Initiate exercise #7: On my personal exercise program and how it interacts with Jediism. (4/02/12). (*personal goal of 400 words) (*738 words at end) 

In previous exercises I’ve written about martial arts as well as the physical and mental benefits of exercise, and meditation. So for this exercise I will simply write a brief overview of my exercise program, the benefits the exercises offer, and how each exercise interacts with Jediism. My exercise program consists of many practices, targeting different aspects of health and fitness within myself.

MARTIAL ARTS

The core of my program revolves around the study and practice of martial arts. I train in a small, in-home studio in Milwaukee, OR, in a style known as Xin-do Karate, in which I hold a Red Belt.
In past exercises I wrote about the benefits of martial arts in general, so as not to rehash old information I’ve only included the benefits I’ve personally experienced: 1) Faster reflex time, 2) stronger muscles, 3) A slight but noticeable increase in my ability to concentrate, 4) Greater confidence in my personal body image and self esteem, and 5) an appropriate outlet for the stress of life in general.
I hope to gain a better sense of personal safety as my levels increase and I learn more techniques, and while achievement of belt certificates is a wonderful feeling of accomplishment, my personal goal is to simply learn an effective style of self-defense. I feel that in today’s society we are focused too much on outward displays of achievements such as: big homes, shiny electronics, and other "show off" items.
In keeping with the vow of humility I try to balance the pride of achievement with humility and respect for the style I learn, as well as respect towards the teachers and fellow students who help me achieve my goals and training.
Martial arts fits in with Jediism in that the training teaches many "life lessons" such as: conflict resolution, importance of basic fitness, and how to deal with "bullies", be they on a playground for children, or in the work place for adults.
As a Jedi, and as a martial artist, I am taught about "force" and the practical, peaceful, and appropriate applications of said "force" in my day-to-day life.

TAI CHI

The main goal of my training in tai chi is to find a way to meditate and improve my ability to control my high blood pressure, while improving my overall health and concentration.
The benefits of Tai Chi are very similar to those of traditional martial arts-"fighting" martial arts- but are unique in being a melding of martial art practices and meditation, thus offering the mental benefits of meditation (increased focus, patience, and calming of hectic emotions) and the physical benefits of martial arts.
Tai chi fits in with Jediism in that it allows a melding of many of the principles of Jediism such as: The Vow of Contemplation, and #8 and # 13 of the 16 principles of the Jedi. (See break down exercise for more on those principles)
Tai chi teaches strength of mind and focus, strength of body and helps connect the practitioner to the force known as "Chi." –The spiritual energy in every living organism that helps balance mental, physical, and spiritual aspects so that they can live in harmony.

EXERCISE IN GENERAL

While a professional gym offers machines as well as free weights I don’t have the financial ability to join a gym, and have to rely on my weight bench and free weights to increase my muscle tone and size.
Free weights such as dumb bells offer three main benefits:
1. The first is that they improve balance. For example: the Bicep curl exercise is performed in a standing position and requires balance so that the other muscles are isolated while only the biceps do the exercise.
2. The second benefit is proprioception: The brains ability to know if it’s balanced and know where it is in space. So although your muscles get a workout, your proprioception works as well, thus training your body and mind.
3. The third benefit is financial. Instead of spending gym membership fees and using complicated machines, free weights offer variety, are cost effective, and allow me greater convienience for exercising.

Other exercises:

Bench press exercise increases arms, shoulders, and pectoral muscle development. Bicep curls increase biceps and triceps, (of rotate arm 180 degrees); weights also add extra pressure to stretches allowing for improved flexibility.
Leg extensions and curls work out the strong muscles of the legs, thus improving my foundation and balance which is extremely important as a foundation for strong kicks as well as improved mobility.

Free weights help build and tone muscles which creates greater physical strength and improves the bodies overall fitness, which, as Jedi, is important because a strong body is necessary to have good overall health and good chi flow.

Another important aspect of fitness is that of Proper maintence of ones health: Eating proper meals full of nutrition and vitamins,and that are low in sugars and fats, increases overall energy and help your body break down lactic acid in your muscles which in turn produces stronger muscles.

Since the human body is mostly water it's extremely important to stay hydrated using vitamin/mineral enriched water in order to rehydrate the bodies cells and replace any vitamins or nutrients lost from sweat.

It's also very important that you don't over do it when exercising. Pushing oneself to hard can actually do damage to muscles and other body systems, so it's important that you take small breaks between exercises, and get 8-10 hours of sleep at night to properly replenish the bodies necessary energy for the day. 

Initiate Exercise #6: (3/23/12)
(Note: after writing about my personal definition of "Force" I looked up the actual definition, and synonyms of "Force" as well as the term "Chi" in order to deepen my understanding and make sure my thoughts were clear and understandable. So those defininions are included in this work because they indirectly influenced it AFTER the initial completion of this assignment.)

Thoughts, Feelings, and reactions to the word, "Force"

When writing about my connection to the spiritual "Force" in initiate exercise #5, I wrote about meditation, exercise, martial arts, Wicca, and my empathic gift. These spiritual practices and activities help me harness "chi" and become aware of other "forces" in the world.

For this exercise, I will define the term "Force" through 4 applications: 1) Literal Definition, 2) Physical application, 3) Mental application, and 4) Spiritual Applications/Jediism.

1) Literal Definition of Force: The ability to cause physical change, energy, Strength, and active power, as well as, moral strength and the strength of a person’s will/willpower.
The word "Force" is also synonymous with: Might, Energy, Violence, Vigor, intensity, Power, Coercion, Compel, Compulsion, Make, and Strength.

2) Force in regards to physical applications: As a martial artist, my first reaction to the word "Force" is in physical application. As in: to use Force of ones physical body as a way to defend oneself and loved ones against physical threats of bodily harm, physical pain, and potential death.

3) Force in regards to Mental Applications/willpower: As simply a Man, I can see the word "Force" to describe ones will or willpower. The "Force" of ones will, will define how they react, internalize/externalize their feelings and thoughts on life’s experiences be they positive, negative, or neutral. Everything we experience in our lives has an impact on our minds and help shape how we view the world, Negative influences breed negative emotions and resentments and can create depression, anger, and unhealthy desires like desire to impact the free will of others or desire to cause mental or physical harm to others as a way to "heal" our own pain and suffering. Where as Positive forces: Love, acceptance, and respect, teaches us to act with love in our hearts for others.

4) Force in regards to Jediism/Chi: As a Jedi, I view the word "force" as the intuition of all living things, and through trusting our teachings, while allowing past experiences to strengthen our connections to energy. We can harness greater mental focus, physical prowess, and, a deep connection to the forces of nature.

Another way to look at "Force" is through the concept of "Chi", which is a spiritual belief in Chinese culture, for the energy that is thought to be inherent and "flowing" in all things, and are to be kept in balance which is essential for good health in body and mind.

Similar to how the human body is made up of different organs with different functions but are all necessary for a complete and living human being, these "Force" aspects, while being different on the surface, are all influential on a Jedi’s mind, body and spirit, and are crucial if you want to be in balance with oneself, as well as the world in which you inhabit.

