To practice Jainism properly, the first thing is not a big book list, but a very simple, strong foundation:

1. Start with Namokar Mantra (Navkar Mantra)

- Learn to recite it correctly, every day, with respect. - Then slowly learn its simple meaning: - We bow to Arihant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya and all Sadhus. - We are not asking for money or success, only bowing to the pure souls and their qualities. - This mantra is accepted in both Shwetambar and Digambar traditions.

1. Understand the 3 Basics Clearly (no rituals needed at first)

Very simple ideas: - Jeev – soul exists in every living being. - Ahimsa – never hurt any living being knowingly. - Karma – whatever we do (good or bad) comes back to us. If these three go deep in your mind, your whole Jain life becomes strong.

1. Make 3 small daily habits from day one

Even before reading big scriptures: - Ahimsa in food: - Be strictly vegetarian. - Slowly move towards Jain food (care for insects in grains, avoiding roots, no honey, etc.). - Short daily prayer (5–10 minutes): - Navkar Mantra + a simple prayer of gratitude and forgiveness. - Small self-check at night: - “Whom did I hurt today by mind, speech or body?” - Feel sorry from the heart and decide, “Tomorrow I will try better.”

1. Then begin simple Jain study (Swadhyay)

After the above is stable, start reading very simple Jain texts or booklets that explain: - Life of Bhagwan Mahavir - The 5 Anuvratas (small vows for laypeople) - The 7 tattvas (soul, non-soul, inflow of karma, bondage, stopping karma, shedding karma, liberation) in easy language.

You can find very simple explanations and basic daily practices here and about Swadhyay (self-study) here

1. After that, slowly add

- Samayik (a short period of calm sitting and reflection). - Pratikraman (regular repentance and self-review). - More detailed scriptures according to the tradition (Shwetambar or Digambar) you follow, under guidance of a knowledgeable Guru or elder.

In simple words: First learn and live Navkar Mantra, Ahimsa, and basic daily purity. Books and big study should come after this base is firm.