A set of rigorous commitments lies at the heart of Tattvartha Sutra’s call to ascetic life, carving out a path toward inner freedom and lasting peace. Ancient vows still resonate today—think of the modern minimalist movement or the digital detox craze—and they’re surprisingly down-to-earth.

Five Great Vows (Mahāvratas) for ascetics
- Non-violence (Ahimsā): Every act, word or thought must steer clear of harm. It’s akin to living with a perpetual “do no harm” mindset.
- Truthfulness (Satya): Straight talk only—no tinted versions of reality. In an era of “fake news,” this remains a tall order.
- Non-stealing (Asteya): Respecting boundaries, whether digital rights or physical property.
- Celibacy (Brahmacharya): Channeling energy away from sensual pleasures and toward spiritual goals.
- Non-possession (Aparigraha): Letting go of clinging—material or emotional. Tiny wardrobes and capsule living are modern echoes of this vow.

Supplementary Practices and Disciplines
- Samāyika: A 48-minute block of total equanimity, similar to a focused meditation session on top of a busy schedule.
- Pratikramana: A ritualized pause for self-reflection and repentance—like hitting reset after a chaotic day.
- Tāpas (Ascetic Austerities): Ranging from controlled fasting (Nirjarā) to exposure to elements, building resilience of body and mind.
- Sallekhana: A final vow of peaceful, voluntary fasting to clear karmic slate when the body nears its natural end—an ultimate act of self-control.

Householder versions of these vows (Anuvratas) offer scaled-down commitments, bridging the gap between monastic ideals and everyday life. Even in today’s whirlwind, dialing back on desires, speaking with integrity, or spending a day unplugged can mirror these time-tested practices—showing that, sometimes, ancient wisdom fits like a glove in the modern world.