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 19th 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.
References
- Fisher -- Living Religions (5th Edition) (2003), p.130
