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 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).