Jain schools and branches Jain schools and branches Jainism is an Indian religion which is traditionally believed to be propagated by twenty-four spiritual teachers known as "tirthankara". Broadly, Jainism is divided into two major sects, Digambara and Svetambara. These are further divided into different sub-sects and traditions. While there are differences in practices, the core philosophy and main principles of each sect is same. Traditionally, the original doctrine of Jainism was contained in scriptures called Purva. There were fourteen Purva. These are believed to have originated from Rishabhanatha, the first "tirthankara". There was a twelve-year famine around fourth century BCE. At that time, Chandragupta
Sadhu had 6,000 sadhvis of which less than 100 belong to the Digambara tradition and rest to Svetambara. The processes and rituals of becoming a sadhu vary with sect; in almost all sects, a sadhu is initiated by a guru, who bestows upon the initiate a new name, as well as a mantra, (or sacred sound or phrase), which is generally known only to the sadhu and the guru and may be repeated by the initiate as part of meditative practice. Becoming a sadhu is a path followed by millions. It is supposed to be the fourth phase in a Hindu's