A question (discussion?) on Shadow Jedi

I just read quite a bit of the Jedi Holocron. I skimmed a bit but really read much of each part. I feel that I may be more in the shadows, as I do not see a light and dark side as much as one Force that can be harnessed for different purposes. For example, all living things harness The Force as a means to have life. Unconsciously or consciously The Force is used for everything. All action and thought is The Force. I see all things using The Force in light and dark manner, like a Jedi who uses it for light, yet uses it for darkness to better their health or for other purposes that I can't seem to quantify into words. I do believe the Holocron misses the mark with the Shadow. I feel a shadow Jedi can easily decide that they lean to one side of the Force.

I personally feel I can use the Darkness within myself to keep my mind sharp and focused. However, I want to be a part of the Light, because I feel we need to pull together for the betterment of all people.

I was wondering if experienced and Unexperienced Jedi alike could weigh in for some insight?

the majority of us see the force as simply being...with no light or dark...the only light or dark is in the individual themself....

my favorite analogy....the force is like a hammer sitting on a workbench....the hammer can be used to destroy or to create, it doesn't choose which it does, the one that wields it chooses...likewise the force is just there for us to use,we can use it for light or for dark. ...

Or perhaps more like a musical instrument: You choose the style in which you play.

Okay so I didn't actually ask my question I don't guess.

Can someone who identifies as Shadow, still be a member of the Temple? Still go through apprenticeship? Become a member of the clergy? Basically, can someone who is a shadow Jedi still be trusted enough by the order to become a high ranking member?

Yes. I think you'll find that quite a lot of Jedi here are shadow in practice or thought.

CAB334 wrote: Okay so I didn't actually ask my question I don't guess.

Can someone who identifies as Shadow, still be a member of the Temple? Still go through apprenticeship? Become a member of the clergy? Basically, can someone who is a shadow Jedi still be trusted enough by the order to become a high ranking member?

The color and shade really doesn't matter (to my knowledge anyways). Contribute, be active, (perhaps donate) that's all one can do really...

I had figured as much. After all we are but human. Just an honest curiosity.

It's why quite a few members including myself are partial to the TOTJO, the people here are pretty open minded (for the most part) and welcome the diversity that each member adds...

That's truly amazing to me. A religion, philosophy, following, whatever an individual would Classify TOTJO as, that is cultivated by individuality and free thought. That makes me so much more hopeful about my path here.

they are correct.....

and in the past totjo has been referred to as grey, and shadow.....we are simply jedi....anything more than that is up to the individual....but really why limit oneself by further classifying....classifications seek to segregate,separate, and isolate...

Omg I might really belong here. You are teaching this? As a priest? That makes me very optimistic about following the Jedi path. If this truly what is tought.

CAB334 wrote: Omg I might really belong here. You are teaching this? As a priest? That makes me very optimistic about following the Jedi path. If this truly what is tought.

In many ways, you are the teacher and the student where your individual Jedi path is concerned.

It's up to you to decide what's appropriate for you in a personal/spiritual sense, and what is 'taught' here is meant to help guide you, not limit you or direct you toward ideas that aren't compatible with beliefs or belief system(s) that you honor.

The reason TOTJO appeals to so many is its distance from authority.

We believe in empowering the self.

Yes, you will need a guide... many guides... But, for that, we have apprentices, knights, masters, councillors... they are not here to force you or to feed you information. They are here to be the gentle hand steering you in the direction you cannot see yourself.

Like learning a martial art, we cannot actually go through the motions for you.

We can only give you the diagram and walk you through it.

Being a Jedi here at TOTJO is about becoming your own guide. Your own master.

The only thing we ask is that you do not impede the progress of others. Do not troll. Do not say needless things. Do not be petty. Be compassionate. Be here. Be open. And, wherever your path takes you, we will support you.

First off, beautifully worded. Truly.

A place that embraces individuality. That teaches... or rather gives tools to help people flourish. Thank you guys for helping me understand.

Connor L. wrote: The reason TOTJO appeals to so many is its distance from authority.

We believe in empowering the self.

Yes, you will need a guide... many guides... But, for that, we have apprentices, knights, masters, councillors... they are not here to force you or to feed you information. They are here to be the gentle hand steering you in the direction you cannot see yourself.

Like learning a martial art, we cannot actually go through the motions for you.

We can only give you the diagram and walk you through it.

Being a Jedi here at TOTJO is about becoming your own guide. Your own master.

The only thing we ask is that you do not impede the progress of others. Do not troll. Do not say needless things. Do not be petty. Be compassionate. Be here. Be open. And, wherever your path takes you, we will support you.

I am astounded. I have no more words. Thank you guys. I Was almost in tears over all of this. I am excited to do my studies. I'm waiting a mile a minute for the apprenticeship to be able to talk one on one to someone about all of this.

You don't have to wait to talk about it. Being in harmony with The Force is not being helpless in the dark or blinded by the light.

Connor L. wrote: The reason TOTJO appeals to so many is its distance from authority.

We believe in empowering the self.

Yes, you will need a guide... many guides... But, for that, we have apprentices, knights, masters, councillors... they are not here to force you or to feed you information. They are here to be the gentle hand steering you in the direction you cannot see yourself.

Like learning a martial art, we cannot actually go through the motions for you.

We can only give you the diagram and walk you through it.

Being a Jedi here at TOTJO is about becoming your own guide. Your own master.

The only thing we ask is that you do not impede the progress of others. Do not troll. Do not say needless things. Do not be petty. Be compassionate. Be here. Be open. And, wherever your path takes you, we will support you.

I have to agree. This is great. Makes me feel glad to have found this place. Being surrounded by open, like minded people is really astounding.

I'm waiting a mile a minute for the apprenticeship to be able to talk one on one to someone about all of this.

All of us are available via PM, or by posting open questions like this....

We seldom want to disturb or place unwanted advice on anyone, so we lurk a bit, lol...

I have yet to hear of anyone being refused a conversation...

Just ask...