In Jainism, Vrat (vow) means a conscious promise of self‑restraint, taken to purify the soul and reduce karmas.

Broadly, there are two levels of vows:

1. Mahā‑vrat (Great / Absolute vows) – for monks and nuns
2. Anu‑vrat (Small / Limited vows) + other vows – for householders (shravak–shravika)

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1. Mahā‑vrat – 5 Great Vows (for Sadhus / Sadhvis)

These are observed in the purest, absolute form – in thought, word, and action:

1. Ahimsa Mahā‑vrat – Absolute Non‑violence

No injury to any living being (from one‑sensed to five‑sensed), directly, indirectly, or by approval.

1. Satya Mahā‑vrat – Absolute Truthfulness

Always speaking beneficial truth; never telling or supporting a lie.

1. Achaurya / Asteya Mahā‑vrat – Absolute Non‑stealing

Not taking anything which is not clearly given; no misuse of others’ things.

1. Brahmacharya Mahā‑vrat – Absolute Celibacy

Complete control over sexual passions, even at the thought level.

1. Aparigraha Mahā‑vrat – Absolute Non‑possessiveness

Giving up all possessions and attachments; living with the bare minimum.

These five are the core of sadhu‑charitra (ascetic conduct).

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2. Vrats for Householders – 12 Vows

A householder cannot live like a monk, so scriptures give 12 graded vows, so that one can progress while living in society:

(A) 5 Anu‑vrat – Small / Limited Vows

1. Ahimsa Anu‑vrat – Limited Non‑violence

Avoid intentional harm to humans and higher life‑forms; minimize unavoidable violence in jobs, travel, cooking, etc.

1. Satya Anu‑vrat – Limited Truth

Do not lie or speak words that cheat, harm, or mislead others.

1. Achaurya / Asteya Anu‑vrat – Limited Non‑stealing

Do not steal, do not take without permission, do not encourage corruption or cheating.

1. Brahmacharya Anu‑vrat – Limited Celibacy

Faithfulness to one’s life‑partner; no extra‑marital physical or mental relations.

1. Aparigraha Anu‑vrat – Limited Possession

Put a limit on money, property, comforts, and desires; earn honestly and avoid greed.

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(B) 3 Guna‑vrat – Supporting / Merit Vows

These strengthen the above 5:

1. Dik‑vrat (Dig‑vrata) – Limit of direction / area

Fix a boundary for travel and activities to reduce violence.

1. Bhogopabhog‑pariman‑vrat – Limit on use and enjoyment

Decide limits on what and how much you will use/consume (food, clothes, gadgets, luxuries).

1. Anarth‑danda‑vrat – Avoid purposeless sins

Avoid useless talk, gossip, time‑pass violence, useless addictions, etc.

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(C) 4 Shiksha‑vrat – Training / Disciplinary Vows

These train us like mini‑sadhus:

1. Samayik Vrat – Vow of equanimity / meditation

For at least one muhurt (~48 min), sit in equality, do pratikraman, jap, or swadhyay, leaving worldly roles aside.

1. Desh‑avakashik Vrat (Desavakasika) – Extra limitation for a short time

Further reduce movements, activities, or use of things for a fixed period/day.

1. Poshadh / Paushadh Vrat – Living like a monk for a day

On chosen days, stay in the temple/home, follow near‑ascetic routine, focus only on dharma.

1. Atithi‑samvibhag Vrat – Vow of sharing with worthy guests

Offer food, things, and respect to sadhus‑sadhvis and deserving needy, with pure feeling (no ego, no expectation).

A clear, simple write‑up of these 12 vows is available here: You can read more here

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Purpose of Vrats in Jainism

• Control passions (krodh, maan, maya, lobh)
• Reduce new karmas and shed old karmas
• Slowly move from bhogi (enjoyer) life to yogi (disciplined) life
• Prepare the soul for moksha marga (path of liberation)

In short:

• For monks – 5 Mahā‑vrat in absolute form.
• For householders – 12 vows (5 Anu‑vrat + 3 Guna‑vrat + 4 Shiksha‑vrat), taken as per one’s capacity, but always with the aim of spiritual progress.