Answer

In Jain Dharma, the “14 rules” usually refer to the 14 Rajlok Rules / 14 Niyams followed by many Jains, especially during Paryushan, Ayambil Oli, or daily spiritual discipline.

They are practical self-control rules connected with food, movement, and daily conduct.

14 Rules

• 1. Sachitta Tyag – Avoid eating living food items such as raw fruits, raw vegetables, sprouts, etc.
• 2. Dravya Maryada – Limit the number of food items used in a day.
• 3. Vigai Tyag – Avoid rich or indulgent foods such as milk, curd, ghee, oil, sweets, etc.
• 4. Rasa Tyag – Give up certain tastes to reduce attachment to the tongue.
• 5. Dudh Tyag – Avoid milk.
• 6. Dahi Tyag – Avoid curd/yogurt.
• 7. Ghee Tyag – Avoid ghee.
• 8. Tel Tyag – Avoid oil.
• 9. Gud Tyag – Avoid jaggery.
• 10. Mithai Tyag – Avoid sweets.
• 11. Vanaspati Tyag – Avoid certain green vegetables or plant-based items depending on the vow taken.
• 12. Kandmool Tyag – Avoid root vegetables such as potato, onion, garlic, carrot, etc.
• 13. Ratri Bhojan Tyag – Avoid eating after sunset.
• 14. Ekasana / Beasana / Ayambil – Practice controlled eating, such as eating once, twice, or doing Ayambil.

Explanation

These rules help a person practice:

• Ahimsa – reducing harm to living beings
• Sanyam – self-control
• Aparigraha – reducing attachment
• Tap – spiritual austerity

Spiritual Understanding

The purpose of these rules is not only food restriction. Their deeper goal is to reduce desires, control the senses, and make the soul lighter by avoiding unnecessary attachment and violence.

Takeaway

The 14 rules of Jain practice are a way to live with more discipline, non-violence, purity, and awareness.