Answer

In Jain Pratikraman, a śrāvaka or śrāvikā recalls the 12 vows of lay conduct. These are called Bāra Vrata.

They are divided into three groups:

• 5 Aṇuvratas — small vows
• 3 Guṇavratas — strengthening vows
• 4 Śikṣāvratas — disciplinary or training vows

The 12 Vows

1. Ahimsā Aṇuvrata
The vow to avoid intentional violence and injury to living beings.

2. Satya Aṇuvrata
The vow to avoid falsehood and speak truthfully.

3. Achaurya / Asteya Aṇuvrata
The vow to avoid stealing or taking what is not given.

4. Brahmacharya Aṇuvrata
The vow of chastity according to the layperson’s stage of life.

5. Aparigraha Aṇuvrata
The vow to limit attachment to possessions and worldly desires.

6. Digvrata
The vow to limit movement and travel in different directions.

7. Bhogopabhoga Parimāṇa Vrata
The vow to limit consumable and non-consumable objects of enjoyment.

8. Anartha-daṇḍa Viramaṇa Vrata
The vow to avoid purposeless harmful activities, careless speech, and unnecessary sinful actions.

9. Sāmāyika Vrata
The vow to practice equanimity through Sāmāyika.

10. Deśāvakāśika Vrata
The vow to further restrict movement and activities for a limited time.

11. Pauṣadha / Poṣadha Vrata
The vow to live temporarily like a monk or nun by observing special religious discipline.

12. Atithi Samvibhāga Vrata
The vow to offer suitable food and necessities to worthy ascetics with devotion.

Explanation

During Pratikraman, these vows are recalled so that a layperson can reflect:

• Did I violate any vow knowingly or unknowingly?
• Did I cause harm through mind, speech, or body?
• Did I act with attachment, carelessness, anger, greed, pride, or deceit?
• Can I renew my resolve to live with more restraint?

The 12 vows guide householders to live a disciplined life while remaining in worldly responsibilities.

Spiritual Understanding

The purpose of these vows is not merely external discipline. They help reduce:

• violence
• falsehood
• greed
• attachment
• carelessness
• karmic bondage

By remembering them in Pratikraman, the devotee purifies the heart, asks forgiveness for faults, and renews the path of right conduct.

Takeaway

The 12 vows recalled in Pratikraman are the foundation of Jain lay life. They help a householder practice restraint, compassion, truthfulness, simplicity, and spiritual awareness while living in the world.