Sects and teaching.
Two major sects, or groups, developed within Jainism after the death of Mahavira. The Digambara (atmosphere-clad, or naked) and the Svetambara (white-clad) split about 360 B.C. A severe famine caused one group of Jain ascetics to migrate south. When these naked southern Jains returned north, the northern monks had begun to wear a piece of cloth over their genitals. A dispute followed, and the division was fixed by A.D. 79 or 82. Today most Jains in southern India follow the Digambara sects, while most in the north follow Svetambara sects.

Jains believe that all human beings, animals, insects, plants, and even earth, stones, fire, water, and air have living souls (jiva). Jains believe that the soul in its pure state is omniscient (all-knowing). Through contact with matter (ajiva) in this world, the soul becomes polluted and weighed down. Jains think of karma as fine "atomic particles" which cling to the soul (see KARMA). Deeds of violence, greed, selfishness, dishonesty, sexual misconduct, and covetousness obscure the soul. Acts of gentleness and penance lighten and liberate it.

Monks and nuns represent the ideal of Jainism. Monks own no property except a broom, simple robes, bowls for food, and walking sticks. They may not live in buildings except for brief periods, and they must beg for all their food. They perform severe penances to "burn out" the karmic matter weighing down the soul. They believe this lightens and frees the soul, so that it can rise to a state of perfect peace and purity. To attain this state, Jains must pursue the "three jewels" of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct. At the heart of Right Conduct for all Jains lie five vows. These are ahimsa, non-violence or non-injury; satya, speaking the truth; asteya, not taking anything which has not been given; brahmacharya, chastity; and aparigraha, nonpossession or detachment from people, places, and things.