Lesson 6: Patience
by: Jedi Trad Davin
Patience is a virtue all Jedi should learn; I cannot stress this enough. It is one of the first things you will learn, and one of the most important. If a Jedi is not patient, with his studies and with others, then the pull of the Dark Side increases. You want things quicker and easier, which is the way of the Dark Side.
Many a Jedi have fallen because they believe that their Master is not teaching them as much as they need. They believe they are ready for more knowledge and tests, when in reality they forsake the most important lessons. You must work diligently on the lessons your Master gives you. Explore, learn, and discover every facet of the lesson; master it. Continue to do this through- out your training. You will be presented with more lessons as the time presents itself.
A Jedi must also be patient with others. Let us use an example: You are on a basketball, or football team. The coach is giving you a new play. It seems simple to you; you quickly learn it and perform it well.
There is another player on the team who cannot get it. Every time you run through the play he makes a mistake- he just cannot seem to learn it. Now, you have a choice. You may choose to be angry with him and yell at him for not getting it right. Or, you may be patient with him, and try to help him understand it. I suggest you choose the latter. This way he'll probably understand it, you won't be angry, and you will have learned patience. Not to mention that the play will probably work better.
You see, if you are patient with others, they will have a higher respect for you and a better opinion of you. You will have more friends, and strong friendships. You will also see things from their point of view, and you can benefit others. They can also help you on troubles you have. This begins to teach other virtues: Unity and teamwork.
Be patient in every thing you do. If you watch the Jedi in the Star Wars movies, you will notice that while they might start out reckless (i.e. young Obi-Wan and Luke in ESB), they eventually learn patience. They are coolheaded and able to think clearly in dangerous situations. This is always a plus. So learn patience, practice it, and test yourself in real-life situations. Remind yourself to be patient always. This is the way of the Light Side, and of a true Jedi.
--Trad Davin
Brought to you by Jedi Walker & the Force.
Copyright © [Jedi of the New Millnium]
Last revised: 08 Aug 1999