Wonderful decision. Living by Jain dharma, even for one year, can change your whole way of seeing life.

I’ll keep this very simple and practical.

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1. Understand the basic pillars for a Jain life

For a householder (shravak / shravika), we follow the small vows (anuvrat) based on the Panch Mahavrat:

1. Ahimsa – Non‑violence

- Do not hurt anyone by body, speech or mind. - Be very careful about killing even small insects. - Be gentle in words; avoid anger and harsh speech.

1. Satya – Truth

- Speak truth that is kind and helpful. - Avoid lies, gossip, and words that create fights.

1. Achaurya / Asteya – Non‑stealing

- Do not take anything not given. - Even small things (pens, time, data, etc.).

1. Brahmacharya – Control over sensuality

- Live with self‑control and purity. - Avoid vulgar content, bad company, and unnecessary desires.

1. Aparigraha – Non‑possessiveness

- Try to live simple. - Reduce extra clothes, gadgets, show‑off and greed.

You can read more about these vows here

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2. Start with food (very important in Jainism)

For this year, try to follow as much as you can:

• Always vegetarian.
• Avoid: eggs, meat, fish, alcohol.
• Slowly reduce or stop (depending on your capacity & tradition):

- root vegetables (potato, onion, garlic, carrot, etc.). - honey (harms many small beings).

• Try not to eat after sunset, or at least keep dinner very light and before it gets dark.

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3. Simple daily routine you can follow

Even if you are busy, you can try this:

Morning (5–15 minutes to start)

• As soon as you wake up:

- Mentally say “Namo Arihantanam…” (Namokar Mantra) 3–9 times. - Decide: “Today I will try to practice ahimsa, satya, and control of anger.”

During the day

• Before any action, think:

“Will this harm any living being?”

• Speak less; when you speak, speak softly and truthfully.
• Try to avoid:

- anger - ego - greed - deceit

Night (5–10 minutes)

• Sit quietly and do a small self‑check (pratikraman in simple form):

- “Whom did I hurt today by words, thoughts or actions?” - Feel true regret, and mentally say “Michchhami Dukkadam” to all.

• Chant Namokar Mantra again.

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4. Weekly / monthly Jain practices for this year

Try to add slowly:

• Once a week (or once in 15 days):

- Do Ekasana (eat only once) or Ayambil if you know how. - Or at least do simple fasting from junk / sweets as a step toward tapas.

• Once a month:

- Visit a Jain temple. - Do darshan of Tirthankar Bhagwan, sit quietly for 10 minutes, and reflect on their qualities.

• Regular Swadhyay (study)

- Read or listen to basic Jain stories or concepts a few minutes daily: - Life of Mahavir Bhagwan - Stories of shravaks/shravikas - Simple explanations of karma, ahimsa, etc.

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5. Inner attitude for the whole year

• See all souls as equal – human, animal, insect.
• Remember:

“I am soul (atma), separate from body and mind.”

• Try to reduce:

- Criticizing others - Blaming / complaining - Attachment and hatred (raag–dvesh)

Even if you cannot follow everything perfectly, sincere effort itself is great punya in Jain dharma.

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6. If you feel confused

You can move in this order:

1. Month 1–2: Focus on Ahimsa + food discipline.
2. Month 3–4: Add daily prayer + nightly reflection.
3. Month 5–8: Add fasting / Ekasana / Ayambil sometimes + regular swadhyay.
4. Month 9–12: Work more deeply on anger, ego, greed, attachment.

May Arihant Bhagwan give you strength to walk on this path and make this year truly dharmic and peaceful.