What Is Your Personal Directive as a Jedi?

I've come to understand that what it means to be a Jedi is different for every individual here, at least on some specific level. According to these differences, we have members with very different approaches to how they interact with others. Some are more open, laid back, quiet, etc, while others are a bit more radical, passionate, or strait forward, and some are particular mixes of these.

So I am curious, what kind of Jedi do you consider yourself and why? What is you personal directive as a Jedi?

Perhaps talking about this can help us better understand each other when we interact?

(Edit: Could a moderator please move this to open discussions? Thanks!)

To uphold valour, to know virtue and only virtue. To defend the helpless and defend the forsaken. To speak only truth, and to undo the wicked. To bring peace, break darkness, and spread light.

As I have sworn to do, and will always do, that is my directive as a Jedi.

This pursuit is not one that can be taken passively. You have to be passionate, straightforward, and a touch radical. Yes, I am known, by all whom have met me, to be relaxed, calm, even a reassuring presence.

But question my resolve to my oaths, and my wrath will undo you. I will break the darkness you spread through ignorant statements, and I will bring light and shed it upon the ugliness that is your statements.

This doesn't only go to myself. But to all. I do not take kindly to creeping darkness, and will push it back at the root.

So, I don't, anymore, have a personal outlook on Jediism and I suppose a personal directive as a Jedi.

I am going to just say I am of service. That is a fluid thing. Here (TOTJO) trying to provide others space to learn their own path to service if that is what they wish. That's where I am now, it's fluid it will change.

Much Love, Respect and Peace,
Kobos

I guess first you might have to describe exactly what you mean by a personal directive? My understanding of that term is a document that you can sign giving authority to another in case you become mentally incapacitated. If you mean it in the context of a personal code of conduct or creed to live by well I guess I have to question if one such code is actually required to be a Jedi? Is it required to have one in the name of a chosen title?




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AL8chWFuM-s

Should we interpret "Personal Directive" to be similar to the Star Trek Prime Directive?

Wikipedia wrote: In the fictional universe of Star Trek, the Prime Directive (also known as "Starfleet General Order 1", "General Order 1", and the "non-interference directive") is a guiding principle of Starfleet, prohibiting its members from interfering with the internal and natural development of alien civilizations. The Prime Directive applies particularly to civilizations which are below a certain threshold of technological, scientific and cultural development; preventing starship crews from using their superior technology to impose their own values or ideals on them. Since its introduction in the first season of the original Star Trek series, it has served as the plot focus of numerous episodes of the various Star Trek series.

If so, I would include within the "core" of the Jedi path the ability to exert power over our world (both inner and outer), moving away from chaos/ignorance/suffering by becoming self-aware of proactive rather than easily triggered and reactive.

Manu wrote: If so, I would include within the "core" of the Jedi path the ability to exert power over our world (both inner and outer), moving away from chaos/ignorance/suffering by becoming self-aware of proactive rather than easily triggered and reactive.

Warning: Spoiler!

SELF-AWARE / PROACTIVE / RESPONSIBILITY:
STIMULI --> GUT RESPONSE --> SUCCESSFUL PROCESSING --> DECISION TO ACT (CONTROLLED - FOCUS - WISDOM)

SUFFERING / REACTIVE / VICTIM MENTALITY:
STIMULI --> GUT RESPONSE --> DISORGANIZED/BIAS PROCESSING --> REACTION (UNCONTROLLED - CHAOS - DISASTER)

