100 niyam for daily

In Jainism, "niyam" refers to vows, rules, or disciplines that guide daily conduct, fostering spiritual progress and self-restraint. While traditional Jain practice emphasizes the five major vows (Mahavratas for ascetics; Anuvratas for householders) and various supplementary vows and rules, some Jain communities, especially among lay followers (Shravaks and Shravikas), observe a set of "100 niyam" or daily disciplines to lead a righteous life.

These "100 niyam" are not found as a single standardized list in Jain scriptures, but are often compiled from various texts, community traditions, and teachings of Jain Acharyas, especially among the Shwetambar Terapanthi and other sects. The purpose is to cultivate discipline, compassion, non-violence (ahimsa), and spiritual awareness in daily life.

Below is a representative list of 100 Jain niyams for daily observance, covering personal, social, and spiritual conduct. Please note, these may vary by tradition and teacher, but they generally include the following themes:

Personal Discipline and Spiritual Practice

1. Wake up before sunrise.
2. Practice Samayik (meditation of equanimity) daily.
3. Perform Pratikraman (repentance and reflection) daily.
4. Recite Navkar Mantra every day.
5. Observe silence (maun) for a set time.
6. Study Jain scriptures (Swadhyaya).
7. Practice Kayotsarga (meditative relaxation).
8. Abstain from eating after sunset (Chauvihar).
9. Fast on auspicious days (Upvas).
10. Observe periodic Pakkhi Upvas (biweekly fasts).
11. Limit number of food items per meal.
12. Eat only what is necessary (Aparigraha).
13. Avoid night eating.
14. Avoid root vegetables (kand-mool).
15. Eat only pure, vegetarian food (Ahimsa).
16. Avoid honey and alcohol.
17. Drink filtered water.
18. Avoid violence in speech, thought, and action.
19. Perform daily self-reflection.
20. Maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
21. Bathe daily.
22. Wear clean clothes.
23. Avoid attachment to possessions.
24. Practice forgiveness (Kshama).
25. Avoid anger.
26. Avoid pride (maan).
27. Avoid deceit (maya).
28. Avoid greed (lobh).
29. Practice humility.
30. Speak truthfully.
31. Avoid gossip.
32. Avoid backbiting.
33. Avoid harsh speech.
34. Avoid idle talk.
35. Respect elders.
36. Be compassionate to all living beings.
37. Donate to charity (daan).
38. Avoid stealing.
39. Avoid sexual misconduct.
40. Limit desires.
41. Practice contentment.
42. Avoid jealousy.
43. Practice gratitude.
44. Avoid unnecessary travel.
45. Avoid harming insects or small living beings.
46. Offer food to monks/nuns when possible.
47. Attend Jain temple regularly.
48. Offer prayers to the Tirthankaras.
49. Avoid superstitions.
50. Trust in karma and its fruits.

Family and Social Conduct

1. Respect parents and elders.
2. Care for children and dependents.
3. Maintain harmony in family.
4. Speak politely to family members.
5. Help the needy.
6. Participate in community service.
7. Avoid quarrels.
8. Reconcile after disagreements.
9. Avoid partiality.
10. Forgive others’ mistakes.
11. Teach children Jain values.
12. Respect teachers and gurus.
13. Support Jain monks and nuns.
14. Participate in Jain festivals.
15. Protect the environment.
16. Avoid wastefulness.
17. Respect others' faiths.
18. Avoid intoxicants.
19. Avoid gambling.
20. Avoid lying for personal gain.
21. Encourage ethical living.
22. Avoid harming plants unnecessarily.
23. Avoid animal products.
24. Support vegetarianism in society.

Daily Rituals and Worship

1. Light a lamp before the idol of Tirthankaras.
2. Offer flowers or rice grains at the temple.
3. Perform Ashta Prakari Puja.
4. Recite Jain prayers and stotras.
5. Circumambulate the idol (Pradakshina).
6. Bow to the Panch Parmeshthi.
7. Observe proper etiquette in temple.
8. Maintain cleanliness in places of worship.
9. Avoid bringing leather or non-veg into temple.
10. Meditate in temple premises.
11. Listen to Jain discourses.
12. Encourage others to visit temple.

Ethical and Environmental Practices

1. Avoid using silk, leather, and animal-derived products.
2. Avoid harming aquatic life.
3. Avoid cutting trees unnecessarily.
4. Use biodegradable materials.
5. Minimize use of electricity and water.
6. Avoid plastic as much as possible.
7. Plant and nurture trees.
8. Encourage non-violence in society.
9. Spread awareness about Jain values.
10. Support education of Jain children.
11. Preserve Jain scriptures and artefacts.
12. Participate in community cleanliness drives.
13. Encourage adoption of Jain rituals at home.
14. Reflect on one’s spiritual progress daily.

These niyams cultivate a life of discipline, non-violence, self-restraint, compassion, and spiritual growth, as taught by Jain Tirthankaras. For a more specific list, refer to local Jain community publications or consult a Jain Acharya or teacher in your tradition.