The Shvetambara (White-Clad) are a Jainist sect. Svetambaras, unlike Digambaras, neither believe that ascetics must practice nudity, nor do they believe that women are unable to obtain moksha -- Shvetambara women are allowed to become ascetics. Svetambaras believe that the 19^th Tirthankara was a woman. There are ~5900 Svetambara nuns. (Fisher). Shvetambara saints and nuns cover their mouth with a white cloth to practise ahimsa even when they talk. By doing so they minimize the small bacteria that might get killed when they talk. Shvetambaras are less strict and believe that through change one can follow ahimsa on a larger scale. The hand with a wheel on the palm symbolizes the Jain Vow of Ahimsa, meaning non-injury and non-violence. ... A sect is a small religious group that has branched off of a larger established religion. ... The Digambara (Sky-Clad) are a Jainist sect, these are the followers of Bhadrabahu. ... This article is in need of attention. ... Nudity or nakedness is the state of wearing no clothing. ... This article is about a religious term. ... In Jainism, a Tirthankara (Fordmaker) is a human who achieved enlightenment, became a Jina, and whose religious teachings have formed the canon of Jainism; although not Gods, statues of Tirthankaras are found in temples. ... In general, a nun is a female ascetic who chooses to voluntarily leave the world and live her life in prayer and contemplation in a monastery or convent. ... Mary Pat Fisher is the director for international correspondence at the Gobind Sadan Institute of New Delhi. ... Ahimsa is a religious concept which advocates non-violence and a respect for all life. ...

References

• Fisher -- Living Religions (5th Edition) (2003), p.130