The Force and the Code!
By Jedi Velarius Kenobi Moderator Jedi Sanctuary
First Posted: Yahoo Group 6-8-07, Questionaire developed by the now offline Ashla Knights
Task - A:
In your own words, define the Force.
- What is it? How did it originate?
- How does it work?
- Does a Jedi control it or does it control the Jedi?
- Are there multiple aspects of the Force & if so what are they?
- What are the differences between these aspects?
- Which aspect do you think applies to you as you live your life today?
(Jedi Velarius' Answers)
The Force is everything that is, was or will be. It is a divine energy force, which binds us, unites us, and runs through everything. It did not originate but rather always was and will be. Many religions and spiritualities of the world have tried to unite with the force, under names such as God, Spirit, and Tao, some coming closer than others to its true nature. The force runs through the universe guiding those that are tune to it especially, but guiding all nonetheless. However, it does not control the Jedi; it guides him, if his is listening closely.
The Force, the divinity of the world, universal energy, is not a duality of good and evil, of light and dark sides for the force is a force of unity, binding everything together one with all. The force is simply the force, the universal, and the good and evil are what we make of it. The force is made of all things in the universe, is a part of each one, what makes up our inner spirit. Good and evil; Light and Dark are constructions of the human mind.
The force cares not for these constructions, for the force is simply the force, unity and oneness embodied. A Jedi may use the force, and feel the force, but the force is simply oneness. What is important to note about this is that as Jedi it is our intentions and our uses of the force that make light or dark as we define it. If we seek balance in the force, and use the force not to create duality but with balance, compassion, love, justice, and resolve then we are acting as true Jedi.
However, the force can also be used in quest for power, lust, greed, and malevolence, and it is the intents of these people, the Dark Jedi/Sith, that we call the “Dark Side.” If the force is neutral then a Jedi or anyone for that matter can do whatever it is that they want right? Yes, that’s true, and yet no, (for indeed there is no duality) Of course one can do whatever it is they want, all return to the force in the end, however, darkness is indeed perversion of this understanding.
There are two key understandings of this neutral force that it is indeed neutral and not light or dark, and that it is all things in oneness. For if we are all one in the force, then compassion must follow for who but the most lost would wish harm on something that is indeed itself. I do not believe either that this undermines traditional Jedi teaching, but rather strengthens it. It merely reveals that "light" and "dark" are merely constructions we have developed to describe our experience of the force and of life, and not natural at all to the force being described. Therefore, I still would not wish to "fall to the dark side" for this understanding even in view of force neutrality is misbegotten at best for it disregards oneness in the force, one of the basic understandings of the force, yet one that is indeed the most essential.
Therefore, I am Light Jedi, but a light Jedi in balance with the force.
Task - B:
An Apprentice must know the Jedi Code! Provide a written break down as to your personal interpretation of the Jedi code & its meaning.
There is no emotion; there is peace
This line, the first of the code is very important and is first for a reason. A Jedi must always be mindful of emotions, coming always back to center and to peace. This does not mean that literally, there are no emotions, as experience tells us that this is not true, but rather that we must remain mindful of them, focus not on them, and not allow them to control our lives. Whereas many upon feeling an emotion are blinded by it, and led by it, slaves to their feelings a Jedi through awareness, mindfulness, and focus, are masters of their emotions and of their focus and not the other way around. As Qui-Gon Jinn said “Your focus determines your reality” and therefore a Jedi focuses not on his emotions but on the peace and clarity of the force.
There is no ignorance; there is knowledge.
As Jedi we realize that knowledge is perhaps the most powerful things in the universe, and ignorance perhaps the most dangerous of things. As Jedi we are called to bring the peace and clarity of the force to the world, especially in the places where conflict tears at unity. Ignorance is among the prime reasons for conflict, and therefore, as Jedi we must always be clear on our own level of knowledge upon the issues, and careful not to fall into ignorance. A Jedi does not follow blindly into anything but instead considers all sides, seeking clarity in knowledge. Just as Knowledge can bring peace to a Jedi, the Jedi realizes that bringing knowledge to those in ignorance is the first step to outer peace as well.
