In Jainism, the "28 Mūlguṇas" (मूलगुण) refer to the fundamental rules or essential attributes that every Jain Sadhu (monk) and Sadhvi (nun) must strictly observe. These are foundational vows for ascetics and are considered the minimum required for the Jain monastic code of conduct.

Here are the 28 Mūlguṇas for a Jain Sadhu:

The Five Mahāvratas (Great Vows)

1. Ahimsa (Non-violence)
2. Satya (Truth)
3. Asteya (Non-stealing)
4. Brahmacharya (Celibacy)
5. Aparigraha (Non-possession)

The Five Samitis (Regulations for Careful Conduct)

1. Iryā Samiti (Care in walking)
2. Bhāṣā Samiti (Care in speaking)
3. Eṣaṇā Samiti (Care in accepting alms)
4. Ādan-nikṣepa Samiti (Care in handling things)
5. Utsarga Samiti (Care in disposing of waste)

The Three Guptis (Restraints or Controls)

1. Mano-gupti (Control of mind)
2. Vāg-gupti (Control of speech)
3. Kāya-gupti (Control of body)

The Six Essentials (Ṣadāvaśyaka)

1. Sāmāyika (Equanimity)
2. Chaturviṃśati-stava (Praise of the 24 Tirthankaras)
3. Vandanā (Respectful salutation to teachers)
4. Pratikramaṇa (Repentance and reflection)
5. Kāyotsarga (Meditation by abandoning the body)
6. Pratyākhyāna (Renunciation or resolution)

The Eight Rules for Care in Daily Life (8 Mūlguṇas)

1. Not eating at night (Rātribhojana tyāga)
2. Not eating food that is not offered (Aparigraha in food)
3. Not accepting food that is not suitable (Vigai tyāga)
4. Not consuming green vegetables (especially root vegetables)
5. Not eating raw food
6. Not using items with living creatures
7. Not using honey
8. Not using butter, ghee, or oil that is old or contaminated
9. Not eating fruits with seeds

Note: The last eight may vary in formulation according to sect (Digambara and Śvetāmbara) and tradition, but the essence remains strict discipline in food and conduct.

Summary Table

| Group | Count | Explanation | |---------------------------|-------|-----------------------------------------------------| | Mahāvrata (Great vows) | 5 | Foundational vows | | Samiti (Careful conduct) | 5 | Regulations for careful, non-violent behavior | | Gupti (Controls) | 3 | Control of mind, speech, and body | | Ṣadāvaśyaka (Essentials) | 6 | Daily essential practices | | Additional Rules | 9 | Strict rules mainly regarding food and conduct | | Total | 28| |

These 28 Mūlguṇas are the backbone of the Jain monastic discipline and form the core of ascetic practice, ensuring purity of thought, speech, and action.