Here are the Jain principles that a beginner can start with, kept simple and practical.

1) The core aims (Three Jewels)

• Right Faith (Samyak Darshan): believe in the true nature of the soul, karma, and the path to liberation.
• Right Knowledge (Samyak Jnana): understand Jain teachings clearly and accurately.
• Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra): translate faith and knowledge into ethical living.

2) The Five Great Vows for lay practitioners

• Ahimsa (non-violence): avoid harm to all living beings in thought, speech, and deed. Choose gentle speech, avoid violence, and prefer non-harmful actions.
• Satya (truth): speak truthfully and kindly, avoid deceit or harsh words.
• Asteya (non-stealing): do not take anything that isn’t given or rightly yours; be honest in trade and daily life.
• Brahmacharya (celibacy or sexual restraint): for householders, this means faithful, responsible conduct; for monks, complete celibacy.
• Aparigraha (non-possessiveness): limit attachments to things and people; focus on essential needs rather than excessive possessions.

3) Additional ethical guidelines for everyday life

• Cleanliness and body discipline: maintain personal hygiene; dress modestly; keep your surroundings neat.
• Diet and compassion for life: many Jains follow a vegetarian diet; some avoid root vegetables (to minimize harm to soil life and microorganisms) and avoid eating after sunset in strict practices.
• Truthful and kind speech: practice speaking with calm, truthful, and helpful words.
• Respect for life: avoid unnecessary killing, and show compassion to animals, insects, and plants.
• Self-control: cultivate patience, forgiveness, and inner calm in daily challenges.

4) Practical steps to begin

• Start with small vows in daily life: commit to speaking truthfully and kindly today; choose non-harmful actions in your routine (refrain from hurting insects, use careful cooking methods to avoid waste, etc.).
• Practice mindfulness: pause before actions to consider whether they could harm any living being, whether in thought, word, or deed.
• Observance of fast or discipline occasionally: some beginners try occasional fasting days or reduced meals as a way to cultivate self-control and awareness (match these to your health and guidance from a teacher).
• Read and reflect: study short Jain texts or reliable introductory material to reinforce understanding of karma, non-violence, and liberation.
• Seek guidance: if possible, connect with a Jain sangh (community) or a teacher who can provide personalized direction and answer questions.

5) Common questions for beginners (brief answers)

• Is Jainism only about not harming animals? It centers on ahimsa (non-violence) as the highest duty, but also emphasizes truth, ethical conduct, spiritual discipline, and liberation of the soul.
• Do I have to become a monk to practice Jainism? No. Householders (lay practitioners) follow the Five Vows and participate in community worship while living family life; monks and nuns follow stricter paths.
• What is the ultimate goal? Liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death by reducing karma and purifying the soul.

6) Differences to note (Digambar vs. Shwetambar)

• Both honor the Three Jewels and the Five Vows, but there are differences in practice and detail on certain vows, monastic rules, and ritual emphasis. If you want, I can summarize the key differences in a simple side-by-side list.

If you’d like, tell me your age, whether you want to follow these vows as a householder, or you’re exploring Jainism in general, and I’ll tailor a beginner path specific to your situation.