To achieve liberation (moksha) Monks and nuns follow the Mahavratas (major vows). Householders are unable to follow the rigorous code of conduct required of monastic lifestyle. Therefore, Lord Mahaveer prescribed Anuvratas (minor vows) for the laity to strive towards liberation (moksha). It is inherent within Anuvratas that there will be transgressions and during the Pratikramana (confession) ritual, one contemplates on what transgression each one may have committed, seek forgiveness and to strive to avoid them in the future. This is called the srāvak ācāra. Anuvrata comprises 12 vows which are categorised as follows:
Monks and nuns take a life long Samayika i.e. to remain in an equanimous state througout their life. However, householders take a vow of 48 minutes to remain in an equanimous state of MBS (mind, body and speech).
In summary, there are 12 anuvratas, divided into 5 anuvratas (same name), 3 gunavratas and 4 shiksha vratas.