Sources:
1) American College dictionary p. 541: Definition of term "Force."
2) American Heritage Thesaurus p.81: Terms synonymous with the word "Force."
3) www.answers.com/topic/chi-1: Definition of the concept of "Chi" in Chinese culture. 

 initiate exercise # 5 (3/16/12)

". . . Describe what functions you use to keep the connection (with the force) and focus. . . "

We, as Jedi, are taught to be introspective, to be mindful, and to trust our feelings/instincts, and to seek a connection to what we, as jedi, call "The Force."

In this assignment I will write about the three practices I use to connect to "The Force" as well as an introduction on being an empath, which I will elaborate on in its own post(s)

The following are all the things that impact my spiritual/mental/physical self and , because they all interact with the same person, they inevitably influence each other, so there will be a slight overlap between these practices.

The Sections are as follows: 1) Meditation, 2) Exercise/Martial arts, 3) Wicca, 4) "Empath" Introduction.

Section 1; MEDITATION

The first practice I use is Meditation. Meditations upon the Jedi Codes, as well as the teachings of various spiritual leaders/figures such as:Jesus, Buddha, Mythology of Pagan Gods and Goddess's, all improve our minds, our knowledge, our understanding of the world and our connection to spirituality, and "energy" also known as "life force" or "Chi".

Meditation also has the power to improve our physical bodies by granting many key medical benefits, which include-but aren't limited to: 1) Lowering oxygen consumation, 2) Decrease respiratory rate, 3) Increase blood flow and slowing heart rate, 4) Assist with attainment of deeper levels of relaxation. 5) Meditation also increases seotonin production which is important because low levels of seotonin effect mood and behavior and are associated with depression, obesity, insomnia, and headaches.

SECTION 2: Exercise/Martial arts

Physical exercise and martial arts training, while offering physical improvement in both muscle development and stamina, also has positive benefits on self-esteem, mental concentration, and timing. As well as the fact that many styles teach life lessons, and offer discussions on conflict resolution and the dangers of "pride" and the dangers of abusing "power."

Martial arts, in my opinion, is an aggressive form of meditation or, on the flip side, it can be seen as a passive form of combat. Through the use of "kata" and breathing exercises a martial artist can, in my opinion, cultivate a "feeling" or a connection to some deeper spiritual center or awareness. (I will elaborate on this in initiate exercise #7)

Section 3: Wicca

The third practice that connects me to "The Force" isn't really a skill or "practice" but is a religion in its own right, known as Wicca, or "neo-paganism." (Look at Religion assignment for more info.)

My past Wiccan training, studies, and practice taught me to connect and live in peace with the forces of nature , and to seek spiritual insight and guidance.
Even before I learned of the exsistence of Wicca, I always felt a deep appreciation for the forces and beauty of nature, and I found great peace of mind in meditating in forests, and parks surrounded by the scents and fell of the naural world.

These practices allow me an ability to disengage from the hussle and bussle of everyday life and to slow down my thoughts, thus allowing myself time to be awate of my emotions and an ability to sense or "check-in" with the energies of the natural world around me.

Section 4: "Empath" introduction

This writing on spiritual practices that connect me to higher spirituality or "The Force" brings me to discussing what I and my friends view as a psychic gift of mine , which makes me an "Empath."

Everyone,except the rare true sociopaths of the world, has at least a minimal amount of empathy. Empathy is what allows us, as humans, to be compassionate- to put ourselves in the mind state or "in-the-shoes" of others, and is in my opinion a Key necessity if you want to be seen as human, let alone a full fledged, trained Jedi (or any other spiritual practioner)

An "Empath" is a psychically gifted person with extreme empathy to the point of being able to "read" emotions and/or sometimes actually mimicking or "taking on" the strong emotions of others.
I have been sensitive to the emotions of others my whole life, but I didn't learn abou this ability, or how to effectively harness and improve upon it until I was in high school.

While not included in my "Trials and tribulations" post in my Jedi journal, The personal training and continuous mental conditioning required to control and live with this "empath" gift has been a life long trial of mine, and in my ife I have experienced the positive and negative benefits of this gift, but I will be outlining those in a seperate post.

I try to seek a balance between all of these aspects of my spiritual/ethical beliefs and personality traits, and in doing so, I am able to keep a balanced and positive connection to who I am as a person and as a "Jedi."

Sources:
1) healthandyoga.com/html/meditation/objectives.html
2)Years of Personal Martial arts study
3)years of Personal Wiccan study

Initiate exercise # 4. My opinion on the Jedi path. (3/05/12-3/11/12)

Many students or followers of the force talk about the concept of the Jedi path; in order to pass this initate program must have a clear and personal definition of what we see as the Jedi path, this is my opinion, theories, and personal feelings.

In my religious studies on Buddhism and Taoism, I learned about the concept that Buddha called "the four noble truths" and that through meditation on these " truths", a practionier can travel the spiritual " path to enlightenment."

I took these principles and applied them towards the individual lines of the Jedi code ( breakdown exercise) as a source of enlightenment and spiritual guidance. That through meditations on the code, either in it's entirely or on a line by line basis, a " jedi" can focus and look into himself or herself and find a clear head, thus being able to see their personal Jedi path clearly.

The fictional Jedi of the star wars universe, be it in the movies, t.v. Shows, or the many books, in my opinion were a mixture of secular monks and warriors of peace. Their roles in the fictional galaxy was that of peace keepers and, to a greater extent, reluctant heroes and heroines, each on their own spiritual path towards inner peace and harmony within their fictional worlds.

I believe the role of a Jedi is also dictated by how the person reacts to the trials and tribulations they face along their lives. Every interaction, be it positive, negative, or neutral in nature, has an impact on us, on our lives, and on our spiritual paths.

In my own reflection and meditations on my own past trials and tribulations I wrote of the deeply personal experiences in my life that have changed me, thus influencing -positively and negatively- the man I am today. Be it the reactions to my sexual assault, creating deeper empathy for others that have suffered or gone through the same life changing experience or through my choice of medical profession in reaction to my belief in respect and love for my elders.

As we continue on into our studies, reaching ever towards our goals and wishes, we come across people, places, and events that push or pull us, thus propelling us along our path, or become obstacles in our way for us to overcome on our way towards our own spiritual peace- our own enlightenment- and, its in how we choose to deal with these obstacles that defines our morality, our ethics, and influences our inevitable outcome for better or for worst.

We, as members of the Jedi order, align ourselves on the side of peace, and unconditional love, and fair ethical behavior as dictated through our teachings, meditations, and life experiences. We are taught to be peaceful warriors-to act and react to these obstacles with mindfulness of others and not out of selfishness or as a way to control or negatively manipulate others.

Since the assignment is to write about what I saw as the Jedi path I wanted to write a bit about the idea and concept of " initiation."
An initiation can be seen as a rite of passage, a symbol of death and rebirth. Joseph Campbell write about the importance of initiation rituals in primitive cultures, as well as how this truly timeless concept penetrates our modern society.

In modern society we have many initiation rituals which are what we can use to jeep track of our progress on our personal " Jedi" paths. We celebrate graduations from high school as an example of a modern day ritual. This ceremony of pomp and circumstance can be viewed as an initiation into " the real world" passing out of the realm of childhood and coming into adulthood. This represents death from an old, outdated mode, or a " path" that no longer serves our spiritual journey, and becoming reborn onto a new path as a stronger person and Jedi.

In the catholic church there is a confirmation ritual- which I went through when I wad around thirteen or fourteen years old-where you go in front of the congregation and priest/ minister and declare a belief in God and Jesus, to join the church of your own free will and to follow the teachings of Christ. As anyone who read my trials and tribulations entry I wrote about leaving the church but never truly stopped believing in God or truly stopped learning or praying, regardless of my opinions on the paternity of Christ.

