Final answer:
The Digambara sect of Jainism believes that women cannot achieve liberation without first being reborn as men and are seen as a significant temptation to men.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Jain sect that believes women have no chance of achieving release and are regarded as the greatest of all temptations to a man is Digambara. According to the Digambara sect, women are thought to be unable to achieve moksha (liberation) without first being reborn as a man, hence are not allowed to participate as monks. Digambara Jains also uphold the practice of severe asceticism, considering it essential for one's liberation.
Throughout various periods in Indian history, the role and spiritual status of women have seen significant changes. While early dialogues, such as those involving the sage Gargi, indicate a period when women attained high levels of enlightenment and learning, later developments in Indian culture imposed a more patriarchal framework, often confining women to dependent roles. Buddhism promised greater independence and status for women, yet even within its monastic structure, women encountered patriarchal constraints. The Digambara sect's view of women and moksha represents one of the more pronounced instances of gender-based spiritual hierarchy within Indian religious traditions.