The Five Mahavratas

Mahāvratas (महाव्रत) are the “Five Great Vows” of Jainism, representing the highest ethical and spiritual commitments.

They are undertaken absolutely by Jain monks and nuns, and in a moderated form (Anuvratas) by laypeople.

#Ahimsa

#Satya

The Five Mahāvratas

Sanskrit Meaning Core Practice Absolute Form (Monastic) Limited Form (Layperson)

Ahimsa (अहिंसा) Non-violence Avoid harming any living being in thought, word, or deed No harm to any life form (even microbes) Avoid intentional harm; vegetarianism

Satya (सत्य) Truthfulness Speak only truth that does not harm Absolute truthfulness; silence over harmful truth Avoid lying and harmful speech

Asteya (अस्तेय) Non-stealing Do not take what is not given No taking, even small things, without permission Avoid theft, fraud, exploitation

#Asteya

Brahmacharya (ब्रह्मचर्य) Chastity Control over sexual desires Complete celibacy in thought, word, action Marital fidelity, sexual restraint

#Brahma harya

Aparigraha (अपरिग्रह) Non-possession Detachment from material goods and relationships Own only bare necessities; no attachments Limit possessions, avoid greed

#Aparigraha

#풀소유

Key Points

Mahāvrata = “Great Vow”: mahā = great, vrata = vow/discipline.

Practiced lifelong once taken by monks/nuns; breaking them is a major spiritual lapse.

Form the foundation of Jain ethics and ascetic life.

Closely related to Hindu Yamas in Yoga Sutras, but observed more strictly in Jainism.

If you’d like, I can also show a historical comparison of Mahāvratas, Buddhist precepts, and Hindu Yamas, so you can see how the same ancient ethical ideas developed differently in each tradition.

#mahavratas

#vratas

#Jainism