Within the Wiccan faith their are initiations along our paths, be we solitary practioniers or work in groups, we can choose to get initiated into the faith when we are teenagers ( or can self-initiate any time we feel ready through a personal ritual), Anf in my case, it symbolized the dying of old, bitter angry self and I honestly felt that I was reborn onto a new path. Now I am doing the same joining this Jedi temple.

We, as Jedi, believe in walking on the " light" side of the force, and through walking in the light we can bettervserve our communities and our loved ones, as positive influences and that's what walking " the Jedi path" means to me. 

Initiate exercise #3 (3/02/12)
TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS
(Note: this is very personal and in depth, I tried to do as much grammar checking as possible, and any mistakes are accidental)
I recently started a thread as a request for some help in coping with the post-traumatic stress that I have been dealing with for a 2004 sexual assault. This is probably the most difficult test/trial I’ve experienced, not just because of the minor physical trauma, but also because of the long reaching emotional and psychological damage.
When significant trauma occurs, be it the loss of a friend, the loss or death of a child, or a physical or sexual assault, There is a significant chance that a person becomes emotionally stunted and becomes "trapped" in the mind set of the age they were in when the event occurred. Luckily, I was successful in not falling prey to that possible side effect. However I chose to bury the trauma, deny the event, hide it from everyone for years, and have only recently allowed myself to feel anything about it.

My childhood was what I would call "happy" or ordinary; given the rate of people from broken homes with terrible childhoods, mine was in that regard extraordinary. My parents have been happily married for thirty years and raised my older sister and myself with kindness and love. They raised us within the Christian church, but instead of stressing obedience to the bible or the specific church, they raised us to be free thinkers and to feel comfortable questioning our faith with the goal of greater knowledge in order for us to make our own spiritual decisions in life.

When I was a teenager I left the Christian church due to disillusionment with the politics of the faith. Socially I don’t believe in government politics being dictated by the church and not the people (*separation of church and state).
I don’t believe in creating policies denying people rights due to race, or gender, or sexual orientation, and I don’t believe in war or propagating a message of "With us or against us" mentality while using misinterpreted bible quotes as justification. I personally find it hard to believe that homosexuality is a sin against GOD or that birth control or anti-war propaganda is an affront to God as certain politicians have said in the past. I in fact find the whole concept offensive, and irresponsible of those politicians given that we have, or should have, separation of church and state.
I never stopped believing in a higher power, and I never stopped seeking a personal connection outside of a church to God, and I still pray every night or send out good energy into the universe. But around the age of 14-15 I no longer felt any personal connection to the label of "Christian"." So I became an agnostic focusing on the teachings of Christ and not focusing on-or truly caring about- the idea of divine parentage of Christ.

This "crisis of faith" if you could call it that, ended for me around 17 when my high school girlfriend of the time introduced me to Wicca, while on a summer trip. I, having always felt a deep spiritual connection to nature, dove in to my studies reading every book I could find.

Wicca, as a solitary practioner, and without guidance or training, kept me connected to a higher spiritual practice, and until the previously mentioned sexual assault, allowed me an unadulterated spirituality.

Through out my college years, into my adult life, I wasn’t sure what I wanted my career to be but through watching my grandfather grow old and spend his last days in a in-home care facility I was able to see the compassion, empathy, and loving nature of the nursing world, and while I had already chosen nursing assistant training, watching my grandfathers last days affirmed my choice in a career, where I can be empathetic and compassionate and view these traits as strengths for the first time in my life.

Within my career I face trials and tribulations in that I must cultivate emotional attachments with compassion for my residents, which is almost too easy for me, but the draw back is that one of the hardest thing about mine or any patient-centered health care job is dealing with the grief felt when a patient passes away.
Although I experienced a lot of death in my young life (with grandparents passing as well as friends) I got use to the loss, and I even felt I got a bit numb from it all. But even with those previous trials of loss, I can say it never gets easier to lose a patient, a person you’ve taken care of for weeks, months, and possibly sometimes years.
I view that aspect of my job as an ongoing trial to feel the connection and the loss but to not allow that sadness to destroy who I am as a person.

I find these job related trials-the comforting of family members of dying patients, or just simply making sure ALL my patients feel loved, respected, and appreciated for the wonderful people they are, and cared for to the best of my ability, to be some of the difficult, but sublimely rewarding trials I’ve faced in my life. While improving my quality of life and reaffirming the choices I’ve made and the trials I’ve faced in order to be where I am on my personal path in life. 

 Initiate exercise #2. On free will. (3/01/12)

Freewill is defined as: 1) Voluntary choice or decision, 2) Freedom of humans to make choices that are not determined by prior causes or by divine intervention. ( i.word.com/dictionary/free%20will)

This is one of the great, fundamental philosophical questions of life. A lot of people view it as : There is free will and that it was Gods greatest gift to mankind. With free will comes the ability to reason- The ability to question our teachings and seek greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Many people talk about "Gods" plan and trust in their religious deities to guide their lives with minimal effort on their part. While I acknowledge that to some people it's a great comfort to fall back on the idea of "Gods plan" while the horrible things in our lives occur, ad one must trust in it, I personally find it to be a bit irresponsible to, as some people I know, allow it to justify their own horrible actions or the lack of actions ( depending on the particular situation)

The idea of free will interacts with Jediism in that all Jedi must trust their intuition, ( "the force") to help instruct them on what is right but in the end they must CHOOSE the right thing- to err on the " light" side of the force- I believe that the sheer fact we have this choice, because I don't believe that people are born "bad"- but shades of gray and the clear potential to go wither way.

I believe that because that distinction exists justifies, in my mind, the existence of free will.

 Initiate exercise #1 Thesis;antithesis;synthesis (2/27/12)

This term is used to describe the thoughts of German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegal which stresses "paradoxical nature of consciousness". According to Hegal, the universe unfolds in reaction to " abstract ideas" conceived of as " underlying realities other then nearly subjective phenomena."

For Hegal the idea of "progress" or the advancement of history weren't just characterizations but realities that underwent this philosophy. From our point of view the process goes as follows:

"Over time two big ideas emerge ( be the cultural beliefs, psychological/ emotional/ intellectual pursuits, ect.) These ideas are known as: Thesis and Anti-thesis.

1. Thesis is defined simply as "idea", The initial idea that sparks the inquiry, not yet tested.
2. Antithesis is the opposition to the idea or "thesis" which tests the validity of the original thesis.
3. Synthesis is the eventual melding of one or more ideas to create a theory and thus, a new thesis emerges which is then tested with a new stronger anti-thesis, and from that comes a stronger synthesis, continuing on until the greatest "truth" is arrived at.

This, to me, is the scientific method applied to understanding the teachings of ethics( or any other idea). This fits into the ways of the Jedi by giving us a way to challenge the information we're given through our teachings, apprenticeships, and studies in a positive way that grows deeper insight into the ethical behavior, or other original " thesis".

 Exercise 8: BREAKDOWN

THE 21 MAXIMS

1. Prowess: To seek excellence in all endeavors expected of a Jedi. (7/31/14)

A Jedi strives to acquire greater skill and expertise in what they do at all times so that it may be used in the service of the greater good, and not for personal profit. This requires discipline, patience and perfect practice.

