In short
Uttam Brahmacharya, the tenth and final virtue of Das Lakshan Parva, means dwelling in the soul rather than in the senses. Literally "conduct that leads to the Brahman", it is practised in body, speech and mind, and completes the ten days.
- Observance
- Digambar Das Lakshan Parva
- Day
- 10 of 10
- Theme
- Uttam Brahmacharya — Supreme Celibacy (उत्तम ब्रह्मचर्य)
- Fault it answers
- Sensual craving
- Expected date
- 24 September 2026 — confirm with your panchang
The ten days end where they were always going. Brahmacharya is usually rendered as celibacy, but the word means more: conduct that dwells in the soul.
What the word means
Brahma here means the soul in its pure nature, and charya means conduct or dwelling. Brahmacharya is therefore the practice of abiding in the self rather than being scattered outward through the senses. Celibacy is its most demanding expression, not its whole meaning.
In body, speech and mind
Jain teaching is consistent that a vow observed in the body but not the mind is incomplete. During these ten days many householders observe full brahmacharya; the tradition asks that the restraint extend to what is looked at, spoken and dwelt upon.
Why it completes the ten
Each of the nine preceding virtues has removed an obstruction — anger, pride, deceit, greed, falsehood, indiscipline, comfort, grasping, possessiveness. What remains when they are gone is the soul, undisturbed. Brahmacharya is simply staying there.
After the tenth day
Das Lakshan is followed by Kshamavani, the day of forgiveness, on which Jains ask and grant pardon from all beings. The ten virtues were the preparation; forgiveness is what they were for.
How to observe this day
- Observe brahmacharya in thought, speech and conduct.
- Guard what you look at and what you dwell upon.
- Spend time in silence or meditation on the self.
- Complete any vow you took for the ten days.
- Prepare for Kshamavani — bring to mind whom you must forgive.
Observance and timings vary between sanghs and regions. Please confirm with your local sangh and panchang. Fasting should be undertaken within your own capacity — consult your guru or an elder, and a doctor if you have any medical condition.
Common questions
What is Uttam Brahmacharya?
Uttam Brahmacharya is the tenth virtue of Das Lakshan Parva. It means dwelling in the soul rather than the senses — conduct observed in body, speech and mind, of which celibacy is the most demanding expression.
What comes after the ten days of Das Lakshan?
Kshamavani, the day of forgiveness, on which Jains ask pardon of all living beings and grant it freely. The ten virtues are the preparation for it.