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Yes and no...
Would you agree that your mind is not really you?
Yes and no. Couldn't help starting like that. My (our) mind(s) is all me (us) and all everything else. One mind. We are all connected. We just don't know until we know. For some that may never happen. Acknowledging our ignorance is liberating and mind expanding. For some they live it from birth. The mind is a dangerious thing. If we master our minds we master all.
Here is a copy of the previous version:
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Jediism is a syncretistic religion - a faith involving elements from two or more religions including Taoism, Shintoism, Buddhism, Christianity, Mysticism, and many other Religions' universal truths and a combination of martial arts and the Code of Chivalry. These philosophies are the heart of Jediism; not the wonderful Star Wars movies themselves except to serve as parables.
Real Jedi (Jediists) are modern versions of the Shao Lin Monk, the European Knight, and the Samurai Warrior. The Jedi religion is an inspiration and a way of life for many people throughout the world who take on the mantle of Jedi. Jediism is merely a new name for ancient faiths. Masters of Jediism have been on Earth for over 5,000 years under many names including Buddha, Jesus, Lao Tzu, St. Francis of Assisi, Ghandi, Martin Luther King and so many others ....
Jedi apply the principles, ideals, philosophies, and teachings of Jediism in a practical manner within their lives. Jedi seek the Living Force Of Creation for guidance
There is no absolute or universal consensus among the world's scholars as to the definition of religion, but the following is a good one, and it is the definition of religion we generally use at The Temple of the Jedi Order.
Jedi define religion as:
re·li·gion (n)
A set of beliefs, values, and practices; a cause, principle, or activity pursued with zeal or conscientious devotion; a system of thought, feeling, and action that is shared by a group and that gives the members a code of behavior by which those individuals may judge the personal and social consequences of their actions; also a frame of reference by which individuals may relate to their group, their universe and The Force.
Many Jedi follow a syncretistic religion -- a faith involving elements from two or more religions. Jediism itself is a syncretistic religion. One can be strictly a Jedi, a Wiccan Jedi, a Christian Jedi, a Buddhist Jedi, or an Agnostic Jedi, for example, but Jediism is a religion and a way of life in and of itself. Real Jedi do not Worship the Force, or George Lucas, or Star Wars or anything of the sort. Jediism is not based in fiction, but rather explained more clearly sometimes by myths and made applicable to real life.
Jedi Believe:
In the inherent worth of every person. People are worthy of respect, support, and caring simply because they are human.
In working towards a culture that is relatively free of discrimination on the basis of gender, race, sexual orientation, national origin, degree of ability, age, etc.
In the sanctity of the human person. We oppose the use of torture and cruel or unusual punishment including the death penalty. 1
In the importance of democracy within religious, political and other structures.
In the separation of church and state; and the freedoms of speech, association, and expression. 2
That the systems of truth in the field of morals, ethics, and religious belief that we have studied are not absolute: they vary by culture, by religion, and over time.
In the generally positive influence that most religions have had on their followers and on society. 3
In the importance of individual believers determining evil influences and policies within their chosen faith group, and advocate for their correction.
In the importance of education. We believe that people are not truly educated unless they have studied at least the world's major religions and ethical systems. They need to learn of the good and bad impacts they have had on society. 4
Footnotes, mainly about exceptions:
However, like the rest of North American society, we have not been able to reach a consensus about when human life, in the form of a spermatozoon and an ovum, becomes a human person deserving civil rights.
However we have not been able to reach a consensus about the age at which an individual should fully enjoy these freedoms. We also recognize that some of these freedoms should have limits. For example, we do not feel that, in most cases, parents should be allowed to let their children die if medical treatment will assure a cure. We do not feel that individuals should be free to advocate genocide or yell "fire" in a crowded theatre.
Exceptions are a handful of destructive cults which have had an overall negative effect.
They need to understand the religious sources that inspired Gandhi, Albert Schweitzer, and Mother Teresa to commit their life to the alleviation of human suffering. But they also need to learn the shadow side of religion: how religious beliefs have contributed to hatred, intolerance, oppression, discrimination, as well as mass murders and genocides in such places as Nazi Germany, Bosnia, East Timor, Kosovo, Northern Ireland, the Middle East, Sudan and countless other countries.
