Shvetambara
From Freepedia
The Shvetambara (White-Clad) are a Jain sect.
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Svetambaras, unlike Digambaras, neither believe that ascetics must practice nudity, nor do they believe that women are unable to obtain moksha. Svetambaras believe that the 19th Tirthankara was a woman. There are ~5900 Svetambara nuns. (Fisher).
The Shvetambara tradition follows the lineage of Acharya Sthulabhadra. Kalpasutra mentions some of the lineages in ancient times. From the Kottiya Gana,which was once prominent. The Svetambara monastic orders are braches of Vrahada-gachchha founded in 937. The prominent among the classical orders today are Kharatara-gachchha (1024), Tapa-gachchha (1228) and Tristutika Gachchha.
A major reform was intiated by Lonka Shaha who started a movement opposed to idol worship in 1476. Branches of this movement are Sthanakavasi and Terapanthi Shvetambara (1780 AD) orders. Acharya Buddhivijayaji, formerly belonging to Sthanakavasi order, as the leader of the Tapa Gachchha, lead a movement to restore orders of wandering monks, leading to near extinction of the Yati institutions.
Some Shvetambara monks and nuns cover their mouth with a white cloth to practise ahimsa even when they talk. By doing so they minimize the small bacteria that might get killed when they talk.
Shvetamabara Sub-Sects
- Murtipujak (Those who worship Idols as Image of Tirthankara): lead by varius Acharyas.
- Sthanakwasi (Do not worship Idols) currently lead by Acharya Shivmuniji.
- Terapanthi (Do not worship Idols): currently lead by Acharya Mahaprajna.
References
- Fisher -- Living Religions (5th Edition) (2003), p.130
