what is barasa sutra
Barasa Sutra (Barah/Barasa Sutra) is a Jain text commonly understood in two main “twelve-part” traditions:
- Barasa Anuvrata (Twelve vows for a shravak): twelve lay vows for a Jain lay practitioner—five minor vows (anuvratas), three merit-enhancing vows (gunavratas), and four discipline vows (shiksha-vratas). Its aim is to cultivate nonviolence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy/chastity, and non-possessiveness in daily life, helping reduce karmic bondage. This form is accepted in both Digambar and Shvetambar communities, with minor wording differences in some lineages. ( jainknowledge.com)
- Barasa Bhavna / Dwadash Anupreksha (Twelve contemplations): twelve inner reflections to steady the mind—anitya (impermanence), asprashṇa/ashena (detachment), samsara, ekatva/anyatva (oneness/otherness), asuchi (impurity), asrava (influx of karmas), samvara (stoppage of influx), nirjara (shedding of karma), loka (world), bodhi-durlabha (rare, precious enlightenment), and dharma. These meditations support daily vows and inner purification. This form is also followed across traditions, with minor phrasing differences. ( jainknowledge.com)
Important notes:
- The term “Barasa Sutra” is most often used to refer to these two well-known twelve-part traditions within Jain practice. Both aim to regulate conduct (through vows) and refine inner vision (through reflections), guiding practitioners toward liberation. ( jainknowledge.com)
- In many communities, “Barasa Sutra” is intimately linked with the Kalpa Sūtra (the Kalpa Sutra is sometimes called Barasa Sutra because it contains the twelve-fold framework and is recited during Paryushan), and both terms are used for the same essential scripture in practice. ( jainknowledge.com)