead a life of severe austerity, refraining from owning any possessions. They rely on alms, accepting only food given without prior arrangement.
Sub-sects within Digambara
Bisapanthi and Terapanthi: These sub-sects differ in rituals and worship practices. Bisapanthi adheres to traditional rituals, while Terapanthi is more reformist, emphasizing meditation and inner purity over rituals.
Taranapanthi: This sub-sect does not worship idols and emphasizes scriptural study and the teachings of their founder, Taran Swami.
2. Śvētāmbara Sect
The term Śvētāmbara means "white-clad," referring to the white clothing worn by the monks and nuns of this sect. The Śvētāmbara sect is generally considered more liberal and less austere than the Digambara sect.
Key Beliefs and Practices
White Clothing: Unlike the Digambaras, Śvētāmbara monks and nuns wear simple white robes as a symbol of purity and non-attachment.
Views on Liberation (Moksha): Śvētāmbara Jains believe that both men and women can achieve moksha and that clothing does not hinder spiritual progress.
Scriptures: The Śvētāmbara sect believes that the original Jain scriptures were preserved and accepts the Agamas as the authentic teachings of Mahavira.
Idol Worship: Śvētāmbara idols are often clothed and adorned with jewelry. The idols can be in various postures, and the Tirthankaras are depicted with open eyes, indicating their awareness of the world.
Monastic Life: The monks and nuns practice a more moderate form of asceticism, following the principle of non-possession while still wearing clothes and using basic necessities.
Sub-sects within Śvētāmbara
Murtipujaka (Deravasi):
- Beliefs: This sub-sect practices idol worship in temples and emphasizes elaborate rituals.
- Devotion: Murtipujakas believe that rituals and temple worship are essential for expressing devotion.
- Dress Code: They do not follow nudity as a practice; instead, they wear white clothes.
Sthanakvasi:
- Reform Movement: Sthanakvasis emerged as a reformist group against idol worship.
- Beliefs: They reject idol worship and temple rituals.
- Focus: Sthanakvasis emphasize meditation and ethical living.
Terapanthi:
- Reformist Group: Founded by Acharya Bhikshu in the 18th century.
- Emphasis: Terapanthis prioritize simplicity, meditation, and moral discipline.
- Reject Elaborate Rituals: They avoid elaborate rituals and focus on inner soul purification.
3. Other Important Sub-sects and Traditions
Yāpanīya Sect (Extinct)
The Yāpanīya sect, now extinct, was a small sect that combined elements of both Digambara and Śvētāmbara practices. The monks of this sect practiced nudity like the Digambaras but also allowed some monks to wear white clothing. They accepted the authority of both the Śvētāmbara and Digambara scriptures and believed in the possibility of women's liberation.
Kharatara Gaccha (Śvētāmbara)
The Kharatara Gaccha is a sub-sect within the Śvētāmbara Murtipujaka tradition. Founded in the 11th century by Acharya Jinavallabha Suri, this group emphasizes strict adherence to monastic discipline and has a rich tradition of scriptural study and scholarship.
Tapa Gaccha (Śvētāmbara)
The Tapa Gaccha is another influential sub-sect of the Śvētāmbara Murtipujaka tradition. It was founded by Acharya Jagatchandra Suri in the 13th century and is known for its strict ascetic practices and focus on the study of Jain scriptures.
4. Ritual Practices
Covering the Mouth
The practices of covering the mouth and sweeping the floor as they walk are specific to Jain monks and nuns, particularly those of the Śvētāmbara sect, and are rooted in the principles of non-violence (Ahimsa) and carefulness (Samvara). These practices are essential disciplines for those who have taken vows of renunciation.
Ahimsa (Non-violence): The primary reason Jain monks and nuns cover their mouths with a cloth, known as a "muhapatti," is to prevent harm to tiny airborne organisms. Inhaling these microorganisms, even unintentionally, could result in their death, which would violate the principle of non-violence central to Jainism.
Mindful Speech: The act of covering the mouth also serves as a reminder to speak mindfully, controlling one’s words to avoid causing harm through harsh or thoughtless speech.
Purity and Discipline: The practice reflects a broader discipline of maintaining purity in thoughts, words, and actions. It helps monks and nuns maintain detachment from the material world, focusing instead on their spiritual practices.
Sects in Jainism shows the complete renunciation of the wordly life. It gives significant importance on purity of soul and mind through the practice. It is the way to respect every creature in the universe and live a life with deeper meaning.
ReplyDeletesky clad and white clad are different in terms of their practices. I was reminded of Wisdom Keya leke aye the aur keya leke jawoge. Sab moh maya hai.
ReplyDeleteThe insights which I received from this class is Jainism’s focus on simplicity, non-violence, and rigorous self-discipline, through sub-sects emphasizing scriptural study, ascetic practices, and ritual purity.
ReplyDeleteThe two sects have a different way of understanding and path which leads to liberation. I felt very unique concepts like nudity. This concept is really out of my mind. This triggered my mind how can a man fully renounce himself to extent of nudity.
ReplyDeleteThe Digambara and Śvētāmbara sects in Jainism are the two different approaches to ascetic practices and scriptural interpretations. While Digambaras emphasize nudity and strict renunciation and Śvētāmbaras incorporate the wearing of white clothing and a focus on more visible rituals, yet both share a deep commitment to the core principles of Jainism. This was something new and strange to me yet I find some meaning in them.
