Jedi Pyramid

DISCLAIMER: Given what I know of the community, I have no doubt that this will become highly controversial. But I am going to make the attempt anyway. For years we have had discussion after discussion about what it means to be a Jedi, we've talked about standardized training, how to achieve the Jedi Path within our lives, and you know what- I'm going to try a direction that Opie attempted with the Jedi Circle. THIS is my version of a document which I hope will aide in giving someone a direction to help them become a Jedi. I started with Force Academy this week. Now that I've hammered out the problems the original had, I'm taking it to the communitnity to discuss and help me refine it. It is my hope that the community might look at this as something to help give direction in training and a clear idea of what it takes to become a Jedi. I am well aware that ToTJO may be the most difficult to get this passed. But I can't just not make an attempt. Please review the following document and give me feedback.

Alright, here it goes. This is a work in progress, so what ends up happening to it in the end (the name of the document might get changed, the titles expanded on, additions, subtractions, etc) but here is the bottomline- I'm starting with the debates here.

Contrary to what you might believe, while this document was inspired by the Jedi Circle, the name just sort of happened. The top tier of the Pyramid has a tacky name (Nathan and I discussed this, but neither of us could come up with a better title, sooooo if someone has a better idea please throw it out there...otherwise we're stuck with “Our Truth”), but it is hardly concrete. In fact, much of this isn't concrete. As I explained in my training holocron, this is meant to replace the Jedi Circle because I keep getting the same reactions from people- It really doesn't give you a good idea of what it means to be a Jedi. It's a model which could be applied to a number of different paths with a few Star Wars references.

Why are there 6 lines? Well, the structure sort of came about by accident, and originally I was going to make it 7 lines because the last line (Virtuess) had “Altruism” added to it. After consideration, I realized that Altruism was already covered by “Duty to the People” in the previous line of “Ethics”. As such, some of the lines might seem lacking, but are covered by other areas. Such as the missing “Conquer Fear” that I had consider putting under the third line of “Conquer”, which is covered under “Fortitude” in the “Virtues” area. While I started coming up with concepts, it was a complete accident that they came up in the numbers they did. Once I recognized the pattern, I simply organized it this way. Adding a seventh line (which was the original intent) became too difficult to accomplish without it becoming over-the-top, and really after reviewing The Jedi Circle, The Jedi Jewels Series, The Jedi Path, and the Kharis Document (that's one many of you probably don't know about, but in time you will- whenever Charles decides to post more information on it) and a document I was looking to produce about a year ago, I couldn't find enough to warrant another line. For that matter, I couldn't find enough to even start the line.

As it was pointed out to me, though, six isn't such a bad number. In mathematics and sacred geometry, six is considered a perfect number because the sum of it's integral factors, excluding itself, is equal to itself (1+2+3=6). Anyways, here it goes, feel free to critique it. The goal is to sum up what it takes to live the Jedi Path and the responsibilities within it, so if it misses it mark, please explain why you feel it does and what suggestions you have to fix the problem.


Introduction

As you read through the pyramid, remember that all parts are required to make up the Jedi. It is a loose outline of how you can achieve the Jedi Path within your life, and gives you a variety of avenues to cultivate it. You may notice, however, that a lot of this works from the top down, rather than from the bottom up. It is sometimes said that we keep our heads in the clouds, but in order to be fully focused, a person must be grounded in the path. Therefore, instead of climbing up, your goal will be to climb down and find your center here on the Earth.

Our Truth

The Force- Central to the Jedi belief system is “the Force”. This concept has a wide variety of interpretations ranging from the scientific concept of energy to religious terms such as “Holy Spirit” and “Qi”. “The Force” is a loosely adapted term to explain a something which all cultures agree exist, but disagree on exactly what it is. As such, a Jedi dedicates themselves to understanding of all things within and through “the Force”. We will always come to our own conclusions as to what that means, and how we interact with it. As an unwritten rule, no Jedi can set down in law a concrete definition of “the Force” for all to follow, only for themselves.

Know Thyself

Self Awareness- A Jedi is aware of their flaws and what gets them ticking. It is not until we build our self awareness that we are able to move forward and cultivate the rest of the Jedi Path.

Self Certainty- A Jedi is aware of their flaws and what gets them ticking. It is not until we build our self awareness that we are able to move forward and cultivate the rest of the Jedi Path. Self awareness goes hand in hand with the concept of self honesty. In this a Jedi must be constantly looking inward for their motivations, their directions, what moves them, and why they allow it to do so. Without this personal understanding, we risk falling prey to our own emotional direction rather than the path laid down by the Code we adhere to.

