Digambaras and  Shvetāmbaras

Jainism is divided into two main sects: Shvetāmbaras, whose monks wear white robes, and Digambaras, whose monks go unclothed to fully embody non-possession. Digambaras believe women cannot achieve liberation without being reborn as men, while Shvetāmbaras hold that liberation is possible for women, citing the 19th Jina, Mallinatha, as an example.

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  • Steven Vose wearing glasses, with a pink shirt and black suit jacket

    Steven

    Vose

    Assistant Professor of Jain Studies, Religious Studies, and History

    University of Colorado, Denver