There is no passion; there is serenity
A Jedi realizes that passion is a dangerous thing, often fueled by errant emotion, ignorance, and obsession. While everything has it place and a Jedi must be careful to be forceful when it is needed, it is especially important to remain serene. Serenity is a state of mind, a oneness with the force, which recognizes that while passion often has great effect in the world, that it is often blindness, something that like the force itself can be used both for good and for ill. Therefore, a Jedi remains serene and free of obsession, emotion, and passion recognizing the place for passion, and the great need for serenity in life, decision making, and in clarity of thought and purpose.
There is no death; there is the Force
This refers to the force, and how a Jedi realizes in physical death, a natural progression of life’s cycle we are then returned in true unity to the force. In the movies Yoda had great insight on this when he said, “Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force. Mourn them do not. Miss them do not. Attachment leads to jealously. The shadow of greed, that is.” Therefore, just as we should not fear death and others but rejoice for them we should also understand the cycle of our own death.
Task - C:
From the material you may have read on this board; at its core, what does it mean to follow the Jedi way? What part (if any,) do the ideals of the Jedi play in your life? What does the statement; "conduct becoming a Jedi" mean?
The ideals of the Jedi play a great role in my life. Living in the ways of the Jedi, the code, and being one with the force are paramount to my very existence. Conduct becoming a Jedi is conduct that lives up to the principles we propose to believe in.
“Jedi are the guardians of peace and justice throughout the World. We use our abilities and powers to defend and protect, never to attack others. We respect all life, in all forms. We are humble and live to serve all living things. For the good of others, we seek to improve ourselves through knowledge and wisdom, on this journey that is never-ending.”
Indeed this is a basic and important definition of a Jedi bringing forth several of the central tenets of Jedism, peace, defense never attack, respect for life, humility, service, and wisdom. These are qualities I believe in cultivating as a Jedi, qualities that should always be cultivated as we walk along the path. However, before even more basically I think that as a Jedi that we must in practice walk the path of a Jedi. This can be summed up very well I believe through the Jedi Code
There is no emotion; there is peace
There is no ignorance; there is knowledge
There is no passion; there is serenity
There is no death; there is the force
And also through the three tenets of Jedism: Focus, Knowledge and Wisdom.
This is because as a Jedi one of the most important things that I try to remember is that focus indeed does determine your reality. Therefore, in cultivating the knowledge, wisdom, peace, service, and self-control that are necessary on the Jedi, path first focus must be achieved. From the practice of focus stems everything else that a Jedi stands for, including connection to the force which serves as the very core of our belief system.
This focus for me is achieved in practice through meditation: sitting meditation, mindfulness in daily life, and energy meditation. These practices serve as the practical active focus of being a Jedi for me, because in being calm, focused, and clear I am better prepared for daily life, and to practice the other important Jedi practices. There is no emotion; there is peace. This first line of the Jedi Code in practice stemming from a Jedi’s focus is the mindfulness and awareness of their emotions in being mindful of them robbing the emotions of the power to control actions and life.
A Jedi must strive to act from a position of clarity and therefore cultivation of this serene and peaceful state is paramount. In practice this serene and peaceful attitude of balance have a great effect on interaction with others and within you. From serenity and peace a Jedi is more equip to negotiate the conflicts and emotions of others to bring positive change to the world. This is important, as Jedi is not a person who remains in an Ivory Tower but one who is part of the world, living their beliefs
.A Jedi also has the balance to discern where will and action must be taken and where harmony and silence are the best course of action. This takes knowledge and wisdom, to achieve this balance in being able to discern situations, as well as falling on the background of focus and self-control.
This discernment and peacemaking is one of the Jedi’s most well known and traditional roles in society of keeping the peace and being good negotiators. This certainly is part of practice, as I always strive to remain in focus and balanced to be able to bring positive change through my very nature to those that I encounter be it my family, friends, or perfect strangers. This for me also comes from a view of oneness with others through the force. As the force is what binds the world, indeed the very life and makeup of everything, each of us is one with everything and everyone. This means that an attitude of balance and compassion for others is paramount in my path as a Jedi.
Another important aspect of being a Jedi is connection with the force. A strive every day in meditation and in daily action the balance of my energy and chakras within and connection to the planet and the force from without. It is important I believe as Jedi to cultivate this connection with the real tangible energy of the force. Staying at a high energy vibration is important to remain and balance. Additionally this connection brings forth the will of the force through intuition and brings forth the most balanced, neutral, things to our lives, and moves us forward as Jedi.
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