Taking Part in the Process...As an experienced Jedi

Kitsu Tails wrote:

Khaos wrote:
I have no interest in what someone once did.

Except for all the historical, philisophical, religious, and educated leaders of our past as far back as back can go for some that we study not only in the Jedi practices but in every day life and regular schooling practices. History, is part of the human culture.

I see alot of bias in this statment (not just you Khaos but in general) So many here at TOTJO saying "We don't care about what happened" and yet most of the IP is made up of old people from what "Once Was." And most of the Doctrines comes from "The Old Guard" days with very little revision or updating to apparent "Present Changes"

If all we cared about was what we did right now....we would have no hero's and guidelines to follow.

I believe it is important and respectful to honor those that have spent time, years, dedication and effort to the path. People like Streen have indeed earned at least that.

Does that mean he or even I get a free pass? No. Nor would I expect it.

But there IS something to be said about the past as there is about the future and especially the present.

If Eckhart Tolle were to come to this temple and ask to be a Knight right away, even he would be asked to start from the beginning, if it were up to me. This does not mean that his past reputation is useless and irrelevant. We all have value in learning about our own past, and learning from what other have said and done in their past too, as it does have value, however that value does not take priority over the value of what they say and do in the present, as that is the point in time we interact in.

The only thing that matters is now. But, everything in the past certainly helps add up to now. I agree with Pro. I would actually love to watch Tolle go through the IP. haha. Would be amazing!

I view it not like a test, but an opportunity to reveal something about yourself to others (and yourself) by reflecting on particular topics. We have Knights sometimes choose re-do the IP for fun/curiosity to see how their perspectives on the material has changed. The process of using the same material just gives us each an opportunity to have a shared experience. I learn new things every day so how I perceive things is always changing. As such I tend to view the things like ranks as administrative titles (for functional reasons to denote duty or progress through particular programs etc), not awards of accomplishment or some measure of 'Jedi-ness'.

Text environment, lol..

It sucks!

Yes, I don't mean to totally discount the past either, but, sometimes it appears to be waved like a flag... lol..

About as much as it gets discounted... :lol:

It only becomes an issue in posts like these... lol... (anytime the "been here since" gets launched, lol)

We don't walk up to people in our physical world, like "hey, I'm new to this clown school, but, I've got X years in it..."

We walk up, say hi, and be ourselves... lol...

Jestor wrote: We don't walk up to people in our physical world, like "hey, I'm new to this clown school, but, I've got X years in it..."[/color]

I could argue that but I've already said my point. Just because so and so does such and such....dosn't give us the right to respond with "It dosn't matter." (Because A: It is such a negative response and B: It does matter - to a point obviously.) Just makes us finger pointers at that point

But now we are way off topic!! haha sorry for my part in that.

As I said Streen. Participate. The rest is just bells and whistles.

Any point can be argued... lol...

But you are right... I'm sorry for any part I played inthe derail too... :lol:...

Old discussions (damn history! :whistle:)...

Streen, I'll tell you like I tell anyone who asks me about joining...

+++++++++++
Please feel free to join, or don't...

I've learned from members and guests alike...

I told you via PM, I like you, Streen, and just contributing here is a great thing...

Everyone is welcome, and their contributions appreciated...

right after the new movie was out and we had like 10000 new people, i logged on and went to latest posts and it was Cabur Senaar (im sorry if i didnt spell that right) ALL THE WAY DOWN THE PAGE, greeting new members, most of whom havent posted since

elizibeth will go weeks without posting in forum but youll see her constantly greeting new comers

same with several others

Edan and Adder probably are still PMing new members, just like they PMd me a year ago when i started posting here

kamizu makes stuff to auction off

which another member (Reliah iirc?) bought, also to help the temple (and because the box was lovely of course)

not long ago someone found something in the IP to be inaccessible so he just reformatted it or something - just up and made it easier for everyone else to read, no one asked him, he just up and did it to be helpful

a while back someone started a topic where they said their life was miserable, one oftheir problems was that they were poor

well, one of the members here responded by saying she was a financial advisor or financial planner or something, and the she just offered her services to help him out if he wanted - just "hey im willing to work to help your life get better even though i know you cant pay me for it"

severl times ive seen people offer to volunteer their technical computer knowledge to help the temple

i dont know how much ever comes out of those

but it always seemed to me when i saw these things that the people who were doing them did them because they really value this community, and they want to participate in the proccess of totjo in a positive and contributing way

nothing to do with rank and nothing to do with being recognized for their "experience as jedi"

everything to do with affection for the temple to the point of being willing to make EFFORT

to WORK

and thats it, i think ive reached my posting limit for this thread

i'll work on that brevity thing as soon as i get the tact thing figured out

Just because so and so does such and such....dosn't give us the right to respond with "It dosn't matter." (Because A: It is such a negative response and B: It does matter - to a point obviously.)

I have as much right to say it doesnt matter as he has in saying it does.

The difference is, I am not resting on my laurels to make my point.

Jestor wrote: Text environment, lol..

It sucks!

Why does it sucks? Words that are written do not change in a post. (One could replace the words though). It will enable the reader to be reminded, even if the reader has forgotten that what was written out. I enjoy text environment because of that.
If experienced Jedi Streen would write a IP, Journal, or whatever he would do, I will be thankful to be able to read it. But my opinion would not matter anyway, his journal would be open, and would allow experienced Jedi Streen to read it himself too, a personal Journal helps to think back to whatever he discovers or feels. It could help him mind about how he changed in opinion if he would do. Text environment is able to give us that what a live environment would not.
Though I fully understand that it can be lots more difficult to face a stranger in a live environment for those who are not used in doing so.
~~~

~ Aqua

Offtopic: about the ladder thing ..

Connor L. wrote: I think he means influence here is directly correlated to what rank you have.

Correct, that was what I thought. Guess I made a mess of picking my words, somehow I always do.. Sorry

Streen wrote: I've had a lot to think about today. Jestor has made me aware of certain things, facts that I had overlooked, understanding the conflict I was inducing my posting links to other Jedi sites. This post really isn't even about that, but the underlying truth is, I could be doing much more good here if I were to truly became involved and stop fighting the system. You could say that the old expression applies: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. Not that I felt I was in competition with TOTJO, but I certainly wasn't an ally either. Which brings me to my question...

As a man who's been following the Jedi path for roughly 18 years, if I were to truly join TOTJO, follow the rules, rise through the ranks, where in the world would I begin? I can prove my experience, specifically with all my writings and my history, with references, etc. Not that I'm trying to take the easy route by skipping past certain assignments or whatever, but I felt that some things would be redundant or even a waste of time. I may be making assumptions on this, but I wouldn't really know.

So, can anyone give me some advice?

I genuinly love the IP , i think i will do it in another few years just to see how i have evolved , i like the things you write , i like the way you reach out and present possibilities to this community. Your writings and history are very valueble to me. I am a complete Novice , i dont even know that much about Star Wars :S The Temple and all other communities on the web are valueble , some even for showing us what a Jedi should not be . My reason for staying here is because i find it welcoming and loving and i can be of service here. That is a feeling inside that can make me proceed, finish the Ip go on my way.

If you are pondering over this descision it means you are thinking about it, something touched your heart and now you have to figure out what you want , really want, this has little to do with rank and more with your hearts desire , choose wise ,i wish you wisdom and Strenght a lot of the Force , what ever you decide , it will be good ....it WILL be good

Ow ,..and i love Jestor he really knows exactly to make us wonder about our motives , good one haha