Well in the absence of any sort of clarification from the OP let's just run with this for a moment. If this is a common trait of a Jedi it seems to be almost universally absent in anyone here who obtains the rank of knight. You and I as Jedi persevere but I have seen almost everyone here that goes through the process and obtains knighthood eventually melt down and resign from positions as well as make grandiose claims this place is not what it should be, claim they are victims of a corrupt system, charge unfair treatment, and even leaving altogether in protest. The latest demonstration of this not withstanding has left yet another position here empty. So what is it about jedi that are capable of withstanding and enduring the so called "core" of this path you point out while a knight cracks under the mantle of this charge and breaks? Is this place not training worthy knights or is the training lacking somehow or is the expectations of a knight to much to bear? What is this difference between those that just want to be jedi and those that want knighthood in their mental approach to this place? It seems like the attainment of knighthood either causes people to disappear, either behind the curtain of restricted boards here at the site or altogether and those that don't seem to have this idea they should command a specific respect and enjoy a certain authority without having to earn it. They begin to make demands and order people around and expect their wisdom to be universal and when those expectations are not met they get indignant. I dont understand why these people insist on trying to make everyone into the version of themselves they think we should be instead of celebrating us for who we already are.

As I study and grow - so does my goals and “ directive.” As I progress here so does my focus. ( clergy and all)
When I began I was all solo and thinking the world was agains this guy ... such a fight and such anger - then after a few realizations and time - there wasn’t such opposition. There was but once I chilled out and began to let room for ceartaim changes and ceartain practices - yea I stand here today with the goals of - becoming the help I needed at a very real moment in life’s around me as well as myself. Real talk - my practice helps me to be the selfless I choose. In the real world - I have changed my stars. Many have the same claim. Many try. Like me many fail. Many learn.many loos and many change but that’s - for me - what’s its all about - growth and change. Consistently inconsistent is life and so am I. Some one once told me carlos - Not every one here needs help. That changed my directive to maybe I can just be a influence of the possibilities - just one. Imagine when two show up? Lol any how my prime focus is alway cultivation. Grow weed feed grow. Show without blinding
Cut without hurting
Guide without leading
These are the hardest things for me and those are just a few of my “directives.”
Thank you for the question!

Sorry about the late reply with my work having me hustle overtime! Haha!

I just meant, if you had a vision of what you might consider your life purpose, or specialized contribution to society in general, as honed and refined through the lens of the Jedi path, what would it be?

For example, clear and fair communication and understanding is probably one of my biggest priorities when it comes to my interactions with the world. It's the basis for everything that it helps me achieve. With clearer understanding and good communication (developed by learning the social psychology of people around me) I'm often able clear up situations where others simply jump rashly into a black or white view of others. I've found these kinds of things to be a source of misunderstandings, where people make decisions and remarks more out of emotional reactions than not only logic but empathy.

Something else here: I really didn't want the drama of recent here invading and taking over this topic. If we can try to approach this discussion without drawing responses simply from that, I think it will help to reap more objectively thoughtful ideas.

Kyrin, It's Ego.

It eats everyone no matter how disciplined. Rank, status, positions it does it, when you either deny or rely on the ego too much (very simple to do when trying to discipline the self) you exhaust yourself trying to appease it either way (Paradox of ridding the self of the ego in practice). All of us, in the simplest terms, need to learn when to say F' it (and how to), listen better, and lose some of the super personal connection to the world we wish to see. Sometimes just sometimes, saying F'it does mean throwing rank, I do it in the classroom all the time.

This is a straight example from my work life, right now I kinda suck at I (I figure being a Jedi is actively trying to be better at this via my connection to the Force, so, with a spiritual connection). I guess when I say I don't have a personal directive as a Jedi its kind of ignorant of me, because well I am trying to understand when to say F' it, but, then again, I want to help other people learn when they should say F' it and how. That point is different for all people. So, I think in time we lose sight of that as we learn to limit ourselves. So we come off as preachy or in a superior toned attitude. This is why there are days where mentally and emotionally I am literally destroyed by the behavior of people, students or colleagues(beyond normal work fatigue). It can make me edgy sometimes or more prone to seeing attacks colleagues, though they are not, they are simply stating relevant things.

Anyways as applies to here hopefully, when I work through to knighthood, it is a goal of mine, I would remember what I have written above. Oh since I have recently just realized that everything is fluid.........yes it's a fluid response

Just a couple cents

Much Love, Respect and Peace,
Kobos

Kyrin Wyldstar wrote: If this is a common trait of a Jedi it seems to be almost universally absent in anyone here who obtains the rank of knight.

