Here are the basic niyams (vows) you can take, depending on your path in Jainism:

• If you are a lay Jain (householder)

- Five anuvratas (small vows) to practice in daily life: 1) Ahimsa — non-violence in thought, speech, and action 2) Satya — truthfulness 3) Asteya — non-stealing 4) Brahmacharya — restraint in sexual conduct (for lay followers, this means fidelity within marriage and controlled conduct) 5) Aparigraha — non-attachment to possessions (moderation and simple living)

• If you are an ascetic (monk/nun)

- Five mahavratas (great vows): 1) Ahimsa — strict non-violence 2) Satya — strict truth 3) Asteya — non-stealing 4) Brahmacharya — complete brahmacharya (celibacy) 5) Aparigraha — complete renunciation of possessions and attachments

• Important note on differences

- The core vows are the same in principle, but the scope and practice can differ between Digambar and Shwetambar communities. For example, laypeople’ Brahmacharya is understood as fidelity within marriage, while monks/nuns observe complete celibacy. Jain communities may also add guidance (like additional shiksha vrata or samvara practices) to support a gradual path.

If you’d like, I can outline a simple, step-by-step plan to start observing these vows in daily life, or tailor them to your current situation.