Digambara

Definition

Digambara is a sect within Jainism that emphasizes asceticism and the belief that spiritual liberation can only be attained through renunciation of all worldly possessions. Members of this sect practice nudity as a symbol of complete detachment from material goods, which differentiates them from other Jain sects, particularly the Svetambara, who wear white robes. This practice reflects deeper philosophical principles about the nature of reality and the self.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Digambaras believe that only those who have completely renounced all possessions can achieve liberation, which is why their monks practice nudity as a sign of their detachment.
2. The Digambara sect maintains that women must be reborn as men to attain liberation, reflecting differing views on gender compared to the Svetambara sect.
3. Their religious texts include the 'Kashayapahuda' and the 'Panchastikayas', which outline their beliefs and practices.
4. The Digambara tradition includes a distinct approach to rituals and religious practices that emphasize austerity and self-discipline.
5. The sect's name 'Digambara' literally means 'sky-clad', which refers to their practice of not wearing clothes and signifies their philosophy of renouncing worldly attachments.

Review Questions

• How does the practice of nudity in Digambara reflect their beliefs about material possessions and spiritual liberation?
  • In Digambara Jainism, the practice of nudity symbolizes a complete renunciation of material possessions, which is central to their beliefs about achieving spiritual liberation. By shedding all clothing, which is viewed as a possession, Digambaras demonstrate their commitment to detachment from worldly desires. This extreme form of asceticism is believed to facilitate a clearer path toward enlightenment by eliminating distractions associated with material life.
• Compare and contrast the views of Digambara and Svetambara regarding women's ability to attain spiritual liberation.
  • The Digambara sect holds a more restrictive view regarding women's ability to attain spiritual liberation, believing that women must be reborn as men to achieve moksha. In contrast, Svetambaras argue that women can also attain liberation without needing to change gender. This fundamental difference highlights the varying interpretations within Jainism about gender roles and spiritual equality.
• Evaluate the impact of Digambara beliefs on their community practices compared to those of other Jain sects.
  • The beliefs held by the Digambara sect significantly shape their community practices, resulting in a focus on asceticism and rigorous adherence to non-attachment. This manifests in their lifestyle choices, such as extreme fasting and strict discipline in daily life. Compared to Svetambaras, who incorporate more communal rituals and may engage more with society while wearing clothes, Digambaras often live in more isolated environments dedicated to strict ascetic practices. This evaluation reveals how doctrinal differences influence social dynamics within Jainism.

Related terms

Jainism: An ancient Indian religion that teaches non-violence, truth, and asceticism as pathways to spiritual liberation.

Svetambara: Another major sect of Jainism that contrasts with Digambara, characterized by its members wearing white clothing and holding different beliefs regarding spiritual practices.

Tirthankara: A savior and spiritual teacher in Jainism who has attained enlightenment and helps others achieve liberation, with Lord Mahavira being the most notable.