We as Jedi must practice our faith diligently and honourably in order to better serve mankind through our actions.

2. Justice: To always seek the path of ‘right’. (8/11/14)

A Jedi is unencumbered by bias or personal interest. Justice is a double-edged sword, one that protects the weak, yet also passes judgements according to a set of values. A Jedi tolerates that which is not Jedi and does not pass judgement on that which causes no harm for it is just.

When Seeking greater understanding we as Jedi can’t let biased opinions have any power. We don’t seek to convert through door-to-door proselytizing but through simply living our lives and living the will of the Force. Allowing our actions to speak for us instead of words.

3. Loyalty: To have faith in your Jedi brothers and sisters. (11/05/14)

A Jedi remains true to what they have learned and to their own teachings. A Jedi always serves those who wish to learn more of the ways of the Force and in doing so, remain loyal to the way of Jediism and their Order.

Having faith in our teachings and in each other allows us to truly be a family. We take vows and throughout training reaffirm our desire to become Jedi Knights and live by the teachings of Jediism. We help each other and in doing so cultivate a community where we can learn from each other and grasp greater understanding of ethics, emotions, spirituality, religion, and our basic human nature.

4. Defense: To defend the way of Jediism. (8/11/14)

A Jedi is sworn by oath to defend their faith and all it encompasses.

This just strikes me as saying "Put your money where your mouth is" but in regards to spirituality. Basically words don’t truly matter but its actions and living the Jedi faith that’s important. I’m a passionate person who enjoys debate for the sake of knowledge and deeper understanding and thus must as a Jedi be willing to defend my opinions and views when challenged.

5. Courage: To have the will. (8/12/14)

To be a Jedi sometimes means choosing the more difficult path, the personally expensive one. A Jedi knows they must make the right choice, take the right side and that the weak they have sworn to defend often stand alone. A Jedi puts aside fear, regret, and uncertainty yet know the difference between courage and sheer stupidity.

It’s sometimes hard to do the right thing because of peer pressure or social pressures. Standing up for what you believe and making the right choices. Acting courageously; we must not let our fears derail us from our duty to those who need our help.

6. Faith: To trust in the ways of the Force. (8/12/14)

Although the ways of the Force may seem strange at times, a Jedi always knows their place and their role within it.

We must be respectful to those who out rank us as that’s a sign of prolonged dedication to Jediism. We must have faith in the ways of the Jedi and live our lives with respect and faith.

7. Humility: To accept the ego for what it is. (8/12/14)

A Jedi does not boast of their accomplishments and knows that their accomplishment is its own reward.

Not being boastful for the sake of vanity and pride is very important. Now being proud of your accomplishments is important. I have trouble with pride in that I’m a martial arts instructor so a good part of my time is spent marketing my programs and school and thus I find myself answering questions about my previous training and credentials. Over time it’s hard not to let it go to my head but I am working on that fault. I don’t get bogged down with rank; yes I’m a black belt in karate; but I just started over at white belt in Tae Kwon Do and will be going through those ranks. (I am currently a Gold belt in WTF Tae Kwon Do)

8. Fearlessness: To have no self-imposed limits.(8/12/14)

Fear is that which prevents a Jedi from accomplishing their duty. A Jedi learns to let go of their fears through their faith in the Force and has no shame in admitting their shortfalls when they occur.

Overcoming fears is part of every religion. The concepts of inner peace resonates with Christians, Jews, Muslim, pagans, and Buddhists. One can’t grow as a spiritual person if they are encumbered by fear and striving to overcome this will allow someone to reach their strongest selves. Not having self-imposed limits means that you must strive for the stars; or "Shoot for the moon’; or "give 110%". The lesson being that by giving your all in your endeavours you can have no regrets regardless of if those endeavours are successful or not.

9. Nobility: To act with honour (11/06/14)

A Jedi does not engage in petty, mean or otherwise dubious activities. Acting with stature and distinction influences others, offering a compelling example of what can be achieved by those who follow Jediism.

This speaks about "right action"; we as Jedi should not be engaging in cruel, petty, or negative influences and activities. By acting as such we dishonour our teachings and the basic creeds of Jediism. We must be positive influences on each other to help us grow in strength and understanding of the force.

10. Honesty: To avoid lies.(11/05/14)

A Jedi is honest with themselves and seeks to always go beyond appearances. There can be no honest self without the knowledge and wisdom to see truth.

Similar to acting with Honor we must always speak truth. Deception and lies are not just a dishonour of ones self but also a dishonour to our teachings and our way of life. No good can come from speaking false; the truth of this statement is resonate in every cultures myths and lessons.

11. Pure Motive: To act with motive and purpose. (11/06/14)

Without a sound motive and purpose, action has no meaning, no destination and lacks a foundation. A Jedi moves with the Force, trusts in its ways. A Jedi’s actions are firmly based upon a deep motivation to be as their path dictates.

Pure motivation through trusting in the guidance of the Force; our intuitions; our teachings help us along our spiritual journey. Being firm in our convictions and our teachings we can better find our purpose within this often chaotic world.

12. Discipline: To let the self be sole master of the self. (11/06/14)

A Jedi’s mind is structured, peaceful, unencumbered by emotions, physical state or external stimuli.

Through using our teachings we are able to discipline our minds in order to get greater peace. While we as Jedi acknowledge our emotions far more than the fictitious Jedi of the Star Wars Universe, we must not become purely emotional beings and trust in a disciplined mixture of emotions and logic in order to reach self-mastery.

13. Focus: To select what matters most. (11/06/14)

A Jedi focuses in the task at hand. Although a Jedi is aware of the past, and wary of the present's impact on the future, through discipline they know how to select and concentrate on priorities.

Focus is important in order to overcome and discipline our minds and hearts. A jedi must acknowledge the past but remain mindful of the present so as not to live in the expense of the future. Having a firmly rooted presence in the present one can see what a priority in one’s life is truly and act accordingly. Meditations and lessons such as these "break down" exercises as well as reflections and journaling can help one over time see the big picture; and understand and plan the next step in the journey of life.

14. Discretion: To become invisible. (11/06/14)

A Jedi knows there is a time and place for all things. They do not actively interfere in worldly affairs and refrain from overtly supporting or opposing other individuals or organizations.

I’m not sure I agree with this. While being Jedi is a wonderful thing I feel that honoring ones past and the people and organizations that align with our personal beliefs is actually a pretty good thing. We should never let our organizations promote ignorance, intolerance, etc. but humanitarian organizations are okay in my opinion.
I agree that this discusses that we are brother and sister Jedi first; and we must honor that relationship and not let our differences keep us apart. Certain organizations would frown upon that idea and shouldn’t be placed before the teachings of this order. The teachings and lessons have to strengthen our core and radiate out in all our actions.

15. Meditation: To exercise the mind. (11/06/14)

Through regular meditation a Jedi examines their motivations, and are certain that they are not allowing emotion, ignorance, or passion to intrude upon them. Meditation can be used by a Jedi to improve their mindfulness, focus, or patience

The benefits of meditation has been expanded upon in previous "basic studies" essays but through meditation we can allow ourselves to cultivate a way of viewing the world that promotes understanding, empathy, focus, patience, and unconditional love for all things on this planet through interconnections.

