Answer

In Jain Dharma, Prāṇātipāt means injury, harm, or killing of living beings.

It comes from:

• Prāṇa = life-force or vitalities of a living being
• Atipāt = to destroy, injure, or violate

So, Prāṇātipāt means harming the life-forces of any living being, whether by body, speech, or mind.

Explanation

Prāṇātipāt is the opposite of Ahimsa. In Jain ethics, harming any living being—human, animal, insect, plant, or even subtle life—is considered a form of violence.

It may happen through:

• Direct action — personally harming or killing
• Causing others to harm
• Approving or supporting harm done by others

Jain Dharma teaches that even careless actions can cause harm, so awareness and restraint are very important.

Spiritual Understanding

Prāṇātipāt binds harmful karma to the soul because it arises from carelessness, anger, greed, attachment, or lack of compassion.

That is why Ahimsa Mahāvrata for monks and nuns, and Ahimsa Anuvrata for householders, focus on avoiding Prāṇātipāt as much as possible.

Takeaway

Prāṇātipāt means harming or destroying life. Jain Dharma asks us to reduce such harm through compassion, carefulness, and non-violence.