The Jedi and Environment

Peace be with you!

As I search the sermons, doctrine, and journals, I seem at a loss to find a singular, unifying document of the Jedi's place in the physical, natural world, and the responsibility of a Jedi to conservate that which preserves us. Whereas I am sure that I have missed something, I welcome your corrections, and guidance.

If the Force is to be truly a energy that is created by all living things, and a Jedi is called to the Force, should not environmental protection be a pressing concern, if we see ourselves as only a small part of a much larger Universe?

I am not advocating that Jedis ought to be as extreme as , say, the Sea Shepherd Society, or PETA, but what of the Force beyond just our fellow bipedal 'sentient' life forms, what of "inherent worth of all life within"? I realize that it has been made difficult to broach the topic without bringing to mind the extremists (of both ends of the spectrum). I am adverse of zealotry, regardless of spectrum.

I understand that each walks their Path in their own time and way, from simple recycling, to planting trees, but I think that what I'm really asking for is a definitie dissertation by a recognized elder Jedi.

I am not suggesting that there should be full regalia "Jedi Trash Crews" poking pointed Lightsticks into trash bags at the side of the Highway, (though the thought does amuse). At what level, by Temple standards, should the (recommended) proper balance of compassion and action be?

Ghandi is attributed with the quote "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.". In 'others', should we also, in our daily reflection, consider the Host Planet that we thrive upon? In doing so, in whatever measure, are we not also serving the Force, to the betterment of ALL living things?

Thank you for your patience in this rambling missive. I look forward to your observations, and guidance.
MTFBWY

each does what they can...you'll find that the environment finds its way into many of our discussions at some point.

as for myself...i only drive when needed, most of my shopping is done on foot as i live in walking distance of all the stores i frequent. i don't litter and pick up trash others toss. there are a lot of other things i do as well...i try to have as little adverse impact as possible.

We pursue self betterment in the form of education and it invariably brings information to each of us inour own time to improve behaviors that are damaging. I'm not sure we have a "Strike Team" or "Planateers" but of all Jedi concerns I think this is one we all share with out having to discuss it at length. Perhaps a request for such a sermon?

AutumnalDusk wrote: If the Force is to be truly a energy that is created by all living things, and a Jedi is called to the Force, should not environmental protection be a pressing concern, if we see ourselves as only a small part of a much larger Universe?

A 'view' of environment.... hmmm. I think it's very much aligned with Jediism, as for when people find themselves removed from a natural environment they tend to construct values based on the artificial environment which, lets be honest, is in effect the waste of economic activity (construction) in the various industries. I know that is not the normal view of 'waste' but a culture founded in waste is probably going to tend to waste as a culture, whether it calls it waste or not.... but I think that's a bit heavy and offtopic.

It might be more useful to approach it from a practical point rather then an idealistic one - just so it can have traction with more people. So perhaps the first step might be understanding how we define 'waste' not as a product of consumer sentiment to be discarded, but as valuable in its own right for whatever purpose it might be able to have. This links to the concept of a unifying Force more then a living Force so different Jedi might have slightly different views on how best to make these associations... but if we view all matter as made of the Force, then it connects to not viewing products for what they provide us which can be consumed (and discarded), but rather viewing all products as unique expressions of the Force which when used/consumed/expired they have just changed their expression/nature/usefulness - not lost it.

Then I'd consider an ongoing practise of embracing efficiency to reduce wasted use of resources in processes. This to me is a good basis for a 'right' way of doing things, quite literally almost a 'correct' way of doing things. When you defuse a bomb for example I imagine they do not waste time or effort, its accurate, precise and efficient - its done right, done fast, with no mistakes, or else. This approach might reduce the tendency to become attached or immersed to the extent where someone might identify themselves to that something and therefore exert ownership and subsequent controlling tendencies. It separates the process from the processed and places it back onto the processor, which creates space for the processed to retain its own separate values.

Finally I'd approach the inevitability of controlling 'material' (not just humans) to a concept of useful distribution - such that if something is natural its in 'its' correct place, but if something is dumped somewhere then it could better be located somewhere where it can be useful in its new form. This directly ends up relating again to waste, but of more relevance also efficiency because it might stop stuff being moved for no reason and stuff that is being moved done so for more reason then just our own consumerism.

From that foundation of a Force nature, efficient use and useful placement perhaps we can develop an underlying appreciation outwards away from the self centred culture which tends to destroy the environment so readily. This then could allow appreciation of it, to become supportive of the environment, rather then stealing off it.

But I don't think we rush to prescribe belief or view explicitly here too much at all, as Jedi might be better served to develop their own road to the process of self improvement which should inevitably include the outer environment.

Is that what you mean, or do you mean more pure environmentalism about cessation of development and regression to nature? As I tend to have technocentric tendencies;

"technocentrics see the way forward for both developed and developing countries, and the solutions to environmental problems, as lying in scientific and technological advancement "

... because of the issues with current and projected population levels and how 'getting back to nature' as a new norm globally would probably end up being more counter-productive to the environment then a theoretical technocentric 'solution'. Either way though I think the first half of my post applies equally. Humans have a massive capacity to manipulate the environment well above and beyond that of any other animal here... so it tends to make me think we are indeed acting beyond our charter. But given our inherent compassion we are not going to cull the population to ensure environmental survivability, so I tend to be a closet space migrant and hope technology can move humanity offworld in the fastest and least harmful way to the planet as possible - after all, space is space and it's the one thing we are running out of here. Faced with the option of loosing some of our human spirit by leaving here/Earth/home, or destroying the home, I have to choose to leave. Just my personal opinion though!! MTFBWY

Hi, AutumnalDusk.

I don't have much to add... just wanted to say that I agree with others and think that most Jedi have a genuine concern for the environment and an interest in protecting our planet's resources. I do little things like recycling, composting, and using public transportation, and have helped the National Park Service with conservation/preservation projects in the past. This is a topic that's frequently on my mind, and I imagine the same is true for most people in this community.

composting is another one of those things i do....even though my apartment complex doesn't want me to

:lol:

Leaving the dishes in the sink for a week doesn't count as composting. :woohoo: :laugh:

rugadd wrote: Leaving the dishes in the sink for a week doesn't count as composting. :woohoo: :laugh:

Oh...then I've got nothing. :laugh:

rugadd wrote: Leaving the dishes in the sink for a week doesn't count as composting. :woohoo: :laugh:

i leave the dishes until they can move on their own :lol:

and i leave food in the fridge until i open the door and hear:" ZUUULLL" :woohoo: :silly: