Stronger Jedi

In the Star Wars films, Anakin Skywalker (who later becomes Darth Vader) undergoes an internal struggle dealing with the emotional vices I mentioned in my previous blog and his own confusion. However, Obi-Wan Kenobi, as stated in many of the novels which precede The Phantom Menace, also has internal conflicts. Yet, Anakin and Obi-Wan both deal with their struggles differently. Obi-Wan Kenobi, under the guidance of Qui-Gon Jinn, channels his emotions into constructive efforts. Rather than turning to negativity, Obi-Wan Kenobi chooses to embrace the positive. Anakin Skywalker, on the other hand, had many difficult beginnings: 1. He and his mother were both slaves on the planet of Tatooine. 2. Anakin had always dreamed of becoming a Jedi and returning to his home planet in order to free all of the slaves- or at least his mother. 3. The Jedi Council deemed him too old to be trained, and he became confused about his future. 4. Anakin had become deeply in love with Padme Amidala- love (in a romantic sense) was forbidden by the Council. 5. Anakin had a desire for more power. All of these situations, combined with the normal, everyday vices, took their toll on Anakin Skywalker: He used his anger to kill a tribe of Tusken Raiders to save his mother, who died anyway; he came to have a kind of rivalry with Obi-Wan, who was \"holding him back\"; afraid of losing Padme, he turned to the Dark Side in an effort to save her, and ended up causing her death in the end. My questions are: 1. Who was the STRONGER Jedi? 2. How does one stay away from the Dark Side?

1. I think it is obvious who the stronger Jedi was when you look at it in the context you laid out. Obi-wan was, for he did not turn or fall. Anakin had an awesome support network just as Obi-wan did, but chose to seek his own way and ways that were not those of the Jedi. He went the easy way out.
2. Staying away from the dark side requires work on your part. You must quiet your mind, bring your emotions under control, work to find patience and purge negative emotions from taking over.
The 7th of the 16 Basic Teaching of the Jedi reminds us;
\"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.\"
Once you have quieted your mind, brought your emotions under control, continue to establish patience in your life, and are mindful of the negative emotions that can lead to the dark side, you will be able to stay away from the dark side more readily. The dark side is an easy path and will be enticing to you, but by making the choice and working to follow the light, it becomes much more rewarding.

What we all musn`t forget is the end of the story. In the last part of the Star Wars saga Anakin was redeemed. No-one, no matter in what condition, is beyond redemption. This is the great news, if we have faith no matter how far back we are the Force can make up for the rest and get us back on track. Thank God for that! Because I don`t think I would make it alone.

Just remember to never forsake one \"side\" of the Force for the other, an absolute of either chosen path will eventually self-destruct and leave you hanging somewhere behind where you were. Be mindful of all aspects of the Force at all times.

Our Doctrine states quite clearly however:(16.4)\" 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.\" We have a choice in life, to plough new ground or let the weeds grow.