Best book to read about self
In Jainism, understanding the self (ātman) is central to spiritual progress. Some highly regarded Jain texts that delve into the nature of the self include:
- Tattvartha Sutra (also known as Tattvarthadhigama Sutra) by Acharya Umaswati: This is a fundamental Jain philosophical text that explains the nature of reality, including the soul, karma, and liberation.
- Samayasara by Acharya Kundakunda: This classic text deeply explores the true nature of the self, distinguishing it from non-self (ajiva) and emphasizing self-realization as the path to liberation.
- Atma Siddhi Shastra by Shrimad Rajchandra: A concise and poetic exposition on the six fundamental truths about the soul, guiding seekers toward self-realization.
- Dravyasamgraha by Acharya Nemichandra: A short treatise explaining the six fundamental substances (dravya), with particular emphasis on the soul.
These texts are available in various translations and commentaries, which may help you understand Jain concepts about the self more clearly. For beginners, commentaries or modern explanations can be very helpful alongside the original texts.