Practices in Jainism

Jain practice is graded. The same vows bind ascetics absolutely and householders partially, and the tradition is explicit that a partial vow kept honestly is worth more than a total one kept badly.

The five vows - non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity and non-possession - are taken as mahavratas by ascetics and as anuvratas, their limited form, by lay Jains. Around them sit the six obligatory practices, the avashyakas, which structure pratikraman; the practice of samayika, a fixed period of equanimity; and the disciplines of fasting and dietary restraint that make the doctrine of non-violence concrete three times a day.

21 questions in this topic

In-depth guides

  • Pratikraman — 'Turning back' - the structured self-review at the centre of Jain practice, performed daily by some and once a year by many.
  • Jain Fasting and Tapasya — What each fast actually permits, from skipping one meal to the year-long varshi tap - and the reasoning behind them.
  • Food and Diet During Paryushan — Root vegetables, greens, and eating after sunset - the reasoning behind each restriction, and what people actually eat.
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