What text is best to learn about rules for householders?
For rules for householders (śrāvaka-dharma) in Jainism, the best and most well-known text is:
_Ratnakaranda Śrāvakācāra_ by Āchārya Samantabhadra
It is considered a very important Jain text for understanding:
- duties of a householder
- the 12 vows
- right conduct in daily life
- discipline, charity, restraint, and non-violence
- the path of spiritual progress for lay followers
If you want a simple practical study, this is usually the first recommendation.
Other useful texts are:
- _Āvaśyaka Sūtra_ — for daily essential practices
- _Purushārtha Siddhyupāya_ — for ethical conduct and non-violence
- _Śrāvakācāra_ texts by various ācāryas — detailed guidance for lay life
If you want, I can also tell you the best text according to Digambara or Śvetāmbara tradition.