Answer

In Jain Dharma, the 14 Niyam generally refer to fourteen daily self-restraints taken especially by Shravaks and Shravikas to limit worldly activities and reduce attachment.

The common 14 Niyam are:

1. Sachitta Niyam – Limiting or avoiding living/raw substances
2. Dravya Niyam – Limiting the number of food items or substances
3. Vigai Niyam – Limiting rich or stimulating foods like milk, curd, ghee, oil, sweets, etc.
4. Vanaha Niyam – Limiting vehicles or modes of travel
5. Tambol Niyam – Limiting betel leaf, mouth fresheners, or similar items
6. Vastra Niyam – Limiting clothes
7. Kusum Niyam – Limiting flowers or decorative items
8. Alankar Niyam – Limiting ornaments and beautification
9. Shayya Niyam – Limiting beds and sleeping comforts
10. Snan Niyam – Limiting bathing and bodily comforts
11. Vilepan Niyam – Limiting perfumes, cosmetics, sandal paste, etc.
12. Brahmacharya Niyam – Practicing celibacy or restraint in sensual pleasure
13. Disha Niyam – Limiting movement in directions/area
14. Bhog-Upbhog Niyam – Limiting consumable and reusable enjoyments

Explanation

These niyams are taken to reduce unnecessary consumption, comfort, movement, decoration, and sensual attachment. A person may take them daily according to capacity.

Spiritual Understanding

The purpose of 14 Niyam is to practice sanyam — self-restraint. By setting limits, one reduces raag, parigrah, and careless activities that may cause harm to living beings.

Takeaway

The 14 Niyam teach a Jain householder to live with awareness, simplicity, and restraint every day.