Here is a very simple way to do meditation in a Jain temple (derasar / mandir), step by step:

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1. Before you sit for meditation

1. Take care of cleanliness

- Wash hands, feet, and mouth. - Remove shoes and any leather items outside.

1. Enter slowly and silently

- Keep your mind calm, do not talk unnecessarily. - Fold hands and have feeling of respect (bhakti) for Tirthankars.

1. Do darshan first

- Stand or bow before the murti of Bhagwan. - Slowly recite Navkar Mantra at least 3 times with full attention. - If you wish, do pradakshina (walk clockwise) and then sit at a clean place in front or side.

You can read more on temple conduct here

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2. How to sit

• Sit on the floor if possible (padmasan, ardha-padmasan, sukhasan – whatever is comfortable).
• Keep spine straight, eyes gently closed.
• Hands on knees or in namaskar mudra.
• Face towards the idol if possible, but do not strain.

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3. Simple Jain way of meditation (10–15 minutes)

You can follow this easy sequence:

Step 1: Navkar Mantra with awareness (2–3 minutes)

Silently repeat:

“णमो अरिहंताणं णमो सिद्धाणं णमो आयरियाणं णमो उवज्झायाणं णमो लोए सव्वसाहूणं”

Focus on:

• Arihant = perfectly enlightened living beings
• Siddha = liberated souls
• Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu = pure teachers and monks

Think: “I bow to all these pure souls. May I also walk on their path.”

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Step 2: Breath awareness (Anupreksha on shvas–prashvas) (3–5 minutes)

• Just observe your natural breathing.
• Do not change the speed; just watch: breath in… breath out…
• If thoughts come, do not fight. Just gently bring mind back to breath or Navkar.

This increases shanti (peace) and ekagrata (concentration).

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Step 3: Reflections in Jain way (3–5 minutes)

You can do any one simple reflection:

1. Ahimsa bhavana

- Think: “I will not hurt any living being by mind, speech, or body.” - Recall if you hurt someone; mentally say, “Michchhami Dukkadam.”

1. Aparigraha bhavana

- Think: “All possessions and relations are temporary. My true nature is soul (atma).”

1. Samata bhavana

- Think: “Friends and enemies are due to karma. I wish well for all souls.”

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Step 4: Ending the meditation (1–2 minutes)

• Join hands, again mentally recite Navkar Mantra once.
• Pray: “Let all souls attain true happiness and liberation.”
• Slowly open eyes, maintain silence for a few moments, then quietly get up.

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4. Important points to remember

• Temple is a place for inner purity, not for asking material things.
• Meditate with:

- Vinay (humility) - Shraddha (faith in Tirthankars and true path) - Samata (balanced mind – no anger, pride, deceit, greed during that time)

• Digambar and Shwetambar both accept:

- Navkar Mantra - Focus on atma, ahimsa, and samata - Silence and concentration in front of Jina murti

Ritual details around you may differ (dress, puja style, etc.), but this meditation style is acceptable in both traditions because it focuses on soul-purification.

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If you like, you can simply start with:

• 5 minutes of Navkar + breath watching
• Gradually increase time as you feel comfortable.