16. Training: To know one's ignorance. (8/12/14)
A Jedi knows there is always something more to learn and seeks new lessons every day.

You’re never too old to learn something new. I started this journey ith the goal of knowledge and meditation. Since then I’ve learnt so much more and my life has been changed for the positive. I am still learning; every day I learn something new for the sheer joy of learning. I will still be learning new things when I’m in my 90s. Life isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon, a journey and self-discovery is always important.

17. Integrity: To be consistent. (8/12/14)
A Jedi lives as a Jedi at all times. Hypocrisy is their worst enemy.

Being consistent is the true test of the faithful. Action speak louder than words and a Jedi who truly accepts these teachings must not just study them but must put them into their everyday life with honesty and truth.

18. Morality: To know the danger of belief. (11/04/14)
A Jedi knows how contradicting beliefs of what is right and wrong can lead to devastating crimes and conflicts. A Jedi takes a step away from the subjectivity of opinion in favour of the peace of objectivity. A Jedi does not force their values upon others.

Contradictions within faith can destroy objectivity with regards to morality. Alan Watts spoke about the game of spiritual one-up menship when discussing Meditation; and the frustration and distraction this can cause in regards to religion. We get stuck in this game of "my God is better than your God" or "My religion is truer than yours" and in doing so we can lose perspective of the teachings of those religions. The best example of this is within fringe sects of Christianity and Islam. Within most Christian communities/churches that I’ve been associated with or run into in my life I find that after even a brief discussion that the majority of the "true believers" simply shake their head and shut down. They don’t have the knowledge or background in order to justify their judgements and hypocrisies. (*I have also met extremely religious people who can back up their beliefs with actions, experiences, and are some of the greatest and most empathetic people I’ve known).

As Jedi- regardless of other spiritual beliefs (Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, etc)- we have to remain respectful and subjective with regards to others we meet. By not focusing on trying to convince others that they are wrong, we allow ourselves to learn new things and grow empathy for other people on a basic human to human level. My tae Kwon Do Instructor is a very religious man, and we’ve had amazing discussions about ethics, morality, religious origins, spiritual practices, non-violence, the duality within martial arts of non-violence (Buddhism) and violent actions (actual martial combat). And not once in my year training with and discussing with this gentlemen have I ever felt uncomfortable; or preached to; or thathe was trying to "change" my opinions in any way. I hope he feels the same about my side of the conversation. And we’ve been able to cultivate a deep friendship regardless of our different spiritual practices, histories, and beliefs. (His being Christianity; and mine being a mix of Buddhist practices, nature worship, Jediism, and meditations.)

19. Conflict: To know when to fight. (8/12/14)

A Jedi knows the conflicting nature of the Force but they also know its peace and serenity. A Jedi never blindly enters conflict and always does so for the greater good.

So as most of you know I’m a martial arts instructor. I discuss conflict often in my classes with the main goal of training to use these skills as a last resort and with the utmost humility. Never seeking out violence but always prepared to defend myself and others. Now even if conflict isn’t physical a Jedi must be willing to fight for what they believe in and act for the greater good of all involved.

20. Intervention: To know when not to act. (8/18/14)
A Jedi knows how inaction can have as great an impact as action and how some of the greatest lessons are self-taught. To be a victor is also taking that victory from those you protect. A Jedi intervenes only when a Jedi's intervention is required

This strikes me as a rule of self-control. I’m a big believer in letting actions speak louder than words. Helping others is noble but the best way to help someone is sometimes letting them help themselves. We must pick and choose our battles and make sure our aide will only help someone grow and not become dependent upon us and thus stopping their own spiritual or self-growth. Mastering this knowledge of when NOT to act is far more important than trying to just swing in and "Fix/save" everyone.

21. Harmony: To be connected to the Force. (8/18/14)
A Jedi seeks to live in harmony with the Force, for that is the reason to be a Jedi. To better understand its ways, to better know one's place within it.

As a martial artist I will be using the imagery of water to explain this exercise. A big part of being a religious person or adhering to any religion is that one must live in harmony within themselves. To be within harmony with ones self diminishes the anxiety and frustrations of daily life. Water works well because the idea of a yielding force that can move around obstacles. Using the teachings of Jediism one can strengthen their inner strength and character and connect deeper with their society, physical world, and spiritual selves.

 Exercise 8 break down

EXERCISE 8 BREAKDOWN OF THE 16 TEACHINGS OF JEDIISM

1. Jedi are in touch with the Force. We are open to spiritual awareness and keep our minds in tune with the beauty of the world. We are forever learning and open our minds to experiences and knowledge of ourselves and others. (11/05/14)

We as Jedi must always seek out new knowledge in order to enrich and enlighten our lives. Life is a giant journey filled with events and experiences that help teach us lessons and impact and shape our lives; that never ends until the end of life. As a CNA I’m still impacting- however slight- the quality of my patients lives in order to help them continue on their journey either towards recovery (and then hey discharge and go experience life somewhere else) or until their passing (in which case my feelings are that I make sure they feel appreciated and loved as the wonderful individuals they are)

2. Jedi maintain a clear mind; which can be achieved through meditation and contemplation. Our minds can become unduly troubled and concerned with the happenings of the world. We must work on overcoming our individual issues through training and diligence. (11/05/14)

Having ADHD and a love/hate relationship with meditation (written about in depth in the Alan Watts essay) I have a hard time calming the chaos of a chattering mind. This speaks to the need of the Jedi to work through distractions and practice diligently to overcome the chaos of the world. Whatever our individual issues are we can use meditation to come to terms and overcome them. I’ve been experimenting with Tai Chi and Wing Chun as a way to slow my racing thoughts and obtain a meditative state with varying degrees of success over the last year.

3. Jedi are aware of the future impacts of action and inaction and of the influence of the past, but live in and focus on the Now. We let ourselves flow like water through the events around us. We embrace the ever changing and fluid world, adapting and changing as it does.(11/05/14)

This gives advice in the form of "rules" in order to help us live in the moment. Through my studies of Buddhism and in dealing with my past sexual assault and the PTSD; I’ve tried very hard to let my past stay in the past. I’ve had quite a history of losing myself in my past often in expense of my present. This lesson was hard learned and I’m still working on it. But striving on to focus on my future and my present to better my life.

4. Jedi are wary of attachments, both material and personal. The obsession over possessions and people creates the fear of losing those possessions and relationships which can cause ourselves to be trapped in a state of depression and loss. (11/05/14)

I believe that unlike the fictional Jedi of the Star Wars universe that Attachments are necessary in life. We have to remain aware to not let our attachments define who we are. We aren’t the Big House or Shiny Car; instead we are spiritual beings inside a physical body and as such must take care to not let our possessions own us.

5. Jedi understand that well-being consists in the physical, the mental and the spiritual. A Jedi trains each to ensure they remain capable of performing their duties to the best of their ability. All of these are interconnected and essential parts of our training in becoming more harmonious with the Force. (11/05/14)

This trifecta of balance between the physical, mental and spiritual allow us to grow evenly throughout our lives. I train my body with Martial arts to keep myself physically strong, mentally alert, and through training with the goal of non-violence and self defense I am able to honor the spiritual side of myself as well. This is just one example of the blending of these three principles.

6. Jedi use their skills to the best of their ability. We do not use our knowledge and skill to boast or be prideful. We are mindful of the ego and mindful of our actions, exercising wisdom and humility (11/05/14).

