The Knighthood
"A Jedi must have the deepest commitment. The most serious mind." These were the words of Jedi Master Yoda speaking to Luke Skywalker as he explained the requirements of a Jedi. While these words may seem simple to act out, it may be decieving to a young apprentice that this is all that is needed.
This is not so. To reach the level of knighthood is a grand achievement. Many an apprentice have been led to believe that such an achievement does not take much time, and that it is an adventure. Training can take many years until the Padawan became the Knight, and the apprentice became the Jedi. Many years of learning, discussing, reading, listening, and studying. Many years of self-discovery until that pride that most feel when beginning training, becomes true self-confidence.
It is a difficult path to travel. An apprentice is faced with many tests. Many of which are self-imposed, and not at all devised by the master. That's right, self-imposed. While the Force is what guides the Jedi, and the Master guides the Apprentice, it is the Jedi which, for the most part, leads him or herself to a certain point at which the Apprentice will be tested.
Even when Knighthood is achieved, it is a difficult life. As a Jedi Knight, you must never forget what you have learned, and never forget who you are even as a Jedi.
Before reaching Knighthood, all Jedi make a sacrifice. It is not required by the Master, nor is it a part of the Jedi Code to do so. It happens naturally. A sacrifice which shows your dedication to the Force, and to a new life, based on selflessness. This may be someone close to you, that you come to realize you must let go of in order to follow your path. It may be a certain addiction, or passion for something that would inhibit your abilities. It is not necesarilly your choice as to what you give up, and it is also a mile stone at which will decide your destiny. Choose wisely, and may the Force be with you.
...Jedi Streen
https://web.archive.org/web/20010422095044/http://212.168.23.160:80/creed/journey.shtml