Swadhyay (स्वाध्याय / સ્વાધ્યાય) in Jainism means “self‑study of true religion and self‑reflection.”

In simple words:

1. What is Swadhyay?

- Studying Jain scriptures (Agam, shastra, stotra, sutra, etc.). - Thinking deeply on their meaning (arth-chintan). - Looking at your own life in that mirror: “Am I living as these teachings say?”

1. Why is it done?

- To get right knowledge (samyak jnān). - To strengthen right faith (samyak darshan). - To improve right conduct (samyak chāritra). - To slowly reduce karmas by changing wrong thoughts, words and actions.

1. How is Swadhyay done?

Common ways: - Reading / listening to Jain scriptures and pravachans. - Learning and understanding sutras and stavans, not just reciting. - Asking doubts to guru or learned person. - Quietly reflecting: “What did I learn today? How will I practice it?”

1. Place in Jain dharma:

- Swadhyay is one of the six internal tapas (abhyantar tap). - It is part of a good daily Jain routine – even 15–30 minutes daily is very valuable.

1. Digambar and Shwetambar view:

- Both accept Swadhyay as essential. - Texts studied may differ (Agamas, commentaries, acharya-granth), but the purpose and method – study + reflection + practice – are the same.

You can read a simple explanation of Swadhyay here