Conquer

Aggression- To build on the Jedi Virtues, a Jedi must keep themselves open to the world. Through the misuse of aggression, they miss out on opportunities to further their cause. This does not preclude being assertive. A Jedi needs to learn to find the most effective means of resolving a conflict through the least bit of hostility possible.

Recklessness- A Jedi does not take unnecessary risks, knowing that their life is important to the Jedi Mission of bettering the world around them. A Jedi concerns themselves also with the safety of those around them in making decisions weighing all risks in any given situation. In conquering recklessness as Jedi we must always seek to do the most good while causing the least harm with our actions.

Attachments-This one may be the most misunderstood concept within the path. Conquering your attachments is not about getting rid of all your possessions or even denouncing your family, instead this is about forward movement. For some, their attachments paralyze them when they loose something or someone. In conquering your attachments, you are acknowledging what value these things have to you, and you recognize that there comes a time when you should no longer fight for your attachments, and you must let go. For a Jedi conquering Attachments can extend to bad habits, unhealthy obsessions, and connections to people that make us less who we have chosen to be.

Disciplines

All of these are disciplines must be cultivated in some way, you will note that they do not necessarily have to be separate concepts, and may often cross over into another discipline section.

Defense Art- In the fiction, Jedi were “guardians of peace” (“Jedi Code”, n.d.). As real life Jedi, we acknowledge that this means defending people. A “Defense Art” is not necessarily physical in nature, it can be through speech, writing, diplomacy or a number of other options which lead to an active method of curing the world of oppression. An example might be legislation which a government passes to build a better world, Martin Luther King speaking out against the evils of racism, or even the writings of prominent media personalities to bring about awareness of atrocities ongoing around the world. Combative defense arts, however, are also encouraged.

Physical Art- A physical art may be overlooked given the right circumstance (e.g. having a serious disability which prevents you from any movement). However, if a Jedi has some or all mobility, they should seek a physical art (Martial Arts, Yoga, Ballet, Weight Lifting, Running, etc) which keeps them them in shape and focuses on maintaining discipline of their bodies. Part of the physical art, which can be observed by all Jedi regardless of their mobility, is health. A Jedi should eat right, and maintain their health to the best of their ability (it is understandable if you have legitimate medical issues preventing “perfect health”).

Scholarly Art- A Jedi should seek out skills that provide benefit to them and the world around them. This could range from herbology to diplomatic training and work within the U.N. The search for knowledge is a precept of the Jedi core foundations and a Jedi never stops learning, seeking knowledge, and bettering their skills.

Spiritual Art- Meditation is a required part of the Spiritual Arts, however it does not have to stop there. Many in the Jedi Community have taken their Jedi Practice beyond meditation and learned to use other systems which interact with “the Force” to enhance their ability to help others. Some have taken the time to become shamans, hypnotherapists, priests and other such endeavors.

Core Ethics

Loyalty to the Jedi Code- This has a few different variants depending on what order a Jedi attends. All of them, however, are based on either the Anderson Code or the Skywalker Code. A Jedi is bound by the code, but not to the Jedi Order. By relinquishing your loyalties to the order, a government or some divine guiding force (not necessarily “the Force”) you are able to keep your actions in check through the moral integrity of the Jedi Path outlined in the Jedi Code. It is important that a Jedi checks their own order's code against the original codes (Anderson and Skywalker Codes) before they adopt their order's code.

Duty to the People- A Jedi's mission is to support their community through service. This service can be taken in many different (legal) directions, such as becoming a lawyer, an activist, a politician, police officer, volunteer for community efforts or an array of projects aimed at giving back to the community. A Jedi is also charged with acting when they see an injustice (which might be as simple as making a phone call to the police, or taking the time to listen to someone in their time of need- stranger or not). A Jedi does what is within their means, but the main point is that they must always act in an objective manner.

Respect the Law-A Jedi knows enough of the law to operate within it. Jedi are charged to live by the laws of the land they are in, even if it means tolerating those laws which they do not support. This does not preclude them from seeking to change the law (which may or may not include becoming part of or even starting a revolution-when no other options are available) to better the community, in fact- if a Jedi feels compelled to do so it is a respectable mission for a Jedi to fulfill.

