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21 - MAJOR TRADITIONS
21 - Major Traditions
Lord Mahävir attracted people from all walks of life: rich and poor, kings and commoners, men and women, princes and priests, touchables and untouchables. Lord Mahävir proclaimed that both men and women are equal as far as spiritual advancement is concerned. Many women followed Lord Mahävir's path and renounced the world in search of ultimate truth and happiness. The most significant contribution of Jainism in the social field is the establishment of social equality among the four classes that exist in the society: Brähman, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra, including untouchables prevalent in the society
Lord Mahävir organized his followers into a four-fold order, namely Sädhus (monks), Sadhvis (nuns), Shrävaks (laymen), and Shrävikäs (laywomen). This order is known as Jain Chaturvidha Sangh. Monks and nuns do not stay at one place for more than 30 days, except for 4 months during the rainy season. They travel on bare feet and do not use any transportation. Male monks do not touch any female and vice versa. They do not eat or drink after
sunset. A few centuries after Lord Mahävir's Nirvana, two major traditions, namely Digambar and Shvetämbar, were established.
Shvetämbar Sect Monks and Nuns wear white cloths. During lunch and dinner time, they visit several houses, receive a little quantity of food from these houses, and take it to their temporary place of residence to eat. They are also divided into three major sub-sects. Shvetämbar - Murtipujak (Image Worshiper)
They believe in worshiping Tirthankara images in the temple. They are also known as Mandir-Margi.
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JAINISM AND SPIRITUAL AWAKENING
