The orders of Jainism

This small group holds the two principal traditions of Jainism, the ancient Indian religion of non-violence (ahimsa) and asceticism. The historic division concerns monastic practice and doctrine, above all whether the fully renounced monk wears clothing.

The browser will find the Digambara (sky-clad) and Svetambara (white-clad) traditions, which differ over monastic nudity, the status of women's liberation, and the canon of scripture. The entries describe each and the questions that divide them.