Answer

In Jain Dharma, the main things strictly forbidden are actions that increase violence, attachment, passions, and karmic bondage.

The most important forbidden actions are:

• Himsa — violence or harm to any living being
• Asatya — lying or speaking harmful untruth
• Adattadan — stealing or taking what is not given
• Abrahmacharya — uncontrolled sensual or sexual conduct
• Parigraha — excessive possession, greed, and attachment

These are the opposites of the five great vows followed completely by monks and nuns, and in limited form by householders.

Explanation

Jainism strongly teaches self-control and non-harm. Therefore, the following are especially avoided:

• Killing or injuring living beings, even small creatures, as far as possible
• Eating meat, fish, eggs, or any food involving direct killing
• Eating or using things that encourage cruelty
• Lying, cheating, fraud, or betrayal
• Stealing, corruption, or taking unfair advantage
• Anger, pride, deceit, and greed — the four main passions
• Addictions and careless indulgence that weaken self-control
• Wastefulness and unnecessary consumption
• Harsh speech, gossip, insult, or speech that causes pain

For Jain monks and nuns, the discipline is much stricter. They follow the vows in their highest form. For householders, Jain Dharma teaches careful restraint according to capacity.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, forbidden actions are not considered “sins” because of divine punishment, but because they bind karma to the soul.

The purpose of avoiding these actions is to purify the soul by reducing:

• violence
• attachment
• carelessness
• passions
• ego

Takeaway

The heart of Jain conduct is:

Do not harm, do not deceive, do not steal, do not indulge carelessly, and do not become attached.

A Jain tries to live with compassion, restraint, truthfulness, purity, and awareness.