In Jainism, the idea of what is good and bad comes from enlightened teachers who showed the right path. The Tirthankaras (the twenty-four spiritual teachers in this era) reveal dharma—codes of conduct and moral principles. They teach that true good is living with ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (celibacy), and aparigraha (non-attachment), along with right understanding and conduct.

Two key points:

• The Tirthankaras, especially Mahavira (the 24th), are the primary sources of Jain ethics. Their teachings are preserved in Jain scriptures and traditions.
• There are differences in how these teachings are organized and interpreted between Digambara and Śvetāmbara traditions, but both agree that moral conduct, self-discipline, and spiritual purification lead to the right way of living.

If you’d like, I can share a simple, everyday summary of these five vows and how they guidance right behavior.