Answer

Yes. In Jain history, ordinary Jain householders did have married life and children. Jain Dharma does not say that all people must avoid sex completely.

However, Jainism teaches that sexual desire is a form of attachment and passion, so it must be controlled.

Explanation

In Jain Dharma, there are two main ways of life:

• Sadhu-Sadhvi life: Jain monks and nuns follow complete celibacy, called brahmacharya. They do not have sexual relations at all.
• Shravak-Shravika life: Jain laypeople may marry and have family life, but they are expected to follow moral discipline, faithfulness, self-control, and avoid excessive sensual attachment.

Many important Jain historical figures were householders before renunciation. For example, many Tirthankars lived as princes or kings, married, and had families before they renounced worldly life and became ascetics.

Spiritual Understanding

Jainism sees sexual desire as connected with attachment, craving, and karma bondage. Therefore:

• For monks and nuns, complete celibacy is essential.
• For householders, restraint and moral conduct are expected.
• The highest spiritual path gradually moves toward full detachment and celibacy.

Takeaway

Yes, Jain householders historically had married life and children, but Jain Dharma always teaches self-control, purity, responsibility, and gradual movement toward detachment.