Sadhvini, Sādhvinī: 1 definition

Introduction:

Sadhvini means something in Jainism, Prakrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Jainism

General definition (in Jainism)

Source: Project Gutenberg: Buddhism and Jainism (By Professor Monier Williams)

Sādhvinī (साध्विनी) refers to “female ascetics”.—All laymen among the Jainas are called Śrāvakas, “hearers or disciples”, while the Yatis, or “self-restraining ascetics”, who constitute the only other division of both Jaina sects, are the supposed teachers (Gurus). Many of them, of course, never teach at all. They were formerly called Nirgrantha, “free from worldly ties”, and are often known by the general name of Sādhu, “holy men”. All are celibates, and most of them are cenobites, not anchorites. Sometimes four or five hundred live together in one monastery, which they call an Upāśraya, “place of retirement”, under a presiding abbot. They dress, like other Hindu ascetics, in yellowish-pink or salmon-coloured garments. There are also female ascetics (Sādhvinī, or, anciently, Nirgranthī), who may be seen occasionally in public places clothed in dresses of a similar colour.

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Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

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