Defense, Not Assault- Jedi are not vigilantes. For the purpose of this ethic, it is important that a Jedi know what the legal definitions covering assault are for the area they are in. “Assault” is a much different concept than “attack”- if in the position of a defender (given the right legal circumstances) attacking someone with the minimal amount of force necessary is covered within a Jedi's “Duty to the People”.

Usage of “The Force”-A Jedi chooses to use the Force primarily for knowledge and defense. This meanings that actions concerning the Force should use the least impacting and damaging method available when possible. A Jedi seeks to solve situations first with knowledge, secondly with weaker Force be it a minor physical discouragement or a minor spiritual defense, and so on until escalation leaves no other options. In this, forgive the pun, we find ourselves using a specific format of Escalation of Force.

Virtues

Ideals outlined in the Jedi Code can be summed up in a few simple virtues which a member of the path should be expected to uphold. The are as follows-

Tolerance- You do not need to agree with someone's religion, their nationality, their career choice, their dress or anything else for that matter. Tolerance is not about acceptance, it is about showing respect for the freedom of a persons choices and to respect their choices, until it reaches a point in which a reasonable person would consider the individual's actions as a/an (emotionally, spiritually, financially, and/or physically) abusive threat to you or another person.

Our belief in “the Force” describes how closely intertwined we all are, but also how our differences create a wonderful and diverse world. In order to allow our differences to cultivate learning experiences, a Jedi must come to a point where they are able to show respect towards others by allowing them to live life the way they want to.

Responsibility- There is a difference between excuses and reasons: “Your Honor, I felt threatened for my life and in the process of trying to subdue my attacker, his life was lost.” Too often, though, people like to turn all of their mistakes into cause and effect circumstances. Actions are for the individual to internalize and learn from. A responsible individual says “Yes, I did do this, and I accept the consequences” regardless of a whether the action is positive or negative.
A Jedi should be held responsible for all of their actions. Responsibility is at the heart of learning to overcome our problems. Without it, we cannot grow, we cannot help others and we cannot justify why we are to be taken seriously.

Discipline- In order to walk the Jedi Path, you need to live by your training and by the philosophy of the Light. This requires self discipline. It is your responsibility to continue your growth throughout the rest of your life. Even while you are training with a mentor or taking a course at an order, it is discipline that will get you through to your knighthood and later on your masterhood. You get out of life only what self-discipline and effort you put into it.

Fortitude- For many Jedi this word may be replaced by “Courage”. “Fortitude”, however, is selected because it deals directly with the one's will to press forward in more than just the face of danger. It is your strength to carry on regardless of how bad a situation gets. It shows that you are not willing to give up until your last breath. For me, at least, it is important to know that a Jedi represents this will in the face of danger and/or external or internal conflict.

Integrity- Integrity is about doing what is legally and morally right. Jedi should hold themselves to a high standard, knowing that what they do when no one is looking is just as important as what they do when people are looking. As a mentor, I may not know that you did not turn in a purse with $100 inside to the police department, but you will. If you only do the right thing because others are watching you, you miss the point of being a Light Adept.

Objectivity- Objectivity relates directly with how you perceive the world around you. A Jedi takes in as much information as they possibly can regarding a situation, analyzes it and then draws a conclusion. This virtue helps immensely with making decisions and in conflict resolution. Being objective is the heart and soul of a core line out of Anderson's Jedi Code “There is no ignorance, there is knowledge” (“Jedi Code”, n.d.).



References:

Jedi Code. (n.d.). Wookiepedia. Retrieved March 29, 2013 from http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Jedi_Code

While I can see what you are writing..

WHat is the point?

Are you trying to get this accepted by all Jedi sites?

If this is "statement toward all", you might want to remove your personal expectations, and references to being a "light adept"...

I also have other suggestions, more particularly about some wordings...

It would appear you are trying to get us all to agree on this, so that we all (all Jedi sites) would adopt this.. As that's how I read your words of, "TOTJO may be the most difficult to get this passed"

As stated by you, defining the force is individual, so is the exact definition occasion Jedi, no?

But first, what is your point? We can debate the rest after this question is answered...

I think we already cover all of this in our doctrine + jediism maxims. And since the maxims are set to become part of the doctrine, i too fail to see the point.

This is nothing new for us.

What is a Light Adept?

I too find this controversial. Rabblerabblerabble.

Wendaline wrote: What is a Light Adept?

They're sort of the opposite of vampires: at night, they have to sleep in tanning beds. :silly:

Wouldn't that just be a reverse vampire then? I'm confused.

We Vampyres call them "goodie too shoos"...

Rabblerabblerabblerabble...

