Wonderful that you want to begin. Here is a very simple, no‑pressure path to start from scratch and grow steadily.

Step 1: Begin with the basics (first 1–2 weeks)

• Learn and recite daily the Navkar Mantra. Focus on the qualities of the Panch Parmeshti. You can learn the text, meaning, and an easy way to chant here: jainknowledge.com/question/2949/teach-me-navkar-mantra and jainknowledge.com/question/3633/vidhi-of-navkar-mantra
• Understand Jainism’s core: Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct (Ratnatraya). Also begin reading a short note on Karma, because it’s central to everything we do: jainknowledge.com/jain-media/jain_facts_concepts/Theory-Of-Karma
• Keep it very small: morning and evening, sit quietly for 3–5 minutes, recite Navkar, think of non‑violence and forgiveness.

Step 2: Start one gentle daily practice

• Samayik (equanimity meditation) for 12–15 minutes to begin; later you can do the full 48 minutes. Simple how‑to: jainknowledge.com/question/399/how-to-do-samayik
• Aim: calm mind, no phone/talk/eating during this time; end with Navkar Mantra.

Step 3: Learn the layperson’s vows (for daily living)

• Read the 12 vows for householders (Anuvrat, Gunavrat, Shiksha‑vrat). These guide truthful speech, non‑violence, simplicity, and mindful consumption: jainknowledge.com/media-information/16/jain_facts_concepts/Twelve-Vows-Of-Layperson and jainknowledge.com/question/2965/give-name-and-explanation-of-all-vows and jainknowledge.com/question/3702/what-are-12-anuvratas-
• Try one small step this week: for example, avoid eating after sunset, or reduce wastage/harsh speech.

Step 4: Learn basic rituals respectfully (only if you follow a ritual path)

• Temple darshan vidhi (how to enter and behave in a derasar): jainknowledge.com/question/177/what-all-procedure-is-followed-while-entering-jain-temple-and-their-meanings and jainknowledge.com/question/2418/darshan-vidhi-in-temple
• Pratikraman (gentle repentance and forgiveness). Start with a short, simple version in the evening once or twice a week: jainknowledge.com/question/3894/how-to-perform-pratikraman and jainknowledge.com/media-information/89/jain_facts_concepts/Pratikaman
• Note on traditions: wording/order differs between Shwetambar (Murtipujak/Sthanakvasi/Terapanthi) and Digambar. The essence—self‑purification and forgiveness—is the same for all. For a Digambar outline: jainknowledge.com/question/3379/pratikraman-vidhi-for-digambara

Step 5: Add stotra/bhakti as you like

• After Navkar, you may slowly learn easy prayers like Chattari Mangalam, Bhaktamar, or Uvassagaharam. A simple list to explore: jainknowledge.com/question/3222/top-10-mantra and the stavan section: jainknowledge.com/jain-media/jain_stavan

Step 6: Food and ahimsa basics

• Prefer vegetarian (many choose vegan), avoid root vegetables, and try to avoid eating after sunset. Keep food simple and mindful. If you’re unsure, begin with “do no needless harm” and move gently toward stricter practice over time.

Step 7: Festivals and community

• Join your nearby Sangh for Paryushan/Das Lakshan when they come, attend pravachans, and do group Pratikraman. It helps to learn by seeing and asking.

A simple weekly plan to stay consistent

• Daily: Navkar Mantra (2–5 minutes), a small act of ahimsa or restraint, and one good deed.
• 3 days a week: 12–15 minutes Samayik.
• Once a week: short Pratikraman.
• Reading: 10 minutes from any beginner topic on JainKnowledge (karma, vows, stories of Tirthankaras).

Important notes

• Digambar and Shwetambar traditions differ in some external practices (idol‑worship style, Pratikraman texts, dress of monks). Choose the path your family/community follows, but remember the inner goal is the same—purifying the soul through right faith, knowledge, and conduct.
• Go slowly, without guilt. Jain dharma is about gentleness—first with all beings, and also with yourself.

If you’d like, you can follow the links above on JainKnowledge to learn each item step‑by‑step.