________________
APPENDIX
Appendix 1. Twelve Vows of Lay People (Shrävaks and Shrävikäs) Jain ethics outlines the following twelve vows of limited nature to be carried out by lay people. Every Jain should adopt these vows according to one's individual capacity and circumstances with the intent to ultimately adopt the 5 Mahävratas (great vows). These vows are to be followed in thought, action, and speech, and others should be encouraged to follow them as well. During the Pratikraman, lay people reflect on minor violations (Atichär) that occurred in the past of these vows. One would ask for forgiveness for his/her past minor violations, which may have occurred knowingly or unknowingly. He/she would reflect on each of these violations so that in the future they would not repeat the same errors and be more aware if such circumstances arise.
Five Main Vows of Limited Nature (Anuvratas): 1 Ahimsa Anuvrata
Limited Vow of Non-violence
Satya Anuvrata Achaurya Anuvrata Brahmacharya Anuvrata Aparigraha Anuvrata
Limited Vow of Truthfulness Limited Vow of Non-stealing Limited Vow of Chastity Limited Vow of Non-attachment
5
Three Merit Vows (Guna-vratas): 6 Dik Vrata
Vow of Limited Area of Activity 7 Bhoga Upbhoga Vrata Vow of Limited Use of
Consumable and Non
consumable items 8 Anartha-danda Vrata Vow of Avoidance of
Purposeless Sins Four Disciplinary Vows (Shikshä-vratas): 9 Sämäyika Vrata
Vow of Equanimity and
Meditation for Limited duration 10 Desävakäsika Vrata Vow of Activity within Limited
Space and duration 11 Paushadha Vrata
Vow of Ascetic's life for a
Limited Duration 12 Atithi Samvibhäg Vrata Vow of Charity
ENGLISH PRATIKRAMAN
75