First off, you may be overgeneralizing. Second, I can’t presume that my vision for what the Jedi path is should be the same for everyone.

I don’t understand why these people insist on trying to make everyone into the version of themselves they think we should be instead of celebrating us for who we already are.

* Insert I don’t know, you tell me Leslie Chow gif

We see only the tip of the iceberg. If I were to go on appearances, I would assume you yourself had a “meltdown” not long ago. I could also easily assume your constant posting method is a reflection of your need to make everyone fit into your worldview.

I instead prefer not to make any hard assumptions. Do you?

No Manu I make no hard assumptions. My point was that many do though, assume somebody else should act or behave or talk a specific way and then go about trying to make them change. That never works very well and yes kobos I would agree it comes from ego and I think that ego is fed by a false sense of superiority because they have been given a title.

Proteus, as for my driving purpose I think we all have many but in the context of this conversation mine would be an honest search for truth. It is not an easy process and sometimes can be harsh for any of us. Does my purpose interfere with others purpose? Well I would say no because I think we are each responsible for our own responses and reactions. But others seem to not feel this way. Their mission in life seems to be meta-involvement in others business. Namely judging the nature of anothers pursuit as invalid and then setting out to correct it.

Kyrin Wyldstar wrote: No Manu I make no hard assumptions. My point was that many do though, assume somebody else should act or behave or talk a specific way and then go about trying to make them change. That never works very well and yes kobos I would agree it comes from ego and I think that ego is fed by a false sense of superiority because they have been given a title.

I don’t think it’s the title that does it. Remember Karpman’s victim triangle? I believe many who are attracted to the Jedi imagery as heroes/knights/monks have the tendency to fall into the Rescuer perspective, and thus are quick to apply their bias to “identify” both the “Persecuter” doing the bullying and the “Victim” needing saving.

Because the Rescuer role is sort of aligned with Jedi mythos, and at the same time socially acceptable, it makes it even easier to play into the drama.

And of course that is why you get often singled out as a Persecuter. Ironically, this might make you “feel” like a victim, haha.

Can you imagine if the people here who like to see and fight persecution where there is none did the same thing in similar situations offline? Complained to the police as they do here to the mods? 'hello officer this person is talking about things I don't like can you kick them out of the country please?'

Manu wrote: I don’t think it’s the title that does it. Remember Karpman’s victim triangle? I believe many who are attracted to the Jedi imagery as heroes/knights/monks have the tendency to fall into the Rescuer perspective, and thus are quick to apply their bias to “identify” both the “Persecuter” doing the bullying and the “Victim” needing saving.

Because the Rescuer role is sort of aligned with Jedi mythos, and at the same time socially acceptable, it makes it even easier to play into the drama.

And of course that is why you get often singled out as a Persecuter. Ironically, this might make you “feel” like a victim, haha.

I think this is pretty spot on. It's this very thing that make so many here not actually be in pursuit of a spiritual wisdom but just simple role players or LARPers. These focuses on robes and light sabers and titles and self delusional ideas and actions that they are some form of modern day super hero are what keeps this place from its legitimate place in spiritual circles and it is what stifles individual growth in so many here.

You are right I went through that victim phase for a while but I never let it stop me from growth. I evolved past it and have seen so much more now. I never gave up as so many that progressed higher in the ranks than I have done. In fact as I have worked myself out of the temple ranks I have become a better Jedi in the process.

It always floors me when a knight will claim such a high standard in an oath of rank or office at this temple but the second things dont go as they want according to their biased view, temper tantrums and resignations are the result. I no longer follow the example of these so called "Jedi in name only" and have come to realize who the true Jedi of this place are. I now follow the example of people like you and Ren, who sit back and quietly contribute always without fail. In my mind jedi like you guys are the true jedi of this place. Quiet service without need of ego stroking.

