Great idea. Here is a simple, beginner-friendly start to studying Jainism.

1) What Jainism is in brief

• An ancient Indian religion focused on attaining liberation (moksha) by living a life of right conduct and non-violence.
• Emphasizes a clear view of reality (anekantavada) and the practice of compassion toward all living beings.

2) Core beliefs

• Ahimsa (non-violence): Avoid harming any living being in thought, word, or deed.
• Anekantavada (non-absolutism): Truth has many aspects; reality is complex and should be understood with openness.
• Aparigraha (non-attachment): Limit possessions and desires to reduce harm and cultivate inner freedom.
• Karma and moksha: Actions bind the soul with karmic substances; purifying conduct and knowledge lead to liberation.
• Sallekhana (voluntary fasting to purify the soul) is a renunciation practice undertaken by some for spiritual purification.

3) Key figures and texts

• Tirthankaras: 24 enlightened teachers who show the path to liberation. Mahavira is the 24th in the current time cycle.
• Digambara and Śvetāmbara: Two main Jain communities with some differences in practices, monastic clothing, and certain scriptural emphases.
• Scriptures: Jain canons and commentaries exist in both traditions, with some texts shared and others unique to each tradition.

4) The three jewels and the path

• Ratnatraya (Three Jewels): Samyak Darshan (right faith), Samyak Jnana (right knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (right conduct).
• Followed through the right faith and knowledge that lead to right conduct.

5) The Panch Mahavrātas and the five vows

• For monks and nuns (mahavratas):

- Non-violence (ahiṃsā) - Truth (satya) - Non-stealing (asteya) - Celibacy (brahmacarya) - Non-possessiveness (aparigraha)

• For lay followers, the five vows are adapted and typically include additional practices like limiting possessions and regular spiritual disciplines.

6) Daily practice (for lay followers)

• Observing the five vows to the extent one can.
• Practicing ahimsa in thought, word, and deed; being mindful of causes of harm to living beings (including plants and insects).
• Studying Jain teachings, reflecting on right conduct, and participating in puja and community activities.

7) How to begin your study

• Start with a broad overview of Jainism’s philosophy: ahimsa, anekantavada, and aparigraha.
• Learn about the life and teachings of the Tirthankaras, especially Mahavira.
• Read about the two main traditions (Digambara and Śvetāmbara) to understand different practices and scriptures.
• Explore the Ratnatraya (right faith, right knowledge, right conduct) and the five vows for laypeople.
• Gradually study key Jain sutras or reliable summaries, focusing on clear, practical guidance for daily life and ethical choices.

If you’d like, I can:

• Provide a simple, beginner-friendly outline of a specific Jain text or hymn.
• Explain the differences between Digambara and Śvetāmbara practices in more detail.
• Suggest a short, daily study plan tailored to your schedule.