“Divya, where should I start learning Jainism from?”, a question often asked to me on Quora & other platforms. Sometimes non-Jain people get inspired by the stories or principles of Jainism. Sometimes Jain people want to gain knowledge of the religion they are born in. I love it when anyone gets curious to know this peaceful religion and invests their time towards it. I want to help them in every possible way I can. It’s fascinating to talk about Jainism more and more.
I am going to suggest some basic books, principles, and resources you can utilize to kick start your journey to liberation. Sorry, I know I talk a lot but let’s get started.
Books for everyone:
- The Jaina Path of Purification by Padmanabh Jaini (Buy now) (Download PDF)
- Jainism: An Introduction by Jeffery D. Long (Buy now)
- The Jains by Paul Dundas (Buy now)
- Aspects of Jaina Religion by Dr. Vilas A. Sanghave (Buy now) (Download PDF)
- Laghu Jain Siddhant Praveshika (Read online)
Books for Conversation lovers:
- Balbodh Pathmala Part 1, 2, 3 (Available in Hindi, English, Gujarati)
- Veetrag Vigyan Part 1, 2, 3 (Available in Hindi, English, Gujarati)
- Tattvagyan Pathmala Part 1, 2 (Available in Hindi, English, Gujarati)
Books for Kids:
- Jain Alphabet Book
- Jain Balpothy Part 1, 2
- Jain GK
- Jain Nursery
- Jain KG Part 1, 2, 3
- Rhyme Books: Nanhe Munne Gyayak Hum, Bhagwan Banne Janme Hum
- Jain Activity Book
Books for Story lovers:
- Jain Dharm ki Kahaniya Part 1-21
- Chaubis Tirthankar Mahapuran, Acharya Pushpdant
- Harivansh Puran, Acharya Jinsen
- Tirthankar Bhagvan Mahaveer
- Tirthankar Bhagvan Risbahdev
- Harivansh Katha
- Salaka Purush Part-1, 2
- Aap Kuch Bhi Kaho/ Say Whatever You Might
- Jan Raha Hu Dekh Raha Hu
Books in Novel Style:
- In Bhavo Ka Fal Kya Hoga
- Ram Kahani
- Satya Ki Khoj/ Discovery of Truth
- Sanskaar
- Aise Kya Paap Kiye
Books explaining important concepts of Jainism:
- Shaakahaar (Read online)
- Namokar Mahamantra, Pt. Ratanchand Bharill
- Ahinsa Mahavir Ki Drishti Main/ Nonviolence in the light of mahaveer
- Anekant Syadwad (Read online)
- Nimitopadaan (Read online)
- Dharm ke Das Lakshan
- Barah Bhavna: Ek Anushilan
- Krambaddhparyay
Download Books:
Most of the above-mentioned books are available at the following sites:
Online Resources to study Jainism:
- Harvard
- Join Arham Pathshala
- Join Parmagam Honours
Animated Video Stories:
In case you still wish to ask more about Jainism & have any queries, join JinSwara forum and chat with profound scholars.