I think that is the true lesson of this place, finding the ability to truly shed the delusion of super hero worship and become a true contributor to our reality both here and irl. I think this realization is the true single driving factor in the difference in mentality the OP asked for.

Well said Kyrin. I agree with the sentiments you've shared here. A long time ago, individual growth and mutual accountability was the group dynamic. Back then, there were no ranks and respect was earned and maintained over time. You couldn't expect to throw your rank around as a free pass to handwaive away your actions, you actually had to answer for them to the group. If you didn't satisfy the group when questioned, you lost respect. Simple really. Ultimately, I think excessive hierarchy and rank eventually hinders growth more than it helps.

MTFBWY

Well, if anyone has been reading recent posts I have to answer that for this that it is a process (rather then a statement)

But basically, shaping growth... mostly self, but others where its welcomed and possible. Finding a deeper awareness of essence through refinement of ones nature. The later being the product of essence and environment IMO. Which is interesting, because when that is the priority, it really makes those who are not on the same path stand out a mile :silly:

Kyrin Wyldstar wrote: It's this very thing that make so many here not actually be in pursuit of a spiritual wisdom but just simple role players or LARPers. These focuses on robes and light sabers and titles and self delusional ideas and actions that they are some form of modern day super hero are what keeps this place from its legitimate place in spiritual circles and it is what stifles individual growth in so many here.

This should get its own separate thread. Right off the bat, I would declare a non sequitur on the inverse relationship between love for lightsabers and spiritual growth. And a “hero mythos” might be a meditation tool in driving purpose and training, so, your whole assessment is highly debatable, and perhaps outside the scope of this thread (I.e. deserves a thread of its own)

You are right I went through that victim phase for a while but I never let it stop me from growth. I evolved past it and have seen so much more now. I never gave up as so many that progressed higher in the ranks than I have done. In fact as I have worked myself out of the temple ranks I have become a better Jedi in the process.

If you were able to grow out of the Victim triangle, wouldn’t it make sense that others can as well? Give ‘em time.

It always floors me when a knight will claim such a high standard in an oath of rank or office at this temple but the second things dont go as they want according to their biased view, temper tantrums and resignations are the result.

It might have to do with the reverence that is built up around the rank itself. But all members, from guests to founders, are human, and thus may at one point or another make a mistake.

I no longer follow the example of these so called "Jedi in name only" and have come to realize who the true Jedi of this place are. I now follow the example of people like you and Ren, who sit back and quietly contribute always without fail. In my mind jedi like you guys are the true jedi of this place. Quiet service without need of ego stroking.

As much as I am flattered, I think it is a huge disservice to exclude other people as “real Jedi” that can offer valuable contribution, simply because I cannot grasp their point of view at this particular point in time. Wherever you look there is something to be seen, and all that...

Manu wrote: This should get its own separate thread. Right off the bat, I would declare a non sequitur on the inverse relationship between love for lightsabers and spiritual growth. And a “hero mythos” might be a meditation tool in driving purpose and training, so, your whole assessment is highly debatable, and perhaps outside the scope of this thread (I.e. deserves a thread of its own)

Well I never said it was an inverse relationship. I consider them mutually exclusive but there is also the very factual reality where many individuals replace one (true spiritual pursuit) with the other (delusions of being a science fiction superhero). And I also think this speaks to the root of the OP post so I don’t consider them separate subjects. It comes down to the very definition of Jedi and which of us actually fulfill that definition. Subconscious LARPers, of which there are many at this temple, are not individuals I respect as being in pursuit of an honest spiritual path.

Manu wrote: If you were able to grow out of the Victim triangle, wouldn’t it make sense that others can as well? Give ‘em time.

Oh yes I absolutely agree! But we must also be brutally honest in our assessments and only give credit where credit is due. And in that pursuit we must also recognize that until such time as they may grow out of these places of fantasy they have little to offer in the way of true wisdom. And that we only do them a further disservice in prematurely granting them these ranks that only serve to further inflate their ego and thus more greatly entrench them in their delusions. Rank, if it must exist, should not be a matter of academics, but of action. It is this very temples impatience to legitify itself that has caused this disparity.

