Digambar facts for kids

Acharya Vidyasagar, a well-known Digambar monk.

Digambar (which means "sky-clad") is one of the two main groups, or sects, in Jainism. Jainism is a very old religion from India. The other main group is called Svetambar.

The word "Digambar" comes from two words: 'dig' (meaning directions) and 'ambar' (meaning clothes). So, it means their clothes are the directions. This refers to their practice of not wearing clothes, showing they have given up all worldly things. Digambar followers believe in a very strict way of life, following the teachings of Jainism closely.

Life of a Digambar Monk

An image of Adinatha in a special meditation pose.

Digambar monks follow a very strict path. They take 28 special vows (called vrats) that guide their daily lives. These vows help them live simply and focus on spiritual growth.

Here are some of the important vows:

• The Five Great Vows (Mahavrat): These are the most important vows for all Jains, but monks follow them very strictly. They include:

* Not harming any living thing (non-violence). * Always speaking the truth. * Not stealing. * Not owning too many things. * Living a pure life (celibacy).

• Fivefold Regulation of Activities (Samiti): Monks are very careful in their actions to avoid harming others or themselves.

* Careful Speech: They speak kindly and truthfully, avoiding criticism. * Careful Thoughts: They try to keep their minds pure and focused on good things. * Careful Movement: They walk carefully to avoid stepping on tiny insects. * Care in Lifting Things: They lift things gently to avoid harming any small creatures that might be there. * Examining Food and Drink: They check their food and water carefully before eating to make sure no tiny living beings are accidentally consumed.

• Strict Control on Five Senses: Monks try to control what they see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. This helps them stay focused on their spiritual path.
• Performing Six Essential Duties: These are daily practices like meditation, studying scriptures, and self-control.
• Simple Living Practices:

* They do not take baths. * They do not use tooth powder to clean their teeth. * They rest only on the bare earth or a simple wooden board. * They eat food while standing. * They eat and drink only once a day. * They pull out their hair by hand (this is a practice of extreme detachment). * They do not wear clothes (this is why they are called "sky-clad").

These vows help Digambar monks live a life of extreme self-control and detachment from worldly possessions.

Images for kids

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  Image depicting Acharya Kundakunda, an important Jain teacher.

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  A stone carving at Marhiaji, Jabalpur, showing how Jain teachings were passed down. It was made 2500 years after Mahavira's nirvana (spiritual liberation).

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  An image of Adinatha from the Badami caves.

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  A well-known Digambara Jain monk.

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  Jain sculptures found at Kizhavalavu (Keelavalavu).

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  Statues of Tirthankara (Jain spiritual teachers) at Siddhachal Caves inside Gwalior Fort, Madhya Pradesh.

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  A statue of Tirthankara Parshvanatha in Rajasthan.