Sorry you had that experience. Jain Dharma is based on ahimsa, compassion, humility, and respect for all living beings. A person does not need to be born Jain to follow Jain values.

A non-Jain can begin by following these simple principles:

• Practice ahimsa: avoid harming any living being in thought, speech, and action as much as possible.
• Be truthful: speak gently and honestly.
• Reduce desires: live simply and avoid unnecessary attachment.
• Respect all life: be careful with food, speech, and daily actions.
• Visit the temple with humility: be quiet, clean, respectful, and follow local temple rules.
• Learn gradually: start with basic Jain principles, prayers, and conduct.

If people in a temple behaved badly, remember that their behavior is not the true teaching of Jain Dharma. The conduct of some followers does not define the religion itself. The real path is centered on soul-purity, kindness, self-control, and non-violence.

If you want to follow Jain tradition respectfully, you can:

1. Keep your body and mind clean before entering the temple.
2. Dress modestly and behave calmly.
3. Avoid touching idols unless the temple permits it and you know the proper manner.
4. Sit quietly, observe, and learn.
5. Join in prayers only if you understand and feel comfortable.
6. Follow vegetarian or stricter Jain food practices if you wish.
7. Do not copy rituals blindly; first learn their meaning.

Most importantly, do not let one bad experience stop you from respecting Jain Dharma. The path is noble, even if some people fail to live up to it.

If you wish, I can also explain how a non-Jain can practically start following Jain Dharma step by step.