The Jedi Code (Part 1)

While the Jedi Code dictates a number if issues relating to understanding and mastering the Force, it is not entirely about that. A close examination of the Jedi Code helps to provide some insight not only into the way Jedi behave but also into the way following such strict rules help to foster a way of life conducive to averting the tempatation of the dark side. the Code is categorize into three subjects: self discipline, responsibility, & public service.

Self Discipline

Self Discipline is one of the key factors of Jedi behavior, and many lessons taught to the Jedi from a very young age focus on this basic doctrine. At first, the lessons are simple and no different than the lessons taught to other children throughout the galaxy. But as the young Jedi grows, the lessons increase in complexity to emphasize the importance of a disciplined life.

Conquer Arrogance: A Jedi is taught that he/she is no better than another being who cannot touch the Force. A Jedi is not a Jedi simply because somebody taught him to be one.

Conquer Overconfidence: As young Jedi pupils learn of their Force-using abilities, they start to take on the behavior that they can do anything with that power. Jedi instructors teach these students to realize their limits so that they can accurately measure how far they can go, as well as understand their own limitations.

Conquer Defeat: Possibly the greatest enemy a Jedi must face is the unshakable belief that nothing can be accomplished, regardless of the size of the task. A Jedi should plan for success before contemplating failure. Planning to fail increases the chance to fail, and expecting to lose encourages one to put forth insufficient effort.

Conquer Stubbornness: A Jedi who focuses on a single goal or perspective loses sight of other possibilities, including ones that might better yield better results. A Jedi must learn that staying on one path or clinging to one point of view can be costly. A Jedi must keep his/her mind open and not be afraid to change with the situation.

Conquer Recklessness: Young Jedi seem to anxious to master their lightsabers and charge into battle without thinking ahead and developing some form of plan. These Jedi lack self-restraint. Acting impulsively has many time led to the loss of life or limb and placed easily obtained goals out of reach. A Jedi must learn to pace himself at all times. be aware if unseen dangers and obstacles and not tumble headlong into them.

Conquer Curiosity: All people, no matter how public their lives are entitled to their privacy. A Jedi who pokes into somebody's business unnecessarily not only invades an individual's private life but also brings shame upon the Jedi for acting so rudely and creating distrust. Using the force to do so only complicates matters further. The Force does not exist to serve one's curiosity.

Conquer Aggression: For those less experienced in the ways of the Force, knowing the difference between attack, defense, and aggression does not come easily. A Jedi can attack even kill without aggression, especially if he/she is calm, at peace, and not filled with anger or hatred. However, killing one's opponent should not become a common act, and a Jedi must explore every alternative before employing lethal force.

Conquer External Loyalties: A JEdi is free to have connections with others outside of the Order, but divided loyalties can compromise a Jedi's effectiveness. Other loyalties can distract him from from the task at hand and cause undue hardship for others. For this reason, the Jedi Order recruits students at a very young age and actively discourages relationships early in life that can create problems in the future. The Order also prohibits marriage without special permission from the High Council. A Jedi's loyalties should lie with the force, the Jedi Order, the Republic, & himself, in that order.

Conquer Materialism: Life external loyalties, possessions can also be a distraction, A Jedi doesn't need to lead an ascetic life, but he/she learns to travel light, carrying with him/her only the bare essentials. Very few Jedi own more than what they carry.

I challenge anyone to point out ANYONE following this code and set of rules? How can we claim to be Jedi, while acting the way we have? This Guild is good. This Guild will survive, if we acknowledge our mistakes and seek change; seek a different outcome for next time...

If it exists, give me a list of three people who seek to actually BE JEDI here... Hmm? In all aspects of the definition: JEDI. I'd like to be a part of THAT list, wouldn't you? I would hope so, but I have yet to see the proof...