Which one of the following statements about the Shvetambara Sect of Jainism is not correct?
It refers to monks, who migrated to the south of Vindhyas in 4th century BCE.
Analyzing Statements on the Shvetambara Sect of Jainism
The question asks us to identify the statement that is not correct regarding the Shvetambara sect of Jainism. To answer this, let's examine each statement based on our knowledge of Jainism, specifically the differences between its two major sects, Shvetambara and Digambara.
Statement 1: It refers to monks, who wear white clothes.
- This statement describes the Shvetambara sect. 'Shvetambara' literally means 'white-clad' ('Shveta' means white, 'Ambar' means clothes).
- Monks and nuns of the Shvetambara tradition wear simple white garments.
- Therefore, this statement is correct about the Shvetambara sect.
Statement 2: It refers to monks, who migrated to the south of Vindhyas in 4th century BCE.
- This statement refers to a significant historical event in Jainism related to a severe famine in Magadha.
- During this famine, a group of Jain monks led by Bhadrabahu migrated south to Karnataka.
- This group is generally associated with the origin of the Digambara sect (meaning 'sky-clad' or naked).
- The monks who remained in the north under Sthulabhadra wore white clothes and became the founders of the Shvetambara sect.
- Therefore, the migration to the south of Vindhyas in the 4th century BCE is primarily associated with the Digambara sect, not the Shvetambara sect. This statement is not correct about the Shvetambara sect.
Statement 3: They recognized the existence of canonical texts including the 12 Angas.
- The Shvetambara tradition compiled and preserved a collection of scriptures which they consider the Jain Agamas, or canon.
- This canon includes the 12 Angas (limbs), along with Upangas, Prakirnakas, Chhedasutras, and Mulasutras.
- The Digambara sect, however, believes that the original canonical texts, including the 12 Angas, were lost during the famine period. They rely on later texts and commentaries.
- Thus, the recognition of canonical texts like the 12 Angas is a characteristic of the Shvetambara sect. This statement is correct about the Shvetambara sect.
Statement 4: They believed that women can also attain salvation.
- A key difference between the two sects lies in their views on women's liberation (moksha).
- The Shvetambara sect believes that women are capable of attaining salvation (moksha or kevalagnana) and becoming Tirthankaras (like Mallinatha, whom they recognise as female).
- The Digambara sect holds that women cannot achieve liberation in their current birth and must be reborn as men to do so, primarily because Digambara monks renounce all possessions, including clothes, which is not considered possible for women due to social norms and other factors.
- Therefore, the belief that women can attain salvation is a characteristic of the Shvetambara sect. This statement is correct about the Shvetambara sect.
Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the statement that is not correct about the Shvetambara sect is the one referring to the migration south of the Vindhyas in the 4th century BCE. This event is associated with the Digambara sect.
Revision Table: Key Differences between Shvetambara and Digambara
| Feature | Shvetambara | Digambara |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | Wear white clothes | Monks are sky-clad (naked); nuns wear white |
| Canonical Texts | Accept the existing canon (Agamas), including 12 Angas | Believe original canon was lost; rely on later texts |
| Women's Salvation | Believe women can attain salvation (moksha) | Believe women must be reborn as men to attain salvation |
| Migration (4th century BCE) | Remained in the North (Magadha) | Migrated South (to Karnataka) |
| Tirthankara Mallinatha | Recognized as female | Recognized as male |
| Possessions for Monks | Allowed to possess minimal items (e.g., clothes, begging bowl) | Strict renunciation; no possessions |
Additional Information on Jain Sects
The split between the Shvetambara and Digambara sects is a significant event in the history of Jainism, often traced back to around the 3rd or 4th century BCE following the death of Mahavira. While both sects revere the same Tirthankaras and share core philosophical principles like Ahimsa (non-violence), Anekantavada (multiplicity of viewpoints), and Aparigraha (non-possession), they differ on matters of practice, monastic discipline, and interpretations of historical events and scriptures.
- The famine mentioned in the historical accounts played a crucial role in the divergence. The group that migrated south under Bhadrabahu maintained stricter ascetic practices, leading to the Digambara tradition.
- The group that stayed in the north under Sthulabhadra made certain concessions, such as wearing white clothes, which led to the Shvetambara tradition.
- These differences, initially perhaps minor disagreements on discipline, solidified over centuries into two distinct branches of Jainism with differing beliefs on the necessity of nudity for monks, the possibility of women attaining liberation, and the authenticity of religious texts.
- Understanding these historical events and doctrinal differences is key to grasping the distinct identities of the Shvetambara and Digambara sects.
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