Great idea. Here is a simple, authentic starter–to–deep plan with core texts that are widely respected in Jain Dharma. I’ll keep it plain and true to Jain sources, and I’ll note where Digambara vs. Śvetāmbara views differ.

Texts to begin and grow with (essential, reliable foundations)

• Tattvartha Sutra (also called Tattvarthadhigama Sutra)

- Why it matters: It’s a comprehensive, systematic summary of Jain doctrine, used by both major traditions as a reliable guide. - What you’ll learn: Right faith, knowledge, and conduct as the path to liberation; the seven tattvas (reality factors) including jiva, ajiva, karma, and moksha. - Arth (meaning): It presents a unified framework for ethics, cosmology, karma, and liberation in concise aphorisms. - Reference type: Introductory overview and concise treatment available in JainKnowledge pages. You can read a compact summary of Adhyaya 1 and the overall structure here.

• Niyamasara (Acharya Kundakunda)

- Why it matters: A clear, practice-oriented text on conduct, right view, and how to live as a Jain aspirant. - What you’ll learn: The practical path of ethics (yama, niyama) and the correct view that grounds Jain practice. - Arth: It emphasizes right conduct and right understanding in a concise, approachable way. - Tradition note: Especially central in Śvetāmbara circles; Digambar readers also study it deeply. - Reference type: Foundational guidance on conduct; see JainKnowledge discussions that frame Niyamasara in context.

• Samayasara (Acharya Kundakunda)

- Why it matters: Explores the true nature of the soul and essential Jain dharma. - Arth: Clarifies the nature of the jiva, bondage, and the goal of liberation in a direct manner. - Tradition note: Central to many Digambara readers; Śvetāmbara sources often reference it through commentaries. - Reference type: Mentioned as a core text in standard Jain study plans.

• Dasavaikalika Sutra (Ten Contemplations)

- Why it matters: Short, practical ethics and contemplations for daily life and spiritual progress. - Arth: Presents a friendly entry into Jain ethics and the inner attitudes that support right conduct. - Tradition note: Widely taught in both traditions as an accessible entry point. - Reference type: Included in starter pathways and discussions about practice.

• Śvetāmbara Agamas (for study direction)

- Why it matters: Core canonical sermons for Śvetāmbara followers; provide historical and doctrinal grounding. - Arth: They form the backbone of Śvetāmbara textual tradition; give both ethical and philosophical direction. - Tradition note: Śvetāmbara emphasis; Digambara readers may rely more on Kundakunda’s writings and later digests. - Reference type: General guidance about Agamas as foundational texts; see overviews discussing core texts and differences.

A simple, neutral reading plan (month-by-month)

• Stage 1 (1–2 months): Ethics in daily life

- Focus: Ahimsa, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, aparigraha; cultivate calm, truthful speech. - Readings: Short chapters in Niyamasara; light Dasavaikalika passages. - Practice: Daily reflection on how you speak, act, and think; small acts of non-violence in daily routine.

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

- Focus: Karma, jiva/ajiva, anekantavada (plurality of views), and the path to liberation. - Readings: Selected sutras or summaries from Tattvartha Sutra; introductory commentary that stays within Jain terms. - Practice: Note-taking on one ethical question per week and how it relates to right faith/knowledge/conduct.

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

- Focus: Jain cosmology, Tirthankaras, temples, festivals; how practice expresses core ideas. - Readings: Introductory sections of Agamas (Śvetāmbara path) and short overviews on cosmology from Jain Knowledge discussions. - Practice: Attend a sangh, participate in samayik (meditative time), and learn temple rituals in a guided setting.

• Stage 4 (years): Deep study and sadhana

- Focus: Commentaries, original texts, and deeper practices like samayik, punya, and advanced ahimsa in thought, speech, and action. - Readings: One foundational text per tradition (e.g., Tattvartha Sutra for a broad view; Niyamasara or Samayasara for conduct and soul-essence; a Śvetāmbara Agama primer for text context). - Practice: Regular study with a teacher or a sangh, guided reflection, and consistent, compassionate self-discipline.

Notes on Digambara vs. Śvetāmbara (quick clarity)

• Core aims are the same: liberation through non-violence, right conduct, and right understanding.
• Text emphasis differs:

- Śvetāmbara: Agamas form the canonical backbone; Tattvartha Sutra is highly respected across both traditions. - Digambara: Strong emphasis on Kundakunda’s works (Niyamasara, Samayasara) as foundational for conduct and philosophy, with a rich tradition of commentaries.

• When you hit a technical point, it’s helpful to compare a neutral synthesis (like Tattvartha Sutra) with tradition-specific explanations to see how terms are treated in each path.
• If you’re unsure, start with a widely respected synthesis (like Tattvartha Sutra) and then branch into tradition-specific texts as your understanding grows.

Guidance on selecting actual books and pages

• Start with a concise, authoritative primer that frames Jain doctrine without heavy sectarian bias.
• Then pick one foundational text per tradition to deepen study:

- A solid primer or overview to frame the tradition - Tattvartha Sutra (core Jain philosophy, widely respected) - Niyamasara (clear conduct and right view) - A Digambara text like Samayasara or a Digambara commentary on Kundakunda for depth - A Śvetāmbara overview of the Agamas or a respected commentary on ethical practice

• In your language choice, you can pursue English translations, or get access to original Sanskrit/Prakrit with translations as needed.

Would you like me to map these texts to specific JainKnowledge.com pages that fit your current level and chosen tradition, and build a concrete month-by-month reading plan? I can tailor the plan to your language preference (Hindi, Gujarati, English) and whether you want English translations, original texts, or commentaries.

Note on sources (for your own learning plan)

• Core synthesis and introductory summaries of Tattvartha Sutra and its chapters are discussed on JainKnowledge pages. For example, a concise summary of the 1st adhyaya and the sutra path can be found in the Tattvartha Sutra summary discussion.
• Discussions that frame Niyamasara, Samayasara, and their role in both Digambara and Śvetāmbara study paths appear in JainKnowledge’s questions and explanations.

If you want, tell me your current tradition (Digambara or Śvetāmbara), your preferred language, and whether you want a month-by-month plan or a longer, flexible study path. I’ll assemble a precise, text-by-text reading calendar with JainKnowledge.com pages as references.