Do laypeople have to sweep the ground in front of them?
Yes. In Jain practice, many lay followers sweep the ground in front of them before walking. This small act of sweeping with a tiny broom is done to minimize harm to tiny living beings that might be on the path and to cultivate mindfulness and non-violence (ahimsa) in daily life.
Both Digambar and Shwetambar communities encourage this, though the exact formal emphasis can vary by local tradition or context. In everyday life, it’s common to see households using a small hand broom when moving about, especially in temples, homes, or during activities where there’s a lot of foot movement.
If you’d like, tell me which tradition you’re asking about (Digambar or Shwetambar) and I can explain any small differences in how that practice is described or emphasized in that tradition.