In Jainism, it depends who you are talking about:

1. Jain monks and nuns (sadhu–sadhvi / muni–aryikā)

- They must be 100% celibate all their life. - No sexual activity, and even sexual thoughts and talk are to be avoided. - This is the Mahāvrat of Brahmacharya (great vow of celibacy). - Both Digambar and Shvetambar traditions are fully agreed on this.

1. Ordinary Jain men who are householders (shravak)

- They are not required to be fully celibate like monks. - Their vow is Brahmacharya Anuvrat (small/limited vow): - Sex only with their own lawful wife (swadāra-santosh – contentment with one’s own spouse). - No adultery, no premarital/extramarital relations, no sexual violence or exploitation. - Practice restraint and moderation, not indulgence. - As a man progresses spiritually (through pratimās etc.), he may choose periods of full celibacy, and some eventually take lifelong celibacy, but it is voluntary spiritual progress, not a basic rule for every layman.

Simple summary

• Jain monks/nuns: must stay completely celibate.
• Jain laymen: are allowed sex within marriage, but with strong self‑control, faithfulness, and the ideal of moving towards more and more brahmacharya over time.

You can read more about Jain views on sex and brahmacharya here:

• “Doing sex is permitted?”
• “How often to have sex”