Our actions must be pure of greed or desire for possessions or higher status; etc. and instead we should be altruistic and caring for all peoples. It’s only in acknowledging and keeping our egos in check that we are able to truly empathize with other; including our family and friends as well as our brothers and sisters in Jediism.

7. Jedi understand their limitations. We recognise, and take responsibility, for our failures and develop a level of modesty about them. We respect the right for others to disagree and understand that they themselves are not perfect. (11/05/14)

Everyone has limitations. Every one of us are human and thus are not infallible. We make mistakes and we take responsibilities for our actions (be they positive or negative), We should always approach each other with respect because we are all on this journey together; some of our paths are harder then others but we each have our limitations.

8. Jedi are patient. We work on training ourselves not to precipitate events around us. We know that becoming a Jedi is long and hard and requires rigorous dedication and commitment. Jedi train to act with a conscientious state of calmness.(11/05/14)

Our path is never ending. In starting the initiate program I took on an undertaking that has taken years to complete but even with these exercises coming to an end and after all the hours of research and writing; I’m only truly beginning my training. Much like in my martial arts training; We start at white belt and after years of study we learn and master the "basics" and receive our 1st degree black belt. And as any martial artist knows that’s just the beginning of our self mastery; and much like in martial arts finishing these studies is just a sign post on our path to becoming a Jedi Master; but more importantly, they are just sign posts on our never ending journey to self mastery.

9. Jedi have integrity. We are authentic to what we believe and are open, honest and true to our purpose and our minds. We remove all masks to reveal ourselves as courageous and noble of heart. We do not hide from fear of damage to our image because we know that our image cannot be blemished from the words and actions of others. (11/05/14)

We’ve discussed the importance of honest in many lessons. Anyone who has studied ancient religions such as paganism or occult-like training know that words have power. We must be honest with others about who we are, what we believe, and our ethics. By removing the masks we place on ourselves or others place on us we can embrace who we truly are and live in peace. In American society words actually can blemish peoples’ opinions of ones’ image but can’t truly damage us! And we can choose to show who we are and in doing so rebel against bullying or mislabeling by others.

10. Jedi serve in many ways. Each action performed, no matter the scale, influences the world. With this in mind Jedi perform each action with peace, caring, love, compassion and humility. So it is that each Jedi improves the world with each deed they perform. (11/05/14)

Every action one does impacts the world around them. We are connected to the world and thus everything in the world and have an often hidden but profound impact on our direct social circles and our direct environment. Knowing this means that we must be mindful of acting purely with compassion for others, caring and love and humility to off-set our ego.

11. Jedi are mindful of their thoughts. We recognize the beauty in others and we provide help to those who come seeking it. Through our benevolent actions we strengthen not only ourselves but also our communities. Jedi act without prejudice. (11/05/14)

I touch based on this in #10 but I believe this is in regards to our thoughts and their impact upon one another. By recognizing the beauty of the individuality of each other we acknowledge what makes us different. Acting with love towards one another on a basic human level allows us to always act pure of motives, and with the greatest love of compassion impacting our community positively.

12. Jedi believe that love and compassion are central to their lives. We must love and care for each other as we must love and care for ourselves; by doing this we envelop all life in the positivity of our actions and thoughts. We are providers and beacons of hope (11/05/14).

This, much like #10 and #11; is about how compassion is central to our lives. In how we treat one another on an individual level as well as by group (humanity) we honor our beliefs with our actions.

13. Jedi cultivate empathy. We try to view things from another’s perspective making us sensitive listeners. We provide the confidence people need when talking through their difficulties and we share our learning with those who would benefit. We do this to help create a more harmonious society. (11/05/14)

Being compassionate and empathetic towards others means being there for one another. We are brothers and sisters in the force and- like a family- we should be able to lean on one another when necessary as well as being there for those who might need our strength. By dealing with each other with empathy we create a more loving and harmonious world around us.

14. Jedi are guardians of peace. We believe in helping all those that are in need, in whatever form, to the best of our ability. We recognize that sometimes providing help requires courage in the face of adversity but understand that conflict is resolved through peace, understanding and harmony. (11/05/14)

Might doesn’t make right; we must seek a peaceful way to resolve conflict within our world and have courage when faced with negativity and adversity. The resolution of issues must be done with compassion and not with anger as anger never truly solves problems. This reminds me of the Buddhist quote about anger: " Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned."-Buddha.

15. Jedi believe in eternal life through the Force. We do not become obsessed in mourning those who pass. We may grieve at their passing but we are content, knowing that they will forever be a part of the Force and so always a part of us. (11/05/14)

Grief is a part of life; one of the beautiful things about life is that it’s not eternal. In honesty our lives are very short, and while religion gives hope to billions about the afterlife; when faced with loss we must walk a fine line between grief and remembrance. Losing ones’ self in loss of a loved one damages the life that is still going strong. It’s only in remembering the loved one that they become eternal. One must focus on the lessons learned from those we lost, and in doing so we honor their lives and the impact they’ve had on us.

16. Jedi make a commitment to their cause and to humanity. Our ideals, philosophies, and practices define the belief of Jediism and we take action on this path for self-improvement and to help others. We are both the witnesses and protectors of the Jedi way by the practice of our convictions. (11/05/14)

This is another "actions speak louder than words" post, speaking about honoring our lessons, our philosophies and our beliefs. By studying and applying these lessons to our lives we become a living embodiment of the "Force" and a force for positivity in the world. 

 EXERCISE 8 BREAKDOWN

Breakdown: 3 Tenets

1.Focus: Our focus truly does determine our reality. It's very important-not just as Jedi but as people- to be aware of our focus and surroundings.

As a martial artist I need to be able to focus on many things at once while in an engagement ( be it in the real world or during training) I have to take into account my body stance, my opponents, the distance between us, The ranges of engagement, other people around the immediate area, and environmental objects and distances.

As a person I believe focusing on our goals and having a clear vision of a desired outcome is paramount to achieving the most favorable outcome for a given situation.

2. Knowledge:this can be seen as knowing facts, ( I.e; it takes less then a pound of pressure against a sharp edge to break skin, or that the average blood pressure of 20-35 year olds is between 115-130 systolic over 55-70 diastolic, ect.)

A person must seek a deeper understanding of the world through scholarly acts.Knowledge is power and knowing is important but not as important as the journey towards knowledge.  Through focus and applying past teachings or meditations one can obtain wisdom.

3.wisdom: I define wisdom as: The appropriate application of knowledge. Wisdom is knowing when to apply knowledge, through correct judgment and decisions. I view this as a byproduct of experience and knowledge.

Focus+knowledge+wisdom can create a perfect "pyramid" structure in order to build a strong foundation for a person to build their life, how they choose to build it- be it spiritually, emotionally, or getting trapped in day to day monotony. If the foundation is strong it can keep the person grounded in values and correct ethics. Regardless of what the day-to-day events of their lives looks like.[/quote]

JEDI CODE

CRYSTAL CODE: This includes all 4 lines of the Jedi light saber crystal code:

1. The crystal is the heart of the blade: in the fictitious world of star wars ever light saber has a crystal at it's core, it's the soul of the blade; or the blades heart and without it the lightsaber is useless.

