Jainism is the belief in nonviolence as a means to achieve kevala, a blissful or elevated existence, comparable to Buddhist nirvana or Hindi moksha. Once kevala is achieved, the spirit leaves the bonds of the physical body. In order to achieve kevala, one must follow the path of the Ratnatraya, or the Three Jewels, of Jainism. The final of these jewels, Right Conduct, is outlined by vows taken by Jains, governing the way Jains pass through daily life.

Mahavira did not create Jainism, but rather organized and established a system for Jainism beliefs. As a part of this system, he organized his followers into two categories: yatis and sravaka.

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Yatis are members of the monastic order of Jains. They are comprised of sadhus (monks) and sadhvis (nuns) who follow a strict path toward kevala. Yatis take the Five Great Vows, and in doing so, give up family life, worldly possessions, and all attachments to earthly existence.

Sravaka, also known as laypeople, householders shravaks (men), or shravikas (women), are Jains who wish to participate in a family life. A desire to follow a family life or continue worldly attachments makes taking the Five Great Vows nearly if not entirely impossible, so householders take the Twelve Vows of Laity. The first five of these vows, the Anuvrata, are similar to the Five Great Vows, though they are more limited in scope and easier to follow. The next three vows, the Gunavrata, are intended to enhance, strengthen, and purify the Anuvrata, and the final four vows, the Shikshavrata, are disciplinary, intended to govern internal actions and encourage participation in religious life.

The final group of the Twelve Vows of Laity can be found spelled in English in many different ways: Shikshavrata, Shikhsavrata, Siksavrata, and Sikshavrata are the most commonly used, though all are acceptable. Yatis who take the Mahavrata renounce worldly existence and pursue kevala with singular determination. They adhere to these vows completely, in mind, body, and spirit.

Ahimsa: Absolute Non-Violence

Absolute nonviolence extends beyond physically harming another human being. It is the cornerstone of Jainism and Jainism beliefs. It encompasses committing no harm to another life-bearing existence, whether it be accidental or intentional.

Satya: Absolute Truthfulness

Jains believe truth-telling takes courage, and the ability to always tell the truth is a result of the physical, mental, and spiritual conquering of greed, fear, anger, and jealousy. The instance when one should not tell the truth is if the truth would harm another living being. In this case, the person must remain silent.

Achaurya or Asteya: Absolute Non-Stealing

Stealing is considered taking into one’s possession something that does not belong to him or her. This includes things of worthless value, and it also encompasses earning more than what is necessary. Yatis do not prepare their own food, as the chopping of vegetables and use of fire is considered violent. They take only what is offered freely to them or prepared for them.

Brahmacharya: Absolute Celibacy

Because it is considered an infatuating force, Jains refrain from any stimulation of the five senses, particularly sensual pleasure. Yatis do not engage in any sensual pleasure. They will not even brush against a member of the opposite sex, whether accidental or intentional. This vow, like the others, is observed mentally and physically, so one must be in complete control of his or her thoughts as well as actions.

Aparigraha: Absolute Non-Possessiveness/Non-Attachment

One of the goals of Jainism beliefs is to detach oneself from the world in order to reach kevala. The possession of or attachment to worldly items, including wealth, will result in continued greed, jealousy, anger, hatred, and ego, and will prevent the person from reaching kevala. Yatis take non-possession seriously, giving up all worldly items including, in some cases, their clothing. They do not earn money, and they take only what they need and only when it is freely given to them.

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