In Jain Dharma, the “six essential daily duties” (Ṣaḍ-Āvaśyaka) are practices meant to purify conduct every day. In the Śvetāmbara tradition, they are:

1) Sāmāyik (equanimity)

• Sit for a fixed time (traditionally 48 minutes) in calmness and non‑attachment.
• Restrain body, speech, and mind; recite sacred sutras or meditate on the soul.

2) Caturviṁśatistava / Chauvisantho (praise of the 24 Tīrthaṅkars)

• Offer devotional praise to the qualities of the 24 Jinas to cultivate humility and right faith.

3) Vandana (reverence to ascetics)

• Pay respectful salutation to Ācārya, Upādhyāya, Sādhus/Sādhvīs; nurture vinaya (humility) and receptivity to guidance.

4) Pratikraman (repentance and review)

• Honest self‑examination, confession (ālocanā), repentance, seeking forgiveness, and resolving to avoid faults committed in thought, word, or deed.

5) Kāyotsarga (abandonment of body‑attachment)

• Motionless stillness—standing or sitting—focusing on the soul, letting go of identification with the body.

6) Pratyākhyāna (vow/renunciation)

• Take specific vows for a time (e.g., to avoid certain foods, behaviors, or careless acts), strengthening self‑discipline.

Traditional note by path:

• Śvetāmbara: The six are exactly as listed above and are performed daily; Pratikraman often integrates the other five during its full rite.
• Digambara: The parallel “six essentials” are commonly taught as Devapūjā (worship), Gurubhakti (devotion to Guru), Svādhyāya (scripture study), Saṁyama (self‑restraint in vows), Tapa (austerities; includes pratikraman‑like repentance, pratyākhyāna, and kāyotsarga), and Dāna (charity). Their spirit closely overlaps with the Śvetāmbara six, though the grouping differs.

For simple “how‑to” and explanations:

• Sāmāyik steps and purpose
• Pratikraman overview and the six avashyakas inside it
• Pratikraman basics (Jain Facts & Concepts)