Manu wrote: As much as I am flattered, I think it is a huge disservice to exclude other people as “real Jedi” that can offer valuable contribution, simply because I cannot grasp their point of view at this particular point in time. Wherever you look there is something to be seen, and all that...

I am making no claims that any one is a Jedi or not a Jedi. However I do reserve the right to personally judge, in my opinion, who the pretenders are and who the true advocates are. It’s not in a title that I do this but in an individual’s actions. People can call themselves whatever they want, I could care less. I have never been particularity attached to the title and I have said that many times here. What I am interested in is the work. And I find great value in good hard honest work. This is not in the form of service to others but of service to self. There is too much focus on selflessness and too little focus on selfishness. Without the willingness to work on “self” first you will never benefit another in any meaningful way.

Writing a few lessons on Jedi utility belts and twirling a light saber around for a few months like some sort of drum major and then declaring themselves Battlemasters where they proceed to create colorful dialogues that could only come from a Sci-Fi B movie in which they demonize others and declare their destruction at their hand, all while safely hiding behind the curtain of a protected forum, are fake individuals that I have no respect for as Jedi. Until they earn that respect, something I hope they do, I have little time for them.

Kyrin Wyldstar wrote: I consider them mutually exclusive but there is also the very factual reality where many individuals replace one (true spiritual pursuit) with the other (delusions of being a science fiction superhero). And I also think this speaks to the root of the OP post so I don’t consider them separate subjects. It comes down to the very definition of Jedi and which of us actually fulfill that definition. Subconscious LARPers, of which there are many at this temple, are not individuals I respect as being in pursuit of an honest spiritual path.

Why are they mutually exclusive?

Oh yes I absolutely agree! But we must also be brutally honest in our assessments and only give credit where credit is due. And in that pursuit we must also recognize that until such time as they may grow out of these places of fantasy they have little to offer in the way of true wisdom. And that we only do them a further disservice in prematurely granting them these ranks that only serve to further inflate their ego and thus more greatly entrench them in their delusions. Rank, if it must exist, should not be a matter of academics, but of action. It is this very temples impatience to legitify itself that has caused this disparity.

I have no issue with brutal honesty. But in my experience as a father, customer service rep, sales manager, forum admin, etc. people are not all alike. Different people and different situations require different communication styles. This has nothing to do with "behavior unbecoming" crap people tend to throw around... it is simply a matter of maximizing effectiveness.

As to the ranking system, what do you suggest as a yardstick for determining who is ready?

What I am interested in is the work. And I find great value in good hard honest work. This is not in the form of service to others but of service to self. There is too much focus on selflessness and too little focus on selfishness. Without the willingness to work on “self” first you will never benefit another in any meaningful way.

I am interested. Tell me more about the focus on working on selfishness. What kind of work are you thinking about?

Writing a few lessons on Jedi utility belts and twirling a light saber around for a few months like some sort of drum major and then declaring themselves Battlemasters where they proceed to create colorful dialogues that could only come from a Sci-Fi B movie in which they demonize others and declare their destruction at their hand, all while safely hiding behind the curtain of a protected forum, are fake individuals that I have no respect for as Jedi. Until they earn that respect, something I hope they do, I have little time for them.

I guess they'll have to learn to survive without your respect.

Adder wrote: Well, if anyone has been reading recent posts I have to answer that for this that it is a process (rather then a statement)

Exactly many discussion nearly always turns into poking each other.
Well, in order to not just to chatter,

I would say that my present directive in sense of Jedi purpose is to become honest as much as possible. To become an authentic/real.
In way, to not pretend that I feel good, even though it´s not true. Which is caused by effort to not disappoint others.
The path leads through breaking my needs to look like a nice girl in front the eyes of others. (because I am accustomed to show only one side of my personality)
That good one.