The armament of Jedi.

What is the consensus of Jedi being armed, wither in private or public. The Jedi doctrine as i have read i do not see any points on violence in self defense or the defense of others. The portrayal of Jedi in the movies, legends, and the upcoming books, always include them being armed with the classic weapon of the Jedi the Lightsaber. Even when out of war the jedi carry them everywhere. Shale the followers of Jediism start one day just carry small firearms on them, or dress-swords of a kind? Im just spit-balling here.

With regards to weapons, I have realised through my learning that I am more monk than soldier (one can't carry a gun in my country anyway, and I doubt a sword would go down well either).
But you don't require a weapon to be able to defend people.

I think in most places civilians have very little authority or legal protection in using weapons, makeshift weapons or even excess force? Self defence being the most likely area of allowable options. Depends on local laws where one lives or is travelling. The problem with overt carry is is advertises the availability, location and type of weapon to others (who might be seeking one for some reason) and that can itself can raise tensions and draw attention. I think the stick fighting genre is most applicable, as not only does it suit the fiction to some extent in similarity in throwing around a lightsabers, but in reality it means any stick like piece of shaft or rod can be a handy tool (which does not have to be carried around) - plus they make good levers to help with throws and many other defensive types of physical combat. Any weapon though introduces an element of predictability in reaction/action and elevated reliance/confidence which may or may not be useful in keeping the peace in the calmest way.

Cohort, are we reading the same doctrine? Below are all points which support one's ability to defend, and they are written loosely enough to be allow you an opportunity to determine how to best serve others- whether that is through violence, diplomacy or other means depends greatly upon you.

But all actions must be tempered by the Jedi Code.

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.
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.
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 recognise that sometimes providing help requires courage in the face of adversity but understand that conflict is resolved through peace, understanding and harmony.
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.

Justice: To always seek the path of ‘right’.

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.

Justice: To always seek the path of ‘right’.

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.

Conflict: To know when to fight.

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.

Intervention: To know when not to act.

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.

Neither I nor Adder mentioned the doctrine :dry:

Alethea Thompson wrote: Cohort, are we reading the same doctrine? [\quote]

Most people do not. No one ever really refers to it, even when asked "What makes you a Jedi", people will say stuff like "I am a Jedi because I say so"; "I believe I am a Jedi". Then it is asked "You can't believe you are a Jedi unless you live the Jedi Path. What do you do that says 'Jedi Path'" (though not typically as eloquent as that)- and no one ever gives anything that explains it.

Until you have one or two people that have been with this order from almost the beginning saying "Uh, we have a doctrine. To be a ToTJO Jedi with integrity you believe in the doctrine, and strive to live by it. Here's a link to the doctrine."

There really should be more emphasis on the doctrine, so that we are reminded of it in our daily lives. But that's just me.

I think that is a discussion for a different thread.

The OP literally says: "the doctrine as I have read it..." Meaning this is a question of doctrine interpretation.

Back to the op...

I cannot speak as some members of the Temple from a position of having used weapons. I do not claim to understand the complexities of military intervention or international warfare. But speaking as a Jedi, a believer in the Force and the Temple's doctrine, I can think of no situation in my life which would have been improved had I been carrying a weapon.



The core values of Jedi philosophy speak to me personally of understanding, of diplomacy and mediation. Not of harm or damage.

I also dislike the notion of a symbolic weapon, as not only does it serve no practical use, it symbolises a weapon - as in, a thing designed to cause harm or damage.

Real life Jedi are not, in my experience, characterised by their violence or use of weapons.

Mahatma Gandhi wrote: I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary; the evil it does is permanent.

Rather than a weapon, I would prefer Jedi carry something of benefit to the societies they serve. A first aid kit, a donor card, a well-used multitool. Those speak to the values of our doctrine far more than any weapon, it seems to me. The Jedi lifestyle is not symbolic, but practical; not violent, but restorative.

a jedi should carry what they feel appropriateto their temperment, abilities, and situation

ive known people to carry weapons more because they are afraid than because there is any likelihood that they will need them and i have witnessed individuals totally dominate dangerous sitiations with the power of their personality

all jedi ought to take responsibility for the fact that life is dangerous and difficult, and this includes developing ones own personal methodology for dealing with violence, but i dont think these solutions should he seenas being one size fits all - what i do say is that its a serious matter and each should take the time needed to come to a functional answer for themself, and whatever answer this may be should be developed and practiced to the point where it will be viable under duress