Jain monks and nuns follow Panch Mahavrat – the five great vows. These are taken in the highest, strictest form (much stricter than laypeople’s anuvrat).

1. Ahimsa Mahavrat – Great vow of non‑violence

• Do not harm any living being (even tiny insects) by mind, speech or body.
• Walk carefully, speak carefully, eat carefully so that minimum life is harmed.
• No killing, no hurting, no supporting violence in any way.

2. Satya Mahavrat – Great vow of truth

• Always speak truth which is also non‑hurtful.
• No lying, cheating, gossip, backbiting, or words that create anger, fear or violence.
• If truth will cause big harm, they prefer silence.

3. Asteya Mahavrat – Great vow of non‑stealing

• Never take anything which is not willingly given.
• Not even small things like a pin, paper, or extra food without permission.
• Even the desire to take others’ things is avoided.

4. Brahmacharya Mahavrat – Great vow of complete celibacy

• Total celibacy in thought, word and body.
• No marriage, no physical touch with opposite gender, no sensual talk or thoughts.
• All energy is turned towards spiritual progress.

5. Aparigraha Mahavrat – Great vow of non‑possessiveness

• No ownership of money, property, or personal things (even clothes for Digambar monks).
• Use only what is absolutely necessary for survival, and that too with detachment.
• No attachment to people, places, praise, or material comfort.

Digambar and Shvetambar

• Both traditions accept the same five Mahavrats.
• Practical rules (dress, food method, etc.) differ, but the meaning and purpose of the vows are the same:

to make the soul light, pure, and ready for moksha.

You can read a simple explanation of these vows here