Answer

In Jain Dharma, the 12 Atichars commonly refer to the 12 transgressions related to the 5 Anuvrats observed by Shravaks and Shravikas.

They are:

1. Atichars of Ahimsa Anuvrat

• Bandha – tying or binding living beings harshly
• Vadha – beating or injuring living beings
• Chheda – cutting, piercing, or mutilating living beings
• Atibhara Aropana – overloading humans or animals
• Anna-pana Nirodha – depriving living beings of food or water

2. Atichars of Satya Anuvrat

• Sahasabhyakhyana – making false accusations without proper thought
• Rahasya Abhyakhyana – revealing someone’s secrets wrongly
• Svadhara Mantra Bheda – revealing confidential matters of one’s spouse or family
• Mrsha Upadesha – giving false advice or misleading guidance
• Kuta Lekha Kriya – preparing false documents or forgery

3. Atichars of Achaurya / Asteya Anuvrat

• Stenaprayoga – encouraging or helping theft
• Tadahrta Adana – receiving or buying stolen goods

Takeaway

These 12 Atichars are warnings against subtle violations of the vows. Jain Dharma teaches that even when a person does not directly break a vow, careless actions, support, encouragement, or negligence can still weaken spiritual discipline.