• Aachaar (conduct): It means the actual code of daily behavior and practical duties. It is the how of living a Jain life—what you do, how you speak, what you avoid, and how you treat others. In Jainism, there are specific vows and rules for different groups:

- For ascetics (sadhu/sidhi): the Mahavratas (great vows) and related disciplined conduct. - For householders (shrāvaka): the Anuvrata or the twelve vows and daily practices. Aachaar is about order, discipline, and observable conduct that helps prevent new karmas and gradually purify the soul.

• Dharma (path/religion/virtuous conduct): It is the larger principle or path that guides all Jain practice. It includes the core ideals and aims of the spiritual journey, such as truth, non-violence, and self-discipline, and the overarching goal of liberation. In Jainism, Dharma also carries ontological meanings (the substance that allows motion) and ethical meanings (the tenfold virtues or dharmas), depending on context.

• Key differences (in simple terms):

- Scope: Aachaar = specific rules of conduct in daily life; Dharma = the broader path, philosophy, and ultimate aims of the Jain tradition. - Focus: Aachaar emphasizes observable behavior and vows; Dharma emphasizes the guiding principles and the path toward liberation. - Tradition notes: Both Digambar and Śvētāmbar traditions recognize a formal code of conduct (different sets of vows for laypeople and monks), and both honor the central idea that non-violence (ahimsa) is a foundational dharma. The exact formulations of vows and practices can vary between Digambar and Śvētāmbar schools, but the basic distinction between conduct (aachaar) and path/virtue (dharma) remains.