Answer

The most important Jain scriptures are:

• Āgamas — the main sacred texts in the Śvetāmbara tradition
• Uttarādhyayana Sūtra
• Daśavaikālika Sūtra
• Kalpa Sūtra
• Tattvārtha Sūtra — respected by all major Jain traditions
• Samayasāra
• Pravachanasāra
• Niyamasāra
• Ṣaṭkhaṇḍāgama
• Kaṣāyapāhuḍa
• Gommaṭasāra

Explanation

Jain scriptures are usually understood in different groups:

• Āgamas: These are the original teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir, preserved mainly in the Śvetāmbara tradition.
• Philosophical texts: These explain Jain truth, karma, soul, liberation, and conduct in depth.
• Practical and devotional texts: These guide daily conduct, vows, fasting, and spiritual discipline.

Among all of them, Tattvārtha Sūtra is especially important because it is respected by both Śvetāmbara and Digambara Jains.

Spiritual Understanding

Jain scriptures are not only for study. They guide a person toward:

• right faith
• right knowledge
• right conduct
• non-violence
• self-control
• liberation of the soul

They help us understand how to reduce karma and move toward moksha.

Takeaway

If you want to begin with a few core Jain scriptures, start with:

1. Tattvārtha Sūtra
2. Uttarādhyayana Sūtra
3. Daśavaikālika Sūtra
4. Kalpa Sūtra

These are among the most widely respected and useful Jain texts.