2. The heart is the crystal of the Jedi: non scientifically speaking the human heart is seen as the emotional center of the body. We use logic and emotion to make better decisions.   Socielty romanticized this vital organ because without it people Literally can not live; where as without love I believe a life is empty and not what I would define as " living"

3. The Jedi is the crystal of the force: Jedi are seen as "force users". We trust in the force ( intuition) and use it to benefit mankind through our good deeds.

4.The force is the blade of the heart; all are intertwined: The crystal, the blade, the Jedi. You are one: the force (intuition/conscience) speaks and guides us. A complete person/Jedi consists of trust in themselves, follows their intuition, and using our ethics and beliefs to impact the world around us in a positive way.[/quote]

JEDI CREED

1.I believe in the Living Force of Creation: I am a Jedi, an instrument of peace: This is a simple profession of belief and a way of defining "Jedi" ( instrument of peace) the lines of the creed harken back to this idea of an instrument of peace by defining how a Jedi acts in this role.

2.Where there is hatred I shall bring love: A Jedi seeks to promote love and denounce hatred when he comes across it. As well as seeking to love others instead of hatred.

3.Where there is injury, pardon: A Jedi seeks to forgive. Forgive the people who injure others or who injure him. As a healer/health care provider I can also see a subtle teaching of striving to pardon injury and "heal" current injuries and relationships to avoid future injury.

4.Where there is doubt, faith; A Jedi trusts in " the Force" for spiritual advice. A jedi has faith in himself and as all people go through moments of doubt in life, a Jedi uses faith to get through moments of doubt.

5. Where there is despair; hope: Always seek to find hope in all lives events. A Jedi seeks to inspire hope in others as a way to battle despair. Similar to #2 but at a deeper emotional level.

6. Where there is darkness; hope: A Jedi seeks to illuminate those who seek wisdom, to bring light to darkness. Enlightenment is sought as a peaceful way to coexist with all entities on this planet.

7. Where there is sadness; Joy: Seek to alleviate the woos of others. I feel that i live by this idea due to my overactive empathy I constantly seek to help my friends and family without conditions other then hoping that they will return the favor.

8.I am a Jedi. I shall never seek so much to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand: This speaks to me as "Give and take" and striving against selfishness. Life is about give and take and as a student of jediism I believe that I should be willing to give myself to those who seek aide but I should also strive to trust my fellow brothers and sisters in the force to assist me when I seek it. Although asking for help isn't something I am good at.

9. To be loved as to love; for it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned: this speaks of showing unconditional love as well as the importance of forgiveness.

10. And it is in dying that we are born in eternal life. The Force is always with me, for I am a Jedi:  This feels very Christian in it's eternal life reference. But outside that influence, I see this as saying to trust in my instincts and we can't be let down by doing so.

The second part speaks of eternal life, and while some may view this as a promise of heaven or Nirvana, or the summerland, my opinion is the more earthly view point. The idea of being remembered for our deeds by family/ friends and in that regards we can obtain , if not eternal remembrance, perhaps remembrance past the point of our physical death.[/quote]

16 teachings

21 Maxims

THE 12 VOWS OF THE JEDI

2/23/12; 2/24/12;2/27/12;2/28/12;3/25/12;11/13/12;12/04/12;6/10/14;6/11/14;6/15/14

1.            THE VOW OF RESPECT: A Jedi must possess the deepest respect for all things, living and inanimate. As a servant of life a Jedi must possess the deepest respect for all things, themselves included. Respect enables a Jedi to deal with both life and people in a fair and modest manner, which strengthens the bonds between people and fosters peace and tranquility.

One must always act with respect for their fellow man. Striving to love everyone and show them respect is very easy when they show you respect as well so that isn’t much of a challenge.

When speaking of respect one must talk about the challenge of showing respect and acting from a place of peace when confronted with bigotry and others who confront you and show you disrespect on a basic human level.

Disrespect MUST be confronted with love and understanding or at the very least compassion and indifference. Once should not meet hatred with hatred because it only adds to the hate within ourselves; as well as in others.

2.            THE VOW OF HUMILITY: A Jedi is no better or more important than anyone else. A Jedi must always be mindful of their attitudes and self-image that they do not become boastful or prideful in either their abilities or beliefs. Humility enables the Jedi to approach others and life in a receptive manner and allows a Jedi to accomplish their goals unobtrusively. The humble person is easier to accept and far less threatening than the braggart.

A Jedi must be humble with regards to our pride of self image.Pride is seen in many religious/spiritual practices as the ultimate Sin, and what brings the downfall of many “great” men and women.

A Jedi, while wielding power, must be mindful of the ethics towards using such power and must keep their pride in check through meditation and iron will. This humility allows us to be more open and receptive of the people around us and “clears our vision” to the situations and make a logical decision with all the facts on the table. Being bogged down by pride or unhelpful emotional baggage damages a Jedi and their connection to the force and their chi.

3.            THE VOW OF CONTEMPLATION: A Jedi must possess a clear mind and approach life and situations from an objective perspective. Emotion, while not bad, can influence the perceptions and judgment of a Jedi and care must be taken to insure that the positions of the Jedi is unbiased. To this end meditation is a highly recommended practice that can both clear the mind as well as teaching patience. Meditation is a key in the life of the Jedi and it affords the Jedi the opportunity to commune with the Force and leads to a greater self-understanding.

 A Jedi must include meditation as a part of their daily training routine. Meditation allows for the contemplation about pros/cons of a problematic life situation. It allows us a clear and objective viewpoint where things that get overlooked or overpowered by the chaos of life can be seen for their true selves and judged on their true merit.

Quiet contemplation of life is a necessity for every one of every faith, and as a Jedi we must learn to do this. I have ADHD and have not been able to sit still and meditate seriously without great effort. I have read many books, and even taken classes but I get too overwhelmed and distracted. One of my main goals is to find a mentor/teacher to work with me and help me learn this skill someday.

(Update: I practice karate/wing chun/tae kwon do and have been able to have some success calming my mind through physical activity so I use that as a form of meditation/focus training)

4.            THE VOW OF MODERATION: Balance is key to the life of the Jedi and moderation in all things contributes to this balance. Too little of a thing can lead to deprivation and covetousness. And yet too much can lead to greed and waste. A Jedi must strive to attain only what they need and desire within the bounds of Reason. Too little or too much of a thing can be equally destructive and both leach at the peace and contentment of the Jedi.

 I believe in moderation; I am 26 years old so I am all for new experiences but must, as a spiritual being, be able to control impulses.  Moderation is important to have as a Jedi because if one has a deficit be it in opinion, actions, or basic necessity like food/water/shelter/love/friendship/etc. a person can become bitter and hateful which leads to anger and what this website/community refers to as “The Dark Side”.

On the other hand, a person with Too Much seems to lose respect for what they have. Be it money, worldly possessions, political power, or social status and then that loss of respect changes the fundamental viewpoint of acting for the greater good into acting for the self; or selfish action. We must not deny ourselves attachments and comfortable living but we must also strive to keep our possessions or ideas from “calling the shots” or possessing us.

5.            THE VOW OF ATTACHMENT: Attachment is vital to the life of the Jedi. The Jedi must know life and be intrinsically tied to it in order to better serve the will of the Force Jedi must possess ties to the people around them and are encouraged to love. Love is a strong connection to the basis of humanity and can serve as a strong foundation of strength and encouragement when a Jedi needs them most.

We, unlike the fictional Jedi of the Star Wars franchise, must seek out others to socialize and create attachments with. We must be friendly to others and help them; as well as trusting in our fellow brothers and sisters in the force.

