give name and explanation of all vows

In Jainism, vows (vratas) are central to ethical and spiritual practice. They are classified primarily into two categories: Mahavratas (Great Vows) for ascetics/monks and Anuvratas (Lesser Vows) for laypersons. There are also supplementary vows for laypersons. Here is an explanation:

1. Five Great Vows (Mahavratas) – For Monks/Nuns

1. Ahimsa Mahavrata (Great vow of non-violence)

- Absolute renunciation of all forms of violence—physical, verbal, or mental—towards all living beings.

1. Satya Mahavrata (Great vow of truthfulness)

- Commitment to always speak the truth and avoid falsehood, deception, or exaggeration.

1. Asteya Mahavrata (Great vow of non-stealing)

- Not taking anything that is not willingly given, including avoiding thoughts of taking what belongs to others.

1. Brahmacharya Mahavrata (Great vow of celibacy)

- Complete renunciation of sexual activity and sensual pleasures.

1. Aparigraha Mahavrata (Great vow of non-possession/non-attachment)

- Renouncing all attachments to material possessions, relationships, and emotions, living with only the barest necessities.

---

2. Five Lesser Vows (Anuvratas) – For Laypersons

Laypersons observe the same five vows but in a less rigorous way:

1. Ahimsa Anuvrata (Limited vow of non-violence)

- Avoiding intentional harm to humans and higher forms of life; minimizing harm to lower life forms as much as possible.

1. Satya Anuvrata (Limited vow of truthfulness)

- Endeavoring to always speak the truth, avoiding lies and deceit in daily life.

1. Asteya Anuvrata (Limited vow of non-stealing)

- Not taking anything which is not given, in personal and business life.

1. Brahmacharya Anuvrata (Limited vow of chastity)

- Faithfulness to one’s spouse and avoiding sexual misconduct.

1. Aparigraha Anuvrata (Limited vow of non-attachment)

- Limiting possessions and curbing desires for material objects.

---

3. Supplementary Vows for Laypersons

A. Three Gunavratas (Merit Vows)

1. Digvrata: Limiting movement to certain directions or places to decrease the chances of harming life.
2. Bhogopabhogaparimana: Limiting the use and enjoyment of consumable and non-consumable items.
3. Anartha-danda-viramana: Avoiding purposeless or harmful activities (such as gossip, idle talk, or wasteful acts).

B. Four Shiksha Vows (Disciplinary Vows)

1. Samayika: Practicing equanimity or meditation at regular intervals.
2. Desavakasika: Limiting activities to a certain area for a fixed period.
3. Paushadha: Living like a monk/nun for a day or more (fasting, increased spiritual practice).
4. Atithi Samvibhaga: Offering food, charity, or hospitality to monks, nuns, and needy individuals.

---

Summary Table:

| Vows for Monks/Nuns (Mahavratas) | Vows for Laypersons (Anuvratas) | Supplementary Vows | |----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Ahimsa (Absolute Non-violence) | Ahimsa (Limited Non-violence) | Digvrata (Direction-limit) | | Satya (Absolute Truth) | Satya (Limited Truth) | Bhogopabhogaparimana (Use-limit) | | Asteya (Absolute Non-stealing) | Asteya (Limited Non-stealing) | Anartha-danda-viramana (No purposeless acts) | | Brahmacharya (Absolute Celibacy) | Brahmacharya (Limited Chastity) | Samayika (Equanimity practice) | | Aparigraha (Absolute Non-possession) | Aparigraha (Limited Non-possession) | Desavakasika (Area-limit) | | | | Paushadha (Monk-like living) | | | | Atithi Samvibhaga (Charity) |

---

By observing these vows, Jains cultivate self-restraint, reduce harm to living beings, and progress on the path to spiritual liberation (moksha).