Answer

The 5 main principles of Jainism are called the Five Vows or Panch Mahavrat:

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

Explanation

• Ahimsa: Do not harm any living being through thought, speech, or action.
• Satya: Speak the truth in a kind and beneficial way.
• Achaurya: Do not take anything that is not willingly given.
• Brahmacharya: Practice purity and self-control over desires.
• Aparigraha: Reduce attachment to possessions, wealth, relationships, and worldly desires.

Spiritual Understanding

These five principles help a soul reduce karma and move toward purity, peace, and liberation. For Jain monks and nuns, they are followed as Mahavrat — great vows. For householders, they are followed in a limited form as Anuvrat — smaller vows.

Takeaway

The heart of Jainism is to live with non-violence, truth, self-control, honesty, and detachment.