Answer

In Jain Dharma, the five precepts are called the Five Vows or Pañca Mahāvrata / Pañca Aṇuvrata, depending on whether they are practiced by monks/nuns or householders.

They are:

• Ahimsa – Non-violence
• Satya – Truthfulness
• Achaurya / Asteya – Non-stealing
• Brahmacharya – Celibacy or control of sensual desires
• Aparigraha – Non-possession / non-attachment

Explanation

• Ahimsa: Do not harm any living being through thought, speech, or action.
• Satya: Speak truth that is beneficial and non-harmful.
• Achaurya: Do not take anything that is not willingly given.
• Brahmacharya: For monks and nuns, this means complete celibacy. For householders, it means faithfulness and self-control.
• Aparigraha: Reduce attachment to possessions, desires, and worldly accumulation.

Spiritual Understanding

For Jain monks and nuns, these are practiced as Mahāvrata — great vows, in the highest and strictest form.

For householders, they are practiced as Aṇuvrata — smaller vows, adapted to family and social life.

Takeaway

The five Jain precepts guide a person toward purity of conduct, compassion, self-control, and liberation from karmic bondage.