DIGAMBAR Meaning and
Definition
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Digambar is a Sanskrit term that is widely used in Jainism to describe a particular sect or sect members who follow a specific type of religious practice. The word "digambar" can be broken down into two components: "diga," meaning "direction" or "space," and "ambara," meaning "cloth" or "garment." Thus, "digambar" can be interpreted as "sky-clad" or "clad in space."
In Jainism, digambar refers to ascetic practitioners who believe in complete nudity as a means of renouncing material possessions and worldly desires. Digambar monks, in particular, adhere to the belief that shedding all clothing is a symbol of eliminating attachment to worldly possessions, including clothing itself. Therefore, they wander naked, relying solely on alms for sustenance and living a life of spiritual purity and simplicity.
Digambar is also used to describe the sect that follows this particular tradition of Jainism. As a specific sect within Jainism, the Digambar tradition differs from the Śvetāmbara tradition, which allows the wearing of white clothing by both monks and nuns.
Overall, digambar can refer to individuals or a religious sect that practices Jainism and espouses the belief in complete nudity as a means of spiritual liberation and detachment from the material world.
Etymology of DIGAMBAR
The word "digambar" is derived from the Sanskrit language. In Sanskrit, "diga" means "direction" or "quarters", and "ambara" means "sky" or "space". Therefore, "digambar" literally translates to "sky-clad" or "direction-covered". This term is primarily associated with the Jain community, referring to the ascetic practitioners who renounce worldly possessions, including clothing, and wander naked as a display of their non-attachment to material possessions.