Humans are social animals; we form connections and tribes and communes, as a way to meet our inherent survival need for connections. So in this regard attachment is a basic necessity for our lives.

Love is an inherent necessity for life; a life can’t sustain life itself on hate- through love and attachments we cement ourselves in this world; we face and overcome challenges; we become the best ourselves; and we can find great affection and peace of mind when our inherent need to be “included” and “accepted” by our peers-by our families-by friends- and by other human creatures are met.

6.            THE VOW OF INDUSTRY: A Jedi must not be idle. Laziness, procrastination, and indecision are all pathways to the dark side. Not through action but rather inaction, which can be equally destructive. A Jedi is endowed with talents and gifts that are intended for the betterment of the Jedi and the world that surrounds them.

Laziness is a very damaging thing for all things in life; laziness is so damaging in excess that the Christian church made Sloth (excessive laziness) one of the seven deadly sins. Laziness is so damaging in my opinion because it keeps our journey through life stagnant. If procrastination and indecision bog down our mind, we cannot focus on anything; be it our jobs, our families, or our teaching.

Jedi in the real world aren’t telekinetic or able to jump 30 feet in the air; or affect minds like to fictional Jedi of the Star Wars Universe but we all have our own gifts, our own things that make us unique and special.

To personalize this, I am a certified Nursing Assistant as well as a Black Belt in Karate; I had to work very hard to pass my board exams as well as the hundreds of hours of physical training to achieve my martial arts status.

My training in both professions allows me to help others, my patients, my family and my students. I take pride in positively influencing these people I care for and wouldn’t have been able to do any of it had I allowed laziness to destroy my progress.

7.            THE VOW OF RESTRAINT: A Jedi must learn restraint and must strenuously practice it in all their dealings with others. As conscious conduits of the Force the Jedi must restrain themselves in their dealings with others. As people Jedi possess passions and opinions and the Jedi must take care not to force these views upon others.  A Jedi must realize that their thoughts, feelings, and even intentions leave impressions upon the Force that echo outwards and touch the world and people that surround them. Above all, a Jedi must learn physical restraint. Conflict is a necessary and inevitable aspect of life and yet a Jedi must take care to minimize this conflict. Physical violence must be regarded as only a final and most desperate alternative when all attempts at reason and negotiation have failed.

 This speaks to what Buddhists call “Right Action” or “Right Thought”. The concept that all off our actions and our thoughts effect our lives for either positive or negative. We must as Jedi try to add positive thoughts into this world through good actions, and must show restraint against succumbing to negative emotions or thoughts.

 This vow speaks to many things: The concept of letting our actions speak instead of our voices; the idea that we aren’t missionaries. We are in my opinion meant to lead by example and be mindful of what we say because like the rule of karma, our actions have consequences.

In regards to physical violence, and I write this part as a martial artist and as such; someone who avoids violence, I, as a Jedi, must be able to control my body and not kill (unless my life or the lives of others depends upon it)

Restraint is necessary to be taught in that it teaches self- discipline and self-control. Good control of restraint in life allows for those times (especially when faced with violence) you don’t want control- you want to be able to “burst” on your opponent and survive the altercation. Physical violence is never the first “go-to” answer and must only be used in extreme situations when otherwise a persons’ survival is in jeopardy.

8.            THE VOW OF DEFENSE: A Jedi is sworn to defense; the defense of themselves, of others, and of ideals. A Jedi is not born to suffer or to sit idly by when others are threatened. The mandate of the Jedi is to defend those that can’t defend themselves and to protect the sanctity of life even, if necessary, at the expense of their own. We must defend those who can’t defend themselves; we must fight for our ideals as well as be willing to fight for ourselves- our goals, our beliefs-and we must defend our lives if the need arise.

As a martial artist I train to keep myself physically strong and flexible so that if, Gods forbid, my life or the lives of my loved ones are ever in danger I will be able to keep them safe.

Loyalty plays into this, and I personally feel fiercely loyal to my friends and family especially my older sister and her children, and would give my life if it were the only way to save theirs.

9.            THE VOW OF CHASTITY:  A Jedi must avoid the temptations and destruction of the flesh, which can cloud the mind and pollute the soul. This refers to the random propagation and unchecked desires of the human animal which, when left to its own designs, can erode the purest of hearts and obliterate the most noble of creatures. The bonds of deep affection between man and wife and even simply between man and women are not discouraged as they are physical ties that reinforce the connections between the Jedi and their loved ones and between the Jedi and their own mortality.

This vow speaks of the dangers of physical temptations. Not that sexual desire is not allowed but should be respected with the utmost sincerity.  I agree with this vow deeply and feel great sadness when seeing where the current generations opinion of sex and attachments. In my opinion, the frivolity of the internet and pop culture and so forth has eroded the sanctity of sex as a physical act of emotional love and attachment.

10.          THE VOW OF OBEDIENCE: A Jedi is to be obedient. Obedient to the laws under which they live, the customs under which they are raised, and to the conscience that directs and steers a Jedi’s thoughts and actions. Furthermore, a Jedi is to obey their instincts and Intuitions. For these are a Jedi’s clearest indicators of the will of the Force.

We must follow the laws of our cities, states, and country. Laws are ideally for the good of all citizens. We should follow laws because without them society could fall into anarchy. Our social customs learnt through our lives dictate responsibility to our families, friends, and our environment.

Our instincts, and intuitions are meant to be cultivated and appreciated. They can provide mental insight and guidance through meditation and we must trust our senses and be obedient to our morality, our fellow man, and our conscious thoughts and feelings.

11.          THE VOW OF CLEANLINESS: A Jedi is to be clean in both body and mind. A clean body and the respect for ones’ appearance is a clear indicator of ones’ mind and the cleanliness of both allows a Jedi to be more receptive to the Force. A cluttered and contaminated vessel does not allow for the smooth transition and flow of its contents and, as such, it must be cleansed. A Jedi can be viewed in the same light . . . through the care and maintenance of themselves the Jedi prepares themselves to be conduits for the Force and enable themselves to be directed by its will.

 As a healthcare provider cleanliness is extremely important for battling infection/illness. We must also keep our thoughts in good order and be honest with our feelings and seek to keep our minds clean and clear of negativity.

By keeping our bodies clean and taking time to improve our appearance we show ourselves great respect. Our bodies are our temple and we must keep them clean.

Cluttered emotion and frustrations must also be purged from ourselves peacefully in order to keep ourselves open to the force and its influences.

12.          THE VOW OF CHARITY: A Jedi must be giving of themselves. As servants of the Force a Jedi must be willing to give of themselves, their time, and efforts. The Jedi are servants of life and can’t contribute to life without effort and dedication. The Jedi are encouraged to help when necessary, to supply when there is need, and hope when there is none.

We must be charitable. This isn’t to say we have to donate thousands of dollars or live and die by the pain of others; spending every waking moment “giving back.” In doing that we sacrifice our lives/our plans and deny ourselves a chance to live a balanced life.

Charity is wonderful and noble and as Jedi we should be charitable with our time and our skills, but we shouldn’t act in a way that causes us to neglect ourselves the paths we’re on, our career or our own personal financial stability.

We must seek a balance between works of charity and works towards our lives goals. This fits into the vow of moderation in that moderation helps keep a balance in all parts of life.

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