Abstract

The most noticeable difference between the Digambara and Śvetāmbara sects of Jainism is expressed by the very names of these ancient traditions. Śvetāmbara means 'white-clad' and refers to the fact that the ascetics of this tradition wear white garments. Digambara means 'sky-' or 'space-clad' and refers to the fact that the ascetics of this tradition go naked, that is, they wear nothing but the sky. This is considered by both sects to be a critical difference and one that justifies the split between the two. There are other differences between them, including the resistance of the Digambara sect to the idea that women can achieve moksha.1 Moreover, the Digambara reject many of the scriptures of the Śvetāmbara as ..