I Am

*Agent Smith voice*

I'd like to share a revelation with you that I've had during my time here. It came to me when I tried to classify my spirituality, and I realized I'm not really a Jedi.

*end Agent Smith voice*

This is being written with the understanding that I could and probably will offend some people here.

I'm actually writing this prior to posting it, in a document so that I can properly extrapolate what needs to be said. In all seriousness, I want to express something that has occurred to me over the past 48 hours: The whole idea of the Force is purely fiction, and it has been thus far only been spoken of based on a belief in it, whether or not there is really any proof that it exists. We have no bible, no ancient documents to guide us, only a vague understanding that has been spoon fed to us by a guy telling a science-fiction story.

This isn't to discount ideas such as Chi or the Tao, as both are concepts older than Christ himself. The point I am trying to make here has more to do with the mystical nonsense that we've clung to over, at least, the last 20 years (roughly the age of the online Jedi community). Perhaps people CAN levitate things with their minds. Perhaps people CAN communicate over vast distances. Perhaps people CAN speak to the dead. But what are we embracing here? What are we worshiping? Who and what are we putting on a pedestal? What is this religion promoting?

If there is no Force, then what are we? Jedi? Perhaps, as the word's origin seems to suggest the idea of “knowing” and “knowledge” (“Jedediah”, which is the name given to Solomon by God at his birth). But, as has been said many times over the past 20 years, we don't have lightsabers, we can't manipulate the “force”. And we don't run around saving people, upholding peace and justice. Some people do, but they're called police officers and soldiers. I suppose if one of them had miraculous powers and held a glowing laser sword, then maybe THEY would be called Jedi.

But who are we? What right do we have as a people to call ourselves by a name that we cannot possibly hope to live up to? What we can do is be good people, certainly. Spread light in our lives. Be kind to those around us. That's what the world needs.

I haven't spent much time here lately, and I have to admit to feeling pretty good about it. I've spent my time doing the things I just mentioned above. It is profoundly more important than prattling on about philosophy, and asking inane questions. I've done my share of both, so I'm not more innocent of it than any of you.

But I am not here to tell you what to do. I'm suggesting you figure out for yourself what you could be doing and accomplishing, rather than spending so much time in Jedi forums. I realize this seems ironic or hypocritical being that I am, right now, in a Jedi forum. I just wanted to give you all something to consider, some important questions to ask yourself.

Like I said at the beginning, this may have offended you, and I'm sorry you may feel that way, but these things needed to be said. I feel pushed to discuss this. No one is saying that I am right and you are wrong, but do please consider these words.

Ive said it before, I will say it again, and I will say it now....

"Dont confuse my on-line presence with a lack of physical world action..."



Thank you for sharing...

1. you cannot tell me what to do
2. i want to try to live up to being a Jedi
3. i dont care if you think i cannot be a Jedi
4. you have to do your thing in life and follow your path
5. i hope you will be very happy as i would hope for everyone
6. even if i am the only Jedi left on earth , no one can tell me what i am , or what i am not
7. ok bye

Oh Streen, you pot stirrer you. I commend you on your willingness to challenge our views on if we are really Jedi. It is not something that many would do, especially as tactfully as you do. I felt no offense at your statements.

That said, I am a Jedi. I have never associated real life Jedi with mystical powers. I wouldn't say no if I thought I could actually have them, but I don't personally believe that they exist. Those are not the reasons that I call myself a Jedi. I call myself a Jedi because I firmly believe in Jediism as it is taught here at TOTJO. This place and it's philosophies align the best with my own and as such I have adopted it's nomenclature. If nothing about this place changed but it's name chances are I would use whatever name they decided to use. What's taught here is what I am, and what's taught here is Jediism.

As for "prattling on about philosophy, and asking inane questions," well, that's just a good way to pass the time when I'm not out doing other stuff. I don't spend much time here when I'm not at work (don't tell my boss :laugh:), and when I do it's usually late at night and there's not much else to do. My time spent here is usually between other things when my only other option is to sit bored at my desk. Being more helpful in the community is something that I am currently working on but I promise you, unless it involves a major career change chances are it won't impact my time here at all. I can do many things and be in many places, especially when one of those places is virtual. :laugh:

I am glad that you seem to be happy with the direction you are moving, just don't expect the rest of us to follow you.

It seems you're beginning to realize what we're actually doing here and why, when talking about what you're realizing about yourself.

It also seems you're beginning to take a step toward realizing what the actual belief system of many of us here actually do have, when shedding the one's you speak of here as discounted.

Keep lifting that veil of "mystical force wielding super heroes here to save the world", and you might realize what has actually been going on here all along.

I am grateful for your opinions. I am grateful for your stand. In a world of what I tend to call "sheeple" the act of action is not seen to often. I takes much more person to stand for something, the old saying you gotta stand for something or, fall for anything. If you continue to seek you will find. Any time spent searching for wisdom will never go void. I am glad you tried the Jedi way in your own path. Some paths I find in my life don't mesh with my own focus the more I find out and learn more about them. The best is to be aware and continue to grow. Do not grow stale friend! Keep the fire in you burning. Be well and continue to build you up friend, its so worth it!