Hello,
I saw a message related to this thread on my home site of templeofthejediorder.org, which has led me over here. I would like to briefly explain a little bit more about what Jediism actually is and how it could be helpful to have a section dedicated to it on your site.
There are some things that you may not be aware of regarding Jediism as I see there is much mis-information around the couple of threads dedicated to the subject. First, Jediism is only loosely based on Star Wars. The central tenets and teachings are mostly a cross between Humanistic values, Taoism, and Joseph Campbell's research (the material that inspired Lucas to create the Star Wars Universe). One of the Community's central philosophers and authors, Opie MacLeod/Kevin Trout, has written something called the Jedi Circle, which will help us to explore the misconceptions people have about the Jedi Community. Let me show you what I mean.
The Jedi Circle is a collection of writings and values compiled by Opie to show a concise view of the Community and what we focus on in our training. In this, there is a section about the misconceptions of the Jedi in non-fiction. I will quote the book now:
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The Five Practices; Meditation, Physical Fitness, Diplomacy, Awareness, and Self-Discipline.
The Five Tenets; Peace, Knowledge, Serenity, Harmony, the Force.
The Five Traits; Reliability, Objectivity, Humility, Patience, Wisdom.
The Five Truths; Commitment, Self-Honesty, Learning, Sacrifice, and Guidance.
The Five Misconceptions; Segregation, Religion, Compassion, Star Wars, Infallible.
The Five Practices
Meditation: Through the practice of meditation a Jedi cultivates many aspects, patience, objectivity, and a steady connection to the Force.
Physical Fitness: Through physical wellness a Jedi is more capable of helping in a variety of ways. Whether this requires self-defense or simply a healthy immune system, the Jedi seeks to maintain good physical fitness.
Diplomacy: Diplomacy is the first venue of the Jedi. From Conflict Resolution to basic respect requests, a Jedi uses communication and the mind as the first "weapon."
Awareness: Self-awareness is one of the first steps in personal progress. A Jedi must also extend that awareness to the world around them, so they be ready to help when called.
Self-Discipline: Whether one trains in-person or online, no one can make you do anything, except yourself. If you wish to be a Jedi, than it rests on your shoulders to make sure you become one.
The Five Tenets
Peace: Peace is Acceptance. A Jedi must accept that there are things they have control over and things they do not. Peace comes from accepting our limitations, the limitations of others, and accepting to grow beyond them. Peace comes from accepting our emotions and not allowing them to rule our lives or decisions. Peace is Acceptance.
Knowledge: For a Jedi knowledge begins with the self, and works outward. We seek knowledge that we may better serve others. Though it may not relate to our Path, all knowledge is worth having.
Serenity: More than just remaining level-headed even in a crisis. While a Jedi acts for and from peace, serenity is a state of being. A serene mind is an objective mind.
Harmony: Moderation in all things. Excessive emotions, whether "positive" or "negative," create an imbalance within the self. We as Jedi seek Harmony in all things. Balance is key to a Jedi's life, balance between mind, body, and spirit. Balance between technology and nature. Harmony between ourselves, the Force, and the World we live in.
The Force: The Jedi dedicate themselves to the Force, seeking to explore, experience and understand it. Through the Force we connect to the rest of the world and act accordingly.
The Five Traits
Reliability: A Jedi is one others may turn to in a time of need. They are there for others, whether emotionally, physically, or spiritually. They offer their guidence as best they can
Objectivity: A Jedi is a neutral party, looking at a situation from all sides. Regardless of one's position, a Jedi is unbiased.
Patience: A Jedi must have patience. Not only in their training, but also in the world around them. With a little patience, many solutions will present themselves.
Wisdom: While Jedi take care of knowledge, they understand that it takes wisdom to use knowledge properly. While Jedi are seen as wise, they merely work from knowledge, experience, and the Force.
Humility: A Jedi is not above anyone else. A Jedi must remember that they are no better than the people they serve. We may train to be of help, but that makes us different, not better.
The Five Truths
Commitment: One can have self-discipline, but if they are not committed to the path they walk, than they will wander off it. A Jedi stays the course, by remaining dedicated to the Path.
Self-Honesty: Jedi know that control begins with the self. Through self-honesty they gain self-knowledge, which helps in self-discipline. One cannot progress if they are not fully honest with themselves first.
Learning: There is always something more to learn. The Jedi understand that they will never be done learning. Whether a Master or an Apprentice, we continue as students.
Sacrifice: As Jedi we often have to make sacrifices at times. Giving of the self to help others. Using our personal time and resources to be there for others and continue our training.
Guidance: A Jedi offers guidance, when requested. Jedi, when ready, pass on their experience and lessons. Acting as a signpost to the Jedi Way.
The Five Misconceptions
Segregation: People seek to create division - While our individuality may distinguish us, it does not change what we are. And if one does not follow the Jedi Way, then they are simply not a Jedi.
Religion: The Jedi Path is not a religion. There is no form of worship, no doctrine or defined scripture for the creation of the world; or for what happens in death. That is for each person to chose and believe for themselves. The Jedi is a Way of Life, an ideology, a lifestyle choice.
Compassion: A Jedi must understand a situation and react properly to it. Adhering to the "There is no emotion; there is peace" ideals presented within the Jedi Code, we must be mindful of compassion. Like all emotions we feel it, but that does not mean it should influence our decisions. We should do the right thing, because it is the right thing, not because we an emotion compels us to.
Star Wars: Though the Jedi are steep in the Star Wars mythos, it is not all they know. And one does not have to be a Star Wars geek or a (fictional) Jedi fanatic to become a Jedi. While Star Wars is our basis, it is not our reality.
Infallible: Jedi, no matter how powerful or clever, or how many years they have been training, are not infallible. There is nothing righteous or special about a Jedi, merely a person following and living their beliefs. And Jedi will fall and fail at times, but it is in picking themselves up and continuing again that matters the most. Jedi understand Failure is not the end
- Written by Opie Macleod ( © 2004-2010 - Last page update: January 13th 2010)
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