The concept of Anuvrata was advocated by Jainism.

Jainism is an ancient Indian religion that emphasizes non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-attachment (aparigraha). Anuvrata, meaning "small vows" or "lesser vows," is one of the central principles of Jainism.

Anuvrata is a set of ethical guidelines that are less strict than the vows taken by Jain monks and nuns but still aim to promote a virtuous and ethical way of life for laypeople. Anuvrata consists of twelve vows, including refraining from violence, lying, stealing, sexual misconduct, and attachment to possessions.

The concept of Anuvrata aligns with the broader Jain principle of Ahimsa, which promotes non-violence and non-harming towards all living beings. Jains believe in the interconnectedness of all life forms and strive to minimize harm and violence in their thoughts, words, and actions.

It`s important to note that while both Mahayana and Hinayana (also known as Theravada) Buddhism share similarities with Jainism in terms of promoting non-violence and ethical conduct, the concept of Anuvrata specifically belongs to Jainism.

Mahayana Buddhism, which emerged around the 1st century CE, focuses on the idea of the Bodhisattva path, where individuals seek enlightenment not only for their own liberation but also for the liberation of all sentient beings. While Mahayana Buddhism encourages ethical conduct, it does not have the specific concept of Anuvrata.

Hinayana Buddhism, also known as Theravada Buddhism, is one of the earliest surviving Buddhist schools and is prevalent in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, and Cambodia. Hinayana Buddhism emphasizes the personal pursuit of enlightenment through meditation and ethical living. However, like Mahayana Buddhism, it does not have the concept of Anuvrata.

The Lokayata school, also known as Charvaka, was an ancient school of Indian materialism and atheism. The Lokayata school rejected religious and spiritual beliefs, focusing on materialistic and empirical understanding of the world. Its teachings did not include the concept of Anuvrata or ethical guidelines akin to those found in Jainism.

In conclusion, the concept of Anuvrata was specifically advocated by Jainism, which promotes non-violence, truthfulness, and ethical conduct through its principles and vows. While Mahayana and Hinayana Buddhism also emphasize ethical living, the concept of Anuvrata is unique to Jainism. The Lokayata school, on the other hand, does not have any connection to Anuvrata or similar ethical guidelines.