Virtues
Jain Ten Supreme Virtues
Ten virtues cultivated especially in Digambara Jain observance: forgiveness, humility, straightforwardness, purity, truth, restraint, austerity, renunciation, non-attachment and chastity.
- Tradition or school
- Jainism
- Framework type
- Virtues
- Authority classification
- Traditional
- Observance
- Mixed requirements
- Research status
- Identified for research
- Origin period
- Rooted in classical Jain ethical teaching and later festival observance
- Origin region
- India
- Attributed origin
- Jain scriptural and commentarial traditions
- Intended audience
- Especially Digambara Jains, with broader Jain ethical relevance
- Published constituent items
- 10
- Last reviewed
- 28 June 2026
Names and terminology
Alternative names: Daśa Lakṣaṇa Dharma; Ten Dharmas
Original name: दशलक्षण धर्म
Transliteration: Daśa Lakṣaṇa Dharma
Primary texts and authority
Classical Jain discussions of the ten dharmas, including the Tattvārtha Sūtra tradition and later explanatory literature.
Rules, principles or steps
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Supreme forgiveness
Release retaliatory hatred while retaining truth, boundaries and accountability.
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Supreme humility
Reduce pride and status-seeking without denying equal dignity.
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Supreme straightforwardness
Avoid manipulation, hypocrisy and crooked dealing.
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Supreme purity or contentment
Cultivate freedom from corrupting greed and possessiveness.
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Supreme truth
Commit to truthful speech and conduct while considering harm and context.
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Supreme self-restraint
Regulate harmful impulses and actions.
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Supreme austerity
Use disciplined simplicity for ethical and spiritual development rather than self-harm.
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Supreme renunciation
Let go of harmful attachment and excessive possession.
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Supreme non-attachment
Reduce possessiveness and dependency on status or objects.
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Supreme chastity
Practice sexual restraint appropriate to one's commitments and circumstances.
Historical development
The ten virtues are prominently cultivated during Daśa Lakṣaṇa observance and interpreted as disciplines of purification.
Variations
English translations vary, especially for purity, austerity, non-attachment and chastity.
Traditional interpretation
The virtues counter anger, pride, deceit, greed and attachment while supporting liberation.
Controversies and disputes
Ascetic formulations may be impractical or inappropriate when applied without distinction to lay people.
Truth By Reason analysis
Forgiveness, honesty, humility and restraint can reduce harm, but they should not be used to silence victims, excuse abuse or demand unhealthy self-denial.
Ethical themes
Sources
- Das Lakshan — Festival of the Ten Virtues Mainstream secondary source