Seeking the Path, Becoming a Jedi
Profess to yourself and proclaim your acknowledgment of being a Jedi. Follow the Jedi ideals and beliefs. You may hold other spiritual convictions along with being a Jedi and loyalty to both is attainable and encouraged, for your focus determines your reality.
Believe in the Force and its power, a Jedi is devoted to the Force, being committed to the ideals of a Jedi is a pervading tenet. A Jedi does not serve the dark side in any way, in thought or in deed. A Jedi acts in a righteous manner defining the principles of a true Jedi. Knowledge and a relationship will you develop with the Force, it resides within you, surrounds you and flows through you.
Accept the Jedi teachings that were professed by all Jedi Masters, as their teachings give a spiritual guidance to all Jedi. The melding of the different faiths give the Jedi the direction, knowledge and wisdom that aid in life’s journey.
Learn from other Jedi and unlearn what you have learned. The knowledge and support of other Jedi increases your own knowledge and awareness of the Force. Fellowship is conductive to the learning process of becoming a Jedi, a process that never has an end . 5. Profess to be a Jedi if you will, but take heart be not boastful or prideful in your abilities and in your talents as you journey along your path.
The Jedi Oaths
There are two Oaths within the Order. The Simple Oath is for Initiates and Apprentices and binds you to the Jedi Way until you are ready for Knighthood or decide to leave. The Solemn Oath is taken upon Knighthood and binds you to the Jedi Way for life.
The Simple Oath / Temporary Indefinat
"I profess before all my fellow Jedi that I, (state your legal name) born on (date of birth), without reservation choose the Jedi Path until I am ready for Jedi Knighthood or I otherwise decide, with all its duties and responsibilities. During that time I shall do that which is right and profess my allegiance to the Force. During that time I promise to do my utmost to uphold the Jedi teachings and to live a life as is worthy of a Jedi."
The Solemn Oath / Final Vow
"I profess before all my fellow Jedi that I, (state your legal name) born on (date of birth), without reservation, choose the Jedi path, with all its duties and responsibilities. I shall do that which is right and profess my allegiance to the Force. I vow to uphold the Jedi teachings, and to henceforth devote myself to the life of a Jedi."
The Orthodox 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 Chaos: There is Harmony.
There is no Death; There is the Force.
Another way of seeing this is:
Emotion, yet peace.
Ignorance, yet knowledge.
Passion, yet serenity.
Chaos, yet harmony.
Death, yet the Force.
The Jedi Creed
I am a Jedi, an instrument of peace;
Where there is hatred I shall bring love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
I am a Jedi.
I shall never seek so much to be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love;
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
The Force is with me always, for I am a Jedi.
Note: The creed has been adapted from the prayer of Francis of Assisi.
Three primary tenets of Jediism
Focus
Knowledge
Wisdom
When used correctly, these allow us to better ourselves and overcome any obstacle, helping to improve the world around us and fulfil our purpose to Love, Learn and Be Kind.
Real 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; a neverending journey.
16 Basic Teachings of the Jedi
As Jedi, we are in touch with the Living Force flowing through and around us, as well as being spiritually aware of the Force. Jedi are trained to become sensitive to the Force's energy, fluctuations, and disturbances.
Jedi live and focus on the present; we must neither dwell on the past nor be overly concerned about the future. As the mind wanders, focusing on the present is a task not easily attained, for the mind is not content with the eternal present moment. As Jedi, we must release our stress and ease our minds.
Jedi must maintain a clear mind; this is achieved through meditation and contemplation. Our minds can become cluttered and infected by forces and attitudes that we encounter every day, and must be purged of these unnecessary elements on a daily basis.
As Jedi, we are mindful of our thoughts... we focus our thoughts on the positive. The positive energy of the force is healthy for the mind, body and spirit.
As Jedi, we trust and use our feelings. We are intuitive, more so than others and with this heightened intuition we become more spiritually evolved as our minds become more harmonious with the Force and it's influences.
Jedi are patient. Patience is elusive but can be consciously developed over time.
Jedi are mindful of the negative emotions which lead to the Dark Side: Anger, Fear, Aggression, and Hate. If we sense these emotions manifesting within ourselves, we must meditate on the Jedi Code and focus on purging these destructive emotions.
