Anuvrata

Anuvrata is a Sanskrit term that translates roughly as “small vow” or “followed vow.” It denotes a class of restraints or disciplines observed as part of ethical practice within some Indian religious traditions, most notably Jainism, and has also been adopted in modern reform movements.

In Jainism, anuvratas are minor vows taken by lay followers (as opposed to the mahavratas, the five great vows observed by ascetics). Anuvratas are designed to be practical, attainable steps that support self-control and ethical conduct in daily life. They typically address areas such as speech, diet, non-violence in everyday actions, truthfulness, non-possessiveness, and compassion toward living beings, but the exact prescriptions can vary by sect and community. The aim is to cultivate restraint and gradual spiritual progress through observable, incremental practices.

Beyond Jainism, the term is used more broadly to indicate smaller, voluntary disciplines that individuals undertake as part of personal or spiritual development. In Hindu and interfaith contexts, anuvrata practices may be framed as personal vows focusing on moral conduct, self-control, and social conduct, adapted to one’s life situation.

Anuvrat movement: In 1949, Acharya Tulsi launched the Anuvrat movement as a nonsectarian effort to promote ethical values and civic responsibility by adopting a set of 11 basic vows. Although rooted in Jain ethical ideas, the movement sought broad participation across religious communities, emphasizing non-violence, truth, service, and social harmony. The term “Anuvrat” continues to be used in religious and secular settings to denote small, voluntary vows guiding everyday life and public ethics.

See also: Vows in Jainism, Mahavrata, Anuvrat movement.