ReplyDeleteThough there are different sects in Jainism. All the sects followed the same light that lead them towards truth. This reminded me the phrase - "Truth is one Paths are many" .
ReplyDeleteThe Goal is one, but the way to attain is different similarly in Jainism the Goal is liberation but the approach is different in terms of Sects. just as Christianity has different denominations.
ReplyDeleteJainism consider to be a oldest religion .There are different sects and different paths but the ultimate goal is one' truth' and 'Liberation'
ReplyDeleteThese sects share core beliefs in non-violence (ahimsa), truth, and the importance of personal spiritual development. The diversity within Jainism reflects its adaptability and the varied ways adherents seek to understand and live out its teachings.
ReplyDeleteI find the two sects of Jainism, **Digambara** and **Svetambara**, fascinating because they highlight different approaches to renunciation. The Digambara's strict asceticism contrasts with the Svetambara's more practical, humanistic approach, making each distinct yet complementary.
ReplyDeleteNudity in Digambara Jainism produces great respect among the Jains because only those who are capable of full detachment can practice it in total freedom and have inner purity. Digambaras worship nude idols of tirthankaras and siddhas.
ReplyDeleteThe diversity among Jain sects, like Digambara and Śvētāmbara, fascinates me. Each sect's unique interpretations and practices highlight the richness of Jain philosophy, offering different pathways to spiritual understanding and growth.
ReplyDeleteThe practices of covering the mouth and sweeping the floor show how Jain monks and nuns commit to non-violence and carefulness. By protecting tiny organisms and being mindful of their speech, they maintain purity and discipline, staying focused on their spiritual journey.
ReplyDeleteAny new beginning will inevitably lead to divergence due to differences in thinking and interpretation based on the geographical and social context in which the new idea or religion spreads.
ReplyDeleteThe two Jain sects, Śvētāmbara and Digambara, represent different routes of dedication and renunciation. The distinctive rituals, white attire, and nudity of their activities highlight the Jain community's strong emphasis on spiritual detachment and purity.
ReplyDeleteThe practice of nudity by the Digambara sect is spiritually significant for those deeply committed to the ascetic path. However, the practice could also be seen as extreme, especially in modern societies where public nudity is considered inappropriate and can cause discomfort.
ReplyDeleteAll the sects of Jainism have some particular practices and rituals towards the same goal of Moksha or Liberation. The Digambara sects follow the extreme austerity, where he Svetambara sect is much liberal in religious practices. The also have difference on the acceptance of sacred scripture.
ReplyDeleteJainism, one of the oldest religions in India, has evolved into several sects, each with unique interpretations and practices. Digambara and Śvētāmbara sects are the main in Jainism.
ReplyDeleteDigambara and Svetambara are two sects in Jainism and have different way of practicing faith. The founder of religion is same but the way it is open to profess faith varies, some go extreme path, and some chose moderation.
ReplyDeleteThe sects in Jainism both Digambara and Svetambara share core principles but differ in practices and interpretation.
ReplyDeleteJainism is divided into two main sects: Digambara and Svetambara. The Digambara sect emphasizes the complete renunciation of worldly possessions, including clothing, while the Svetambara sect allows the wearing of white garments. Both sects adhere to the core principles of Jainism, including non-violence, spiritual purity, and the quest for liberation.
ReplyDeleteDigambara sect practices are too extrem which is not very practical. The rejection of salvation for women makes me think that it has not reach the maturity. The Svetambara sect is more practical and better.
ReplyDeleteThere are two sects in Jainism, Digambara and shwetambara, they are total a different from each other one is to the extreme and other is moderate. I find discriminative element with regard to women in Digambara sect.
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ReplyDeleteJainism's focus on extreme asceticism, non-violence, and detachment contrasts with Hinduism's more diverse practices, including devotional worship, caste-based roles, and the acceptance of worldly duties alongside spiritual progress.
Jainism's sects, Digambara and Śvētāmbara, illustrate varying interpretations of renunciation and spiritual discipline. Digambara monks, practicing nudity, symbolize complete detachment, while Śvētāmbara monks wear white robes, emphasizing purity. Both uphold non-violence, with monks covering their mouths to prevent harm, embodying mindfulness, ethical living, and spiritual purity.
ReplyDeleteJainism has two main sects: Digambara and Svetambara. Digambaras practice total renunciation, including nudity, while Svetambaras allow monks to wear white robes. Both follow Jain teachings but differ in practices and beliefs.
ReplyDeleteThe sects in Jainism, while differing in rituals, share core values of non-violence and liberation, reflecting unity in diversity that I appreciate.
ReplyDeleteIn Jainism, there are two sects Digambara Sect and Śvētāmbara Sect. Digambara monks believe that complete renunciation includes shedding all possessions, including clothing. Nudity represents detachment from the material world. Somehow I feel that the teachings of Jainism are extremely hard to practice in this modern world especially staying naked.
ReplyDeleteJainism is divided into two main sects: 1. Digambara Sect (In Digambara sect the monks emphasize the practice of nudity and its followed strictly.) and 2. Shvetambara Sect (In this sect the monks follow moderate practice, they put on clothes on their body in order to cover it in terms of moderation.), and each sect has it's unique beliefs, rituals, and sub-sects.
ReplyDeleteDigambara monks practice nudity as a symbol of extreme renunciation, embodying the Jain principles of non-attachment and asceticism.
ReplyDeleteDigambara sect is sky clad mainly followed the monks, for it promotes extreme austerity which includes nudity as well. Svetambara sect is a bit liberal in practicing the austerity.
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