The Neo-Digambara School

The Neo-Digambara School article explores the emergence of a Neo‑Digambara tradition that developed at the intersection of Jainism’s Digambara and Yapaniya sects. After reviewing the classical division between Digambara, Śvetāmbara and Yāpaniya orders, the author explains how the Yapaniyas spread across Karnataka between the second and twelfth centuries and functioned as a bridge between Digambara monks, who insisted on complete renunciation and nudity, and Śvetāmbara monks, who wore white robes. Yapaniya monks followed Digambara customs such as going naked, but they also adopted Śvetāmbara ideas such as allowing clothes during illness and recognising the spiritual potential of women and non‑Jains. These inclusive practices made them closer to Śvetāmbara than Digambara Jains. The author situates the Neo‑Digambara school in this context of doctrinal fluidity. He discusses how scholars like Vimalasūri and later poets such as Raviseṇa and Puṇṇāṭa Jinasena produced epics that blended Digambara, Śvetāmbara and Yapaniya viewpoints. He analyses key texts—including the Paumacariyam, Harivaṃśapurāṇa and Rāmāyaṇa commentaries—to show how Neo‑Digambara authors borrowed stories, rituals and philosophical positions from different sects while maintaining their core belief in a naked ascetic ideal. The article concludes that the Neo‑Digambara school cannot be neatly categorised as Digambara or Śvetāmbara; rather, it should be recognised as a distinct fourth tradition that emerged from the dynamic exchange of ideas among Digambara, Śvetāmbara and Yapaniya monks. By tracing this evolution, the article highlights the historical interplay between sects and the ways in which Jain communities adapted to regional and social contexts.

Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.