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
Digambara includes texts about proper behaviour for monks and "Sravakas". Most eminent "Digamabara" authors include Kundakunda, Samantabhadra, Pujyapada, Jinasena, Akalanka, Vidyanandi, Somadeva and Asadhara. The "Digambara" tradition can be divided into two main orders viz. "Mula Sangha" (original community) and modern community. "Mula Sangha" can be further divided into orthodox and heterodox traditions. Orthodox traditions included "Nandi", "Sena", "Simha" and "Deva" "sangha". Heterodox traditions included "Dravida", "Yapaniya", "Kashtha" and "Mathura" sangha. Other traditions of "Mula sangha" include "Deshiya Gana" and "Balatkara Gana" traditions. Modern "Digambara" community is divided into various sub-sects viz. "Terapanthi", "Bispanthi", "Taranpanthi" (or "Samayiapanthi"), "Gumanapanthi" and "Totapanthi". Digambara