Wonderful goal. Jainism is vast, but you can build a solid, deep understanding by a structured reading and practice plan. Here’s a clear way to begin and gradually go deeper, kept simple and authentic to Jain Dharma.

1) Ground your basics (what Jainism teaches at the core)

• Core ideas to know well:

- Ahimsa (non-violence) in thought, word, and deed - Anekantavada (non-absolutism) and Syadvada (sevenfold predication) - Karma and its binding effects; the cycle of birth and liberation - Ajiva (non-soul) vs. Jiva (soul), and the path to moksha (liberation)

• Practical starting point: get a clear sense of ethics, cosmology, and the path to liberation before delving into complicated scholastic debates.

2) Start with reliable, foundational texts (the order can help you grasp the tradition)

• For a broad, non-sectarian overview:

- Read a concise, structured introduction to Jain philosophy and practice to frame everything else.

• Then move to core Jain sutras and treatises, noting differences between Digambar and Śvetāmbara traditions:

- Tattvartha Sutra (also called Vedanta-darsana) — a comprehensive, systematic summary of Jain doctrine. It’s valued across traditions, though the emphasis may vary. - Niyamasara (Kundakunda) — a clear, compact meditation on conduct and the right view; especially central in Śvetāmbara circles, with parallels in Digambar tradition. - Dasavaikalika (Five Contemplations) and Swayambuddhi (if you come across it in commentaries) — accessible entries into Jain ethics and ontology.

• For a more textual focus (Digambara emphasis):

- Kundakunda’s writings (like Niyamasara and Samayasara) are foundational for many Digambar readers.

• For a more textual focus (Śvetāmbara emphasis):

- The core Jain Agamas (the canonical sermons) form the backbone of Śvetāmbara tradition; look for summarized or translated versions in reputable Jain study materials.

3) Build a practical study plan (step by step)

• Stage 1: Ethics and practice (2–3 months)

- Focus on ahimsa, non-violence in daily life, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-attachment. - Read short chapters from Niyamasara or Dasavaikalika (easy to digest, practice-oriented).

• Stage 2: Philosophy and logic (3–6 months)

- Study Tattvartha Sutra or its summaries to understand karma, jiva/jina concepts, and anekantavada. - Explore simple, accessible commentaries that explain logic and epistemology in Jain terms.

• Stage 3: Cosmology, history, and ritual practice (ongoing)

- Learn about Jain cosmology, the lives of Tirthankaras, and how Jain temples and festivals express core ideas. - Read about the life of Mahavira and the historical development of Jain communities.

• Stage 4: Deep study and meditation (years)

- With foundation secure, delve into more detailed commentaries, and celebrate the praktical aspects of sadhana (like samayik, punya) as taught in your tradition.

4) How to handle Digambara vs. Śvetāmbara

• Both traditions share the same core aims (liberation, non-violence, right conduct) but emphasize different texts and interpretations.
• When you encounter a technical point, note which tradition it belongs to and read a parallel explanation from the other tradition to appreciate the difference.
• If you’re unsure, start with a neutral, widely respected synthesis (like Tattvartha Sutra) and then branch to tradition-specific texts as your understanding grows.

5) Guidance on selecting books (practical and reliable)

• Start with concise, authoritative overviews that summarize Jain doctrine without heavy sectarian bias.
• Then choose one foundational text per tradition to deepen your study:

- A solid primer or overview to frame the tradition - Tattvartha Sutra (core Jain philosophy, widely respected) - Niyamasara (clear guidance on conduct and right view) - A Digambara text like Samayasara or a Digambara commentary on Kundakunda for depth - A Śvetāmbara path—look for reliable translations or commentaries on the Agamas, or a modern synthesis that distills the Agamic teachings

6) Practice alongside study

• Regular reflection: set aside time for quiet contemplation on the moral precepts you study.
• Daily sadhana: cultivate ahimsa in actions, speech, and thoughts; practice mindfulness of non-violence in daily routines.
• Community and guidance: engage with a local Jain sangh or a teacher who can offer traditional guidance and help you navigate texts.

7) A simple, actionable starter list (no heavy jargon)

• Read:

- An accessible primer on Jainism to get oriented - Tattvartha Sutra (short selections or a good translation with notes) - Niyamasara (short chapters you can read in a few sittings)

• Then, depending on your tradition:

- Digambara: Kundakunda’s Niyamasara and Samayasara (plus a Digambara commentary on key sutras) - Śvetāmbara: A reliable overview of the Agamas and general commentaries on ethical practice

If you’d like, I can help you locate exact JainKnowledge.com pages that align with your current level and tradition, and suggest a concrete, month-by-month reading plan. I can also tailor recommendations to your language preference (Hindi, Gujarati, English, etc.) and whether you want English translations, original Sanskrit/Prakrit, or commentaries.