Shvetambara
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The Shvetambara (White-Clad) are a Jainism 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 -- Shvetambara women are allowed to become ascetics. Svetambaras believe that the 19th Tirthankara was a woman. There are ~5900 Svetambara nuns. (Fisher).
Shvetambaras are less strict and believe that through change one can follow ahimsa on a larger scale.
Sthanakwasi Shvetambara saints 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.
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Shvetamabara Sub-Sects
- Murtipujak (Those who worship Idols as Image of Tirthankara)
- Sthanakwasi (Those who do not worship Idols).
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References
- Fisher -- Living Religions (5th Edition) (2003), p.130
