Parshvanatha "ganadharas", such as in the Digambara text "Avasyaka niryukti". They believe that Svayambhu was the chief male mendicant ("sadhu"). Svetambara texts such as "Samavayanga" and "Kalpa-sutra" mention Pushpakula as the chief female mendicant ("aryika", "sadhvi") among the female followers of Parshvanatha, whereas the "Digambara" text "Tiloyapannati" states she was Suloka or Sulocana. The "Nirgranthas" (fetter-less) monastic tradition started by Parshvanatha was influential in ancient India, with the parents of Mahavira belonging to it as lay householders supporting the ascetics. According to the "Svetambara" Jain tradition, Parshva and the ascetic community he established followed a Fourfold Restraint. In contrast, Mahavira stipulated
Atheism and religion Atheism and religion Some movements or sects within traditionally monotheistic or polytheistic religions recognize that it is possible to practice religious faith, spirituality and adherence to tenets without a belief in deities. People with what would be considered religious or spiritual belief in a supernatural controlling power are defined by some as adherents to a religion; the argument that atheism is a religion has been described as a contradiction in terms. In general, formulations of Jewish principles of faith require a belief in God (represented by Judaism's paramount prayer, the Shema). In many modern Jewish religious movements, rabbis have generally