Essence of Jainism

Author(s): Jyoti Prasad Jain
Publisher: Shuchita Publication Varanasi

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the temple or performing Samayika, a Jaina fervently wishes for the wellbeing, happiness and peace of all and everyb dy.
Sects & subsects : Schismatic tendencies resulting in sects and subsects are known to have existed in Jainism since the early periods of its history. In course of time many died our, a few survived and several new ones emerged. At present, the community is divided into two principal sects, the Digambara ( sky-clad ) and the Shvetambara ( white-clad ). The former is so called because its male ascetics go naked and possess nothing excepting a peacock feather brush and a wooden jug for water. The followers of this sect also instal in their temples the nude images of the Tirthankaras in the Kayotsarga ( standing ) or lotus-seated postures of complete bodily abandonment and contemplative spiritual meditation. This sect is further divided into three subsects : the Terahpantha which is more puratinical in conduct and simpler in worshipping ritual;
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