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6 First Steps to Jainism
strict and prescribed nudity for male monks as also white clothes to a limited extent. This with other minor distinctions led to the division of Jain Church into two main branches, i.e., sky-clad (Digamber) and white-clad (Swetamber). These two sects were further divided and sub-divided into idol worshipper, nonidol worshipper and so on. However, in essential beliefs Jain church as well as Jain laity remain singularly united even after 2500 years since Mahaveera. In metaphysical, ethical and theological details there is complete unanimity amongst all the Jains. There may be minor differences in emphasis on details or in rituals to be followed by one sect and discarded by the others. These only emphasise the essential soundness of the set of beliefs prescribed by the great prophets from time immemorial.
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