:laugh: Rabble! Rabble!

I believe what you're striving to achieve is a hierarchical diagram to use as a visual aid for studying to become a Jedi. If that's the case, I think it's a great idea. Can you upload it as a jpg or png? Maybe use some software to make the diagram? You may like the mind mapping software FreeMind.

"To unite the people with a common purpose, and a common prayer book, into a single unified church of England" oops, I mean Jedi

Light Adept. That should read Jedi. The Virtues were written months prior to my even conceiving this idea, and I had them all panned out. So let me explain exactly what happened with that one, lol.

Back in 2008 I was making the attempt to create a term which would keep us off the "Lucas Watchlist" in a publication which would aide the Jedi Community. Along the way I realized that it would be best to create a term which encompassed all the community which sprang forth from Star Wars. This is where the term "Force Realist" came about. At the time, being a "Light Adept" at Force Academy stood strictly for Jedi. In the last couple of days, that has been looked at and will most likely be changing to include philosophies such as the Baran Do. So now you have a point of reference on that one. But yeah, it should read "Jedi".

Whyte Horse, that is exactly what I'm looking to achieve with this. I am still trying to work out how this diagram will look, as I need it to demonstrate that it's all connected together...One giant circle around the entire pyramid doesn't seem to quite get the point across. When I tried drawing that out...well...it looked like the virtues were only really connected to "the Force" and "the Force" to the virtues rather than the whole of it all.

Jestor- I completely disagree with you that you can just call yourself a Jedi and it be so. How you live the life of a Jedi may vary, but there are some very loose guidelines for one to follow. Even the curriculum here at ToTJO acknowledges such.

Thank you Alethea.

Alethea -- with all the respect I owe to you, is this really necessary ?

It will happen, in its own time and as it will organise itself. What you are doing is noble in intention, but as we have seen by the past, these 'unification' efforts, for however nobly they begin, generally serve to divide rather than unify.

Tao Te Ching 18 :

When the great Tao is forgotten,
goodness and piety appear.
When the body's intelligence declines,
cleverness and knowledge step forth.
When there is no peace in the family,
filial piety begins.
When the country falls into chaos,
patriotism is born.

et

Tao Te Ching 19 :

Throw away holiness and wisdom,
and people will be a hundred times happier.
Throw away morality and justice,
and people will do the right thing.
Throw away industry and profit,
and there won't be any thieves. If these three aren't enough,
just stay at the centre of the circle
and let all things take their course.

as well as

Tao Te Ching 58 :

If a country is governed with tolerance,
the people are comfortable and honest.
If a country is governed with repression,
the people are depressed and crafty. When the will to power is in charge,
the higher the ideals, the lower the results.
Try to make people happy,
and you lay the groundwork for misery.
Try to make people moral,
and you lay the groundwork for vice. Thus the Master is content
to serve as an example
and not to impose her will.
She is pointed, but doesn't pierce.
Straightforward, but supple.
Radiant, but easy on the eyes.

Essentially, the TotJO welcomes everyone without being too prescriptive about how one lives (their) Jediïsme, and we are here to help, support, discuss and even argue about it. What more or less can a prescriptive ideology do ?

So, let's just dance ...

So...

Yes?

You are trying to standardize the definition through all the sites?

doesn't totjo define all of us as grey? I might be wrong on that though :lol:

In the TotJO, we define ourselves, through our personal connexion to the Force.

And we do this only until we out-grow the need for definition ...

Alexandre Orion wrote: In the TotJO, we define ourselves, through our personal connexion to the Force.

And we do this only until we out-grow the need for definition ...

that makes sense, thanks!

In the TotJO, we define ourselves, through our personal connexion to the Force.

And we do this only until we out-grow the need for definition ...

Which is why it may be best to change your terminology from "Jediism" to "Force Realist" at this point. Let's face it, many of you are not willing to admit what it is that Ren stated earlier. That all of this is exactly what you have to meet in order to really live the Jedi Path (in accordance with ToTJO standards). Now what he is right about, is that much of what I've written is covered within my own document. Now what you all may be thinking is that I'm looking to replace what you have written here. The reality is that I'm looking to expand and help the community get a better direction on just how to achieve what is written within the linked document above and similar documents like it.

Alexandre, you would be surprised how much of this "unification" process has brought us much closer. The community has more communication today, than we did in 2001 because of unification talks. There are now orders willing to communicate with one another and help build courses. Just 5 years ago this wasn't even considered a viable avenue.