Here is a simple, printable beginner’s Jain Dharma checklist you can start using today. It’s written for householders (śrāvak/śrāvi) who want a steady daily practice. You can copy this to a sheet or print it as a checklist with checkboxes.

Jain Beginner’s Printable Checklist

Core intention

• Cultivate non-violence (ahimsa), truth (satya), non-stealing (asteya), celibacy/brahmacharya (brahmacarya), and non-attachment (aparigraha) in daily life.
• Practice compassion, self-discipline, and study of Jain scriptures.

Daily practices (morning)

• [ ] Observe ahimsa in actions: plan meals to be non‑violent to beings (vegetarian, no harm to insects, careful walking).
• [ ] Practice satya: speak truth kindly and non-harmfully.
• [ ] Practice asteya: avoid taking anything not freely given; be mindful of others’ property.
• [ ] Practice brahmacharya (for householders: faithful, mindful conduct; avoid exploitative behavior).
• [ ] Practice aparigraha: simplify needs; reduce unnecessary possessions.
• [ ] Offer a short chant or reflection (optional): a line or verse you relate to in your tradition.
• [ ] Read a small verse or a page from Jain scriptures (2–5 minutes).
• [ ] Perform a brief personal reflection or journaling (what you did well today, what to improve).

Daily practices (throughout the day)

• [ ] Mindful steps and awareness to minimize harm to small beings (insects, plants, animals).
• [ ] Gentle self-control: avoid harsh speech, anger, or judgment.
• [ ] Compassionate actions: help others, act with kindness.

Evening practices (samayik prep or reflection)

• [ ] Samayik (optional but recommended): sit for a focused 30–45 minutes meditative reflection on right conduct, or shorter if needed.
• [ ] Self-check on vows: did you live by ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, aparigraha today?
• [ ] Pratikraman (weekly or as needed): repent for harming any living beings (even unintentionally), resolve to improve, and express gratitude to all beings.
• [ ] Swadhyaya (study): read a small portion of Jain philosophy or scriptures (5–15 minutes).

Weekly/date-specific practices

• [ ] Pratikraman session (at least once a week): perform formal ritual of confession and reflection.
• [ ] Penance/penitence in a manner that fits your tradition (optional, if you follow a local practice).
• [ ] Visit a temple or place of worship if possible, or engage in an online Jain devotional session.

Study and guidance

• [ ] Swadhyaya: read a short passage from Jain scriptures or trusted Jain knowledge resource.
• [ ] Seek guidance: discuss questions with a senior practitioner or trusted Jain teacher when needed.

Diet and environment (habits that support practice)

• [ ] Vegetarian/utmost non-violent diet; avoid harm to beings in food choices.
• [ ] Cleanliness and care in daily life; respect for all living beings.
• [ ] Environment-friendly practices (reduce waste, support ethical choices).

Notes on differences

• For lay followers, the five main vows (ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, aparigraha) form the core ethical practice.
• Digambar and Śvētāmbara traditions differ in certain ritual expressions and soteriological emphasis, but the fundamental vows for householders are aligned. If you want tradition-specific guidance, tell me your tradition (Digambar or Śvētāmbara) and I’ll tailor the checklist accordingly.

7-day starter plan (optional quick-start)

• Day 1: Focus on ahimsa in actions; simple meditation or reflection.
• Day 2: Add satya; note times you spoke truth kindly.
• Day 3: Add asteya; review possessions and borrowing.
• Day 4: Add aparigraha; simplify one area (clothes, gadgets, or purchases).
• Day 5: Add brahmacharya guidelines (mindful behavior, respectful relationships).
• Day 6: Add swadhyaya (short scripture reading) and journaling.
• Day 7: Add a 30-minute samayik or focused reflection; perform pratikraman-style self-reflection.

Printable formatting tip

• Use checkboxes [ ] for each line so you can mark them off daily.
• Include a small section for date and personal reflection at the bottom.

If you’d like, I can tailor this checklist to a specific Jain tradition (Śvētāmbara or Digambara) or convert it into a print-friendly PDF with larger font and spaced lines.