The 18 Pāpsthānak are the 18 causes of sin in Jain Dharma. They are actions and thoughts that bind pāpa karma to the soul.

18 Pāpsthānak

1. Prāṇātipāt – हिंसा / killing or hurting living beings
2. Mṛṣāvād – lying
3. Adattādān – stealing
4. Maithun – sexual indulgence / unchaste conduct
5. Parigrah – possessiveness / attachment to possessions
6. Krodh – anger
7. Mān – ego / pride
8. Māyā – deceit / cunning
9. Lobh – greed
10. Rāg – attachment
11. Dveṣ – hatred / aversion
12. Kalaha – quarrel
13. Abhyākhyān – false accusation
14. Paisunya – backbiting / gossip
15. Rati-arati – liking and disliking without balance
16. Par-parivād – criticizing others
17. Māyāmṛṣāvād – deceitful lying
18. Mithyātva – wrong belief / false faith

Essence

These are considered doors to karma bondage. A Jain साधक tries to avoid them through:

• Ahimsa
• Satya
• Aparigraha
• Samyak Darshan
• Self-control and forgiveness

In short, the 18 Pāpsthānak are the main faults that pull the soul toward bondage and suffering.