Here are the main tenets (core principles) of Jainism in very simple form:

1. Ahimsa – Non‑violence

- Do not harm any living being in thought, word, or action. - This is the central principle of Jainism.

1. Satya – Truthfulness

- Speak and live truthfully. - Truth should be spoken in a way that does not hurt or cause violence to anyone.

1. Asteya – Non‑stealing

- Do not take anything that is not willingly given. - This includes not cheating, not exploiting others’ time or resources.

1. Brahmacharya – Chastity / Control of Senses

- Control over sexual and other sensual desires. - For monks and nuns: complete celibacy. - For laypeople: faithfulness and self‑control.

1. Aparigraha – Non‑possessiveness / Non‑attachment

- Limit possessions and reduce attachment to things and people. - Live simply and avoid greed.

These five are followed in a very strict form by ascetics (as Mahavrat – great vows) and in a limited, practical form by householders (as Anuvrat – small vows). Both Digambar and Shvetambar traditions accept these five as the core ethical vows of Jain Dharma. ( jainknowledge.com)

Other important Jain principles closely related to these are:

• Ratnatraya – The Three Jewels

1. Samyak Darshan – Right Faith 2. Samyak Jnana – Right Knowledge 3. Samyak Charitra – Right Conduct These three together form the path to liberation. ( jainknowledge.com)

• Anekantavada – Non‑one‑sidedness

- Reality is many‑sided; we should respect multiple viewpoints.

• Syadvada – Conditional viewpoint

- Any statement is true only under certain conditions and from a certain angle, so we avoid dogmatism and see truth as nuanced. ( jainknowledge.com)

If you’d like, I can next explain how a normal person can practice these principles in daily life in simple steps.