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 the last of them being "Āchārya" Bhadrabahu. Spiritual lineage of heads of monastic orders is known as "Pattavali". Digambara tradition consider Dharasena to be the 33rd teacher in succession of Gautama, 683 years after the "nirvana" of Mahavira. The word "Digambara" is a combination of two Sanskrit words: "dik" (दिक्) (directions) and "ambara" (अम्बर) (clothes), referring to those whose garments are of the element that fills the four quarters of space. "Digambara" monks do not wear any clothes as it is considered to be "parigraha" (possession), which ultimately leads to attachment. A "Digambara" monk has 28 "mūla guņas" (primary attributes).