Jedi understand that physical training is as important as training the mind and the spirit. We understand that all aspects of training are necessary to maintain the Jedi way of life and to perform the duties of a Jedi.
Jedi protect the peace. We are warriors of peace, and are not ones to use force to resolve a conflict; it is through peace, understanding and harmony that conflicts resolve.
Jedi believe in destiny and trust in the will of the Living Force. We accept the fact that what seems to be random events are not random at all, but the design of the Living Force of Creation. Each living creature has a purpose, understanding that purpose comes with a deep awareness of the Force. Even things that happen which seem negative have a purpose, though that purpose is not easy to see.
Jedi must let go of obsessive attachment, both material and personal. The obsession over possessions creates the fear of loosing those possessions, which can lead to the Dark Side.
Jedi believe in eternal life. We do not become obsessed in mourning those who pass. Grieve as you will but take heart, for the soul and spirit continue in the netherworld of the Living Force.
Jedi use the Force only when it is necessary. We do not apply our abilities or powers to boast or be prideful. We use the Force for knowledge, and exercise wisdom and humility in doing so, for humility is a trait all Jedi must embody.
We as Jedi believe that love and compassion are central to our lives. We must love each other as we love ourselves; by doing this, we envelope all life in the positive energy of the Force.
Jedi are guardians of peace and justice. We believe in finding peaceful solutions to problems, gifted as we are we remain negotiators of the utmost ability. We never negotiate out of fear, but never fear to negotiate. We embrace justice, protecting and preserving the fundamental rights of all living creatures. Empathy and compassion are vital to us; it allows us to comprehend the wounds caused by injustice.
We as Jedi make a commitment to, and are loyal to the Jedi cause. The ideals, philosophies, and practices of the Jedi 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 Faith.
Feel free to ask any questions.
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I've just come across Gray Jedi in the "mythology" (what should I call it?) -even Qui-Gon was accused of being one due to his opposition to the Jedi council. I wonder if this is where the Jedi academy get their shadow path/council from
Sadly this is where Star Wars canon started suffering from re-write after re-write as to what Grey Jedi or even Dark Jedi meant. In its original or 'classical' meaning 'Grey Jedi' meant a Jedi of the Order that did not follow the High Council or strictly follow otherwise Orthodox Jedi values.
Calling the fiction from Star Wars "cannon" is the biggest problem with Jediism today, too many fans, and not enough Jedi...
When talking of canon i was refering to canon relating to Star Wars as created by George Lucas, not canon relating to Jediism. Apologies if this wasn't made clear initially.
Then it probably Belongs in a thread about star wars, as this thread is about the Force...
I have to strongly disagree with this statement. When trying to define terms, it's often best to look at the original source of those terms. In matters related to Jedi and the Force, the original source is Star Wars. Star Wars has different levels of canon (what is considered "official fact") based upon the source of the information: the films are level 1, cartoons and video games are level 2, and the various EU novels are level 3.
A person's interpretation of the ideas the TotJO is CALLING "the Force" is up to that person... But it is in no way illegitimate to bring up Level 2 and 3 Canon definitions of "Dark Jedi" when this church's code is copy/pasted from the same sources.
If Jediism seeks to strive towards the same principles followed by the fictional Jedi, it's also fair to infer that other definitional aspects stem from the same source... Though it's fairly clear that the personal interpretations of the nature of the Force here in the community are pretty wildly divergent from the Force of the Star Wars universe. (As is appropriate for such a diverse group which is simply using the name "the Force" for whatever analog seems appropriate in their philosophy.)
All things considered, given the on-line nature of our community, we all seem to fade in and out from time to time. And given the nature of the rest of 'hyper-reality' in which we move, the fading out and in of even that, perhaps from (t)here to another (t)here perhaps, in time and on time ...
:whistle:
A lot of it comes down to doing what we have to do, where we have to do it - in any 'here', on-line, in-line, as true representations or representations of truth - telling tales to ourselves in, of and on the information super-highway or the metaphysical motorway.
:silly:
Congratulations on your new flat, V ! Sort your internet amongst the sweaters and socks, type it all out in the tea-towels ...
:cheer:
When you get back in we'll be having a party. ;)
Two bands that I don't typically listen to, but I like the Renholdër remixes.
