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 texts such as the "Samayasāra" and the "Pravacanasāra". Other prominent "Acharyas" of this tradition were, Virasena (author of a commentary on the "Dhavala"), Samantabhadra and Siddhasena Divakara. The "Satkhandagama" and "Kasayapahuda" have major significance in the "Digambara" tradition. Relics found from Harrapan excavations such as seals depicting "Kayotsarga" posture, idols in "Padmasana" and a nude bust of red limestone, give insight into the antiquity of the "Digambara" tradition. The presence of gymnosophists (naked philosophers) in Greek records as early as the fourth century BC, supports the claim of the "Digambaras" that they have preserved the ancient "Śramaṇa" practice. Dundas talks