Jain monasticism Jain monasticism Jain monasticism refers to the order of monks and nuns in the Jain community. The term "nirgrantha" ("bondless") was used for Jain monks in the past. The monastic practices of two major sects ("Digambara" and "Śvētāmbara") vary greatly, but the major principles of both are identical. "Digambaras" use the word "" for male monastics and "aryika" for female monastics. "Digambara monks" are also called "nirgrantha" (without bonds). "Śvētāmbaras" use the word "sadhvi"s for female monastics. Historians believe that a united Jain "sangha" (community) existed before 367 BCE, about 160 years after the "moksha" (liberation) of Mahavira. The community
Jain literature from the first "tirthankara" Rishabhanatha. The "Digambara" sect believes that there were 26 "Agam‑sutras" (12 "Ang‑agams" + 14 "Ang‑bahya‑agams"). However, they were gradually lost starting from one hundred fifty years after Lord Mahavir's "nirvana". Hence, they do not recognize the existing Agam-sutras (which are recognized by the "Svetambara" sects) as their authentic scriptures. In "Digambara" tradition, two main texts, three commentaries on main texts, and four "Anuyogas" (exposition) consisting of more than 20 texts are followed. These scriptures were written by great "Acharyas" (scholars) from 100 to 1000 AD using the original "Agama Sutras" as the basis for their work.