[video]
Linkin Park - Blackout (Renholdër Remix)
[video]
Evanescence - Made of Stone (Renholdër Remix)
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Thank you for responding. This is very tough for me to get through. I feel a lot of guilt over my thoughts and intentions over the past several years. I have never actually harmed anyone though there were times when I would get very angry. I would cast hexes and curses on others. I never found out if I succeeded although there were a couple of occasions where I seem to have. It does not matter if one were to say it was coincidence or if I truly was able to bend the forces of change to my will. The fact of the matter is that I want nothing more to do with that path. I am spiritually sick and I know that deep down I was never truly "evil" so to speak. I can recall that I felt imprisoned and beyond redemption. I was easily manipulated. For now I feel that my destructive nature should be set aside. If there is a way to do good somehow with it, to heal others, or to create, then I know that during this process I will retain some of that. But if that is not a true part of myself then it will depart along with the rest of this negativity.
There have been a lot of tears so far. A lot of people go through their entire lives not realizing that there are forces at work, energies that by their nature will corrupt you if you invite them in, and it truly is an internal struggle. I would not wish this upon anyone. I feel that this negative energy is the essence of what some would consider demonic although I do not believe in biblical demons as such. I do however believe in duality and in energies. The Universe does not inherently have a dark or light side. It simply exists. But there are some such as we who have discovered a way to attune ourselves to the Universe. When you are aware of these energies you can choose to create or destroy. Those who chose to destroy invited negativity into our world. I believe that it has been here since then. We create "evil" and only we can banish it. The Universe will not force us. We must open ourselves to the will of the Universe, to the will of the Force, and only then can we heal ourselves.
Try doing some random acts of kindness. Small simple things that are helpfull to others, makes someone smile or feel better. Situations will present themselves, you will act kindly and move on. You'll feel better for it.
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I'm not worried about being extradited.
You should be. When they want something (or someone), they get it. No asylum status is going to protect you if you're in a country that does't have the guts to say "screw you".
Yes RyuJin well said. I do believe that if they had any real power they would not be so open about themselves in the way that they are. They seem to allow their darkest secrets to unfold like a book. When they speak they do not sound confident. By all appearances they seem to be living out a fantasy but I never assume when I do not know. That is the best policy in my opinion. I am focusing my use of energy working and magic to heal. I want to create and not destroy. I believe that it is a waste of effort to use your abilities, or talents, whatever they may be, to hurt others. When I look at the philosophy of the Sith Academy, and then look at what my philosophy was before, I see that they are similar in essence, but they are both truly pointless. What is the purpose of domination? Conquest of that which already exists, to convert all of reality into your own image, it is a waste of time.
What happens when, theoretically, all reality is under your control? Everything would conform with everything else. Everything would be the same but you are at a dead end. Where do you go from there? If you have nothing left to conquer or destroy then your motives have been exhausted. You no longer have a purpose. Creation however, is limitless, and there is no end to creating. All things that are created in this dimension must decay however, but more is created in place of what has departed, and I believe that most life reincarnates. Those who live only for domination or destruction lead an empty life. By remembering that emptiness I am inspired to keep struggling against my own temptations to fall back into that old life of self destruction.
May have nothing to do with homosexuality. 18 year old "going out" with a 15 year old is paedophilia: An adult engaging in sexual acts with a child (someone under 16). Some parents are going to be cool with it, gay or hetero, some aren't. Either way, if the law says it isn't cool, don't complain when you get caught.
Not sure why they call it "battery" though ?
Rickie the Grey
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If I over think intuition it get's jumbled.
I completely agree. Once you start to think about your intuition, you immediately over think your intuition. Always go with your gut.
Once I learned to trust my intuition, instinct, gut, whatever you want to call it, I was able to become a much better medic. The ability to overcome the egos need to control instinct is a very helpful tool in your Jedi toolbox.
Part of the double-speak paradigm is hiding the underlying ideology and making slogans that nobody can disagree with because it doesn't mean anything. It's like "support our troops"... yeah everyone supports our troops... try saying "support our war" and see what happens.
I would like to meet my distant relative who fought in the Civil War and was captured by the South...once released they shipped him off to serve at Fort Caspar where he died of malnutrition. How sucky would that be?
Living...I would like to meet Chris Angel and ask him how he looks so young!!! I mean, whatever he does it works well and I wanna know. :P
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