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
Digambara monk most revered "Digambara" monks. Every Digambara monk is required to observe 28 "mula gunas" (lit. twenty-eight primary attributes) compulsory. These are also called root-virtues, because it is said that in their absence other saintly virtues cannot be acquired. They are thus like the root, in the absence of which stems and branches tuneless come into being. These twenty-eight primary attributes are: five supreme vows ("mahāvrata"); five regulations ("samiti"); five-fold control of the senses ("pañcendriya nirodha"); six essential duties ("Şadāvaśyaka"); and seven rules or restrictions ("niyama"). According to Acharya Samantabhadra’s Ratnakaraņdaka śrāvakācāra: The first vow of a Digambara monk relates to