Sithism

Andy Spalding wrote:

Angelus wrote: The Jedi path, while variable and diverse, is a concrete one, and while you're on it, you should adhere to its precepts.

I would like to know where it says in this church's teachings that it is not appropriate to follow the sith path as a jedi.

To my knowledge, the TotJO doctrine does not specifically prohibit "Sith", as such, but it does say in the Becoming A Jedi section, under item 2:

"A Jedi does not serve the dark side in any way, in thought or in deed."

First of all, this implies that there IS a Dark Side to be served, or else it would be pointless to mention it. It might as well say "does not serve a purple tentacle monster of eeville" otherwise. It does not call the Dark Side "evil" outright, even though it uses the word "evil" elsewhere in the doctrine, when speaking of "the importance of individual believers determining evil influences and policies within their chosen faith group". So this leads me to surmise rationally that while TotJO does not view the Dark Side as evil, that there is a more fundamental, mechanistic reason they advocate its avoidance.

What defines a Sith is their use of passion to connect with the Dark Side and thus leash the Force like a dog in an attempt to use its power to attain control and freedom. Any "Sith" who thinks they can use passion to connect with the Force without resonating with (and thus ultimately serving) the Dark Side doesn't understand the true nature of passion (as opposed to desire) or the Dark Side at all, and should immediately become much more circumspect concerning both. The Water which is the Force cannot accurately reflect an image of the Light of truth when it is rippling and splashing due to the unbalancing perturbations of passion.

So, indirectly, by prohibiting service to the Dark Side, it is prohibiting Jedi adherence to any philosophy which supports using passion as the primary (or only) means of making actionable suggestions to the Force, or which treats the Force as merely a possession to be flung about.

Further evidence that the Sith way is diametrically opposed to that of the Jedi is in their Code itself. The very first line says, "Peace is a lie." It doesn't even say "There is no peace", it actually uses the accusatory word, "lie". Now, why would they be singling out peace as a lie, if not in antagonistic response to the first line of the Jedi Code?

Do some people try to mix the two and make it work somehow? Sure. Some people are always trying to ice skate uphill. But do they ever actually succeed, or do they just end up having to focus on one side or the other? From experience, I would say the latter. Some ideals are mutually exclusive, regardless of what the inexperienced may want to assume just because it feels good, or because it's easier than finding out the hard way.

Fraternally in the Force,
-David

I don't think i am getting across what I am trying to.

Lose the title jedi and sith. Lets just look at the teachings. How do you know that your teachings are those of virtue (jedi) and not its opposite (sith)? What criteria do the teachers here use to let them know that their lessons are in line with the beliefs of the jedi?

There is TotJO policy and individual policy

One of the things that TotJO believes is:

TotJO wrote: In the sanctity of the human person. We oppose the use of torture and cruel or unusual punishment including the death penalty.

But I know that some here support it

Maybe one day there will be a more thorough look into apprenticeship training, but currently I don't know (I could be wrong) of any Teaching Master here that offers anything Sith related

If they thought however that learning about Sithism made them a better Jedi Knight then they might well include it and that's fine by me

Our training here is very individualistic and I understand your point - a Teaching Master could choose to just train their Apprentice with lessons from TotSO and then say "Yup you're now knighted as a Jedi Knight", even though they haven't done 'Jedi' training

The TotJO instructors are required to abide by certain training regulations, but we are mostly free to teach our students whatever we feel we can. Training an apprentice is relative; it changes with each teacher's own interpretation of the teachings,and with the teachings their Masters passed on to them.

Also, each candidate for Knighthood is interviewed by a Council member (other than their own teacher, if they're on the Council), so that the Council knows that they are prepared to take on the mantle of a Jedi. Ultimately, you cannot be a Knight without the approval of the Council, and they will make every effort to ensure that all apprentices have been trained according to our very general guidelines.

Akkarin wrote:
Our training here is very individualistic and I understand your point - a Teaching Master could choose to just train there Apprentice with lessons from TotSO and then say "Yup you're now knighted as a Jedi Knight", even though they haven't done 'Jedi' training

Bingo, that's what I am getting at.

Angelus wrote: The TotJO instructors are required to abide by certain training regulations

And those are?

Angelus wrote: The TotJO instructors are required to abide by certain training regulations

And those are?[/quote]

Something you'll be made aware of when you are in a position to take an apprentice here.

Ah, so there is a standard for what a jedi learns here?

A loose one, yes.

Good!

I am glad to know there is some sort of standard here and it's not just some kind of anything goes free for all. (which thus far has been the impression that had been given)

How many of y'all know Sith from Shinola?