~Jedi Code, my interpretation…~

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Before I left to Mandalore, Master Stomi gave me an assignment to write about the Jedi Code and my interpretation of it. I said I would do it once I get back and I do keep my word. Besides, I need to keep myself busy, so here goes my bits of work.

This line doesn’t tell us to deny our emotions, as some people believe. Emotions are what is our part, part, which cannot be removed or even denied. Denying our emotions lead to frustration, as seen in example of Anakin Skywalker. Emotions are also what makes us different from droids. They make us unique. First precept teaches us to become aware of ourselves and our emotions. A Jedi must first know themselves, their emotions and feelings. Only then a Jedi is prepared to move on and learn to control their emotions. Uncontrolled emotions lead to many outcomes, these outcomes hardly being the positive ones. Emotions like anger, fear, greed - I consider these as one of the worst ones. They can truelly cloud one’s mind, affect a Jedi when making crucial decisions. Anger however can be seen ad double-edged sword. It can give a strenght of sorts, determination, but at the other side, it creates huge weakness, when the angered person stops thinking clear. Often, when influenced by anger, such person doesn’t realize the situation fully, giving even more into anger and frustration because of the failure.

Mastering emotions is a first pillar in the Jedi training, as only calm and focused mind is able to establish an effective connection to the Force.

Second precept teaches us that a Jedi should avoid being ignorant. Jedi should strive to learning whole their life. A Jedi who refuses to learn cannot make a good Jedi. There is always something we can learn from. This precept is teaching us to be always open-minded to learning. Jedi always looks at things from different angles, when dealing with a situation. To do so, Jedi needs to be aware fully, which requires them to learn as well. Not knowing all details may lead to misjudgements caused by lack of knowledge, ignorance.

To summarize this - Jedi seeks knowledge and is open to knowledge all the times. Jedi doesn’t deny it, as it would lead to so undesired ignorance and lack of growth, both as a person and a Jedi.

Third precept can be seen as another emphasis on self-control and dealing with emotions. Passion is, after all an emotion as well. This proves the fact how much it’s important for a Jedi to learn about themselves and their emotions, to control and finally master them, not allowing them to control a Jedi. Passion, when controlled can have even positive influence on a Jedi. Jedi, who learns and focuses on their training with enthusiasm and passion are usually seen as those, who are devoted and determined.

However, as seen in the history, passion of such kind can lead to bad outcomes as well. Seeing Jacen Solo, later known as Darth Caedus. He was passionate, determined. He blindly believed he was doing the right thing, no matter the circumstances, no matter the fact that the methods he later used were brutal and unbecoming of a Jedi. Passion, as any other emotion can cloud our judgement. Jacen Solo was both ignorant and passionate to point of downfall. That is something a Jedi needs to avoid.

Fourth precept is conected to the teaching about the Force, that everyone is part of it. As I was taught, the Force connects everything together, it penetrates and binds us together. (loosely borrowed that quote from one Jedi Master) With that said, the Force is part of us, we are physical extensions of the Force. Jedi teaches that when one dies, they merely return to the Force, their spirit becomes one with the Force. It’s a cycle of life. Death as it is, by common definition would mean ultimate end of one’s being. Fourth line of the Jedi Code denies that, as when one dies, it’s only the physical body which perishes, while the spirit remains.

The fourth line also teaches us to accept death as natural part of life, part of the never-ending cycle. Jedi should not mourn those who died, rather than to learn to let go, with the knowledge that those who died became one with the Force. In my opinion, it’s not any easier to learn and live by that precept than the other ones.

There are a lot of chaos, turmoils and struggles in the galaxy. That is in my opinion something we cannot affect fully, even when serving the Force and protecting peace and life. However, I believe this precept is talking about Jedi’s mind. Jedi needs to be able to calm his/her mind, avoid ‘chaos’ in his/her mind, to become serene, calm, centered and focused. The galaxy out there influences Jedi’s mind as well, giving them a lot of stress at times. Even Jedi is not resistant to such things. It can mess up with one’s mind, creating ‘chaos’ or as I say ‘tangled mess’ in Jedi’s mind, distracting them, making them more vulnerable to emotions and acting on them.

We should strive to focused, calm mind. We will never fully avoid some sort of ‘chaos’ - but as with emotions, we must master it, master our minds, being in full control. As side note, this line is another proof of how much importance the self-control has in Jedi’s training. Jedi learns control whole their lives, as it’s outgoing process.

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