Is Jainism way of life?
Yes. In Jainism, the path is not just a set of beliefs but a complete way of life (dharma) for living rightly every day.
- For all Jains: live with ahimsa (non-violence), truth, non-stealing, celibacy or faithful conduct, and non-attachment to possessions. These are the core ethical duties that guide daily behavior.
- For lay followers: these five vows are called anuvratas and shape how you think, speak, and act in family, work, and community.
- For monk/nun (ascetics): stricter path called mahavratas, guiding their entire lifestyle and aims for spiritual liberation.
Important distinctions:
- Digambar and Śvētāmbar traditions agree on the essential aim (liberation) and many core vows, but they have slight differences in practices and interpretations of certain texts and practices.
- The spiritual aim remains the same across traditions: purify the soul, overcome karma, and attain moksha (liberation).
If you’d like, I can share a simple outline of the five vows and how they are observed in daily life.