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Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 1 THE JEDI SANCTUARYTRAINING GUIDE FOR NEW MEMBERSVisit Us Online At: http://www.JediSanctuary.Org WHAT IS JEDIISM?Jediism is a new age religion that was created as a result of the famous‘Star Wars’ series. George Lucas, the writer of ‘Star Wars’, used aspects ofTaoism, Shintoism, Zen Buddhism, Christianity, Mysticism and martial artslike Aikido, Kendo, Iaito, Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and the Medieval Knight’s Codeof Chivalry, in order to create the ‘Jedi Knight’ and the philosophy of ‘theForce’. According to interviews, George’s intention was to create a religionfor his ‘Star Wars’ films that had ‘universal appeal’.The 'Jedi Knight' is a modern version of the Shaolin Monk, the SamariWarrior, and the European Knight, all mixed together. Some consider theJedi to be a perfect example of the ‘Spiritual Warrior’ or the ‘PeacefulWarrior’. The Jedi religion or philosophy was born as the result of George’sborrowing, distilling, and mixing of ancient faiths, and it took on a life of itsown. George didn't intend to create an actual religion for people to follow, Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 2 but it happened anyway! Like the experiment that escaped from thelaboratory, Jediism escaped from the Star War’s Episodes I ‐ VI and has becomean inspiration, religion, or way of life to tens of thousands of people.Even though Jediism is a new faith, it is just as real as the ancient faiths andphilosophies that it came from. Jediism contains the same spiritual truths asthe old faiths, but in a new package that is more ‘user friendly’for modern times. WHAT ARE JEDI?Jedi are individuals who try to apply the principles and teachings of Jediism intheir own lives. Jedi try to contact the Living Force within for guidance.Members of the Jedi Sanctuary call each other “Jedi” to honor the Jedi Knightsof Star Wars. HOW TO BECOME A JEDI?1. Profess that you are a Jedi and believe that you are a Jedi. You canhave other religion(s) as well, but you must also be committed to theJedi faith. “Remember, your focus determines your reality.” – Qui‐Gon, Episode I2. Believe in the Force and vow allegiance to the Force. This means thatyou will not serve the dark side in any way, shape or form. You will know whatis right for you by developing your own inner agreements with the indwellingLiving Force. "Be mindful of the Living Force young Padawan."– Qui‐Gon, Episode I3. Accept the Jedi teachings that were presented by the Star Warscharacters of Yoda, Obi‐Wan, Qui‐Gon and the other Jedi in ‘Star Wars’ Episodes I – VI. These characters are fictional, but their teachings arespiritual gems taken from a ‘mixture’ of real faiths such as Taoism, ZenBuddhism, Mysticism and the Martial Arts, etc. This ‘mixture’ of teachings iswhat we refer to as ‘Jediism’ in our group.4. Associate with other Jedi for their knowledge and support. On‐linefellowship is fine and we will be happy to have you in our Jedi SanctuaryCongregation’s forum and yahoo group. You really don’t have to tell anyonethat you’re a Jedi if you don’t want to. It’s no ones business but your own. It’syour own inner path with the Living Force that you are working on. Jediism, aswe see it, is a private path of inner development. Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 3The Jedi Oath: "I choose the Jedi path as a way to do that which isright. I choose to be a Jedi to express my allegianceto the Living Force. I will uphold the Jedi teachings,and henceforth devote my life to the Living Force. May the Force be with me, Always!" 18 Teachings or Guidelines for Jedi 1. Jedi believe that a calm mind can be achievedthrough meditation and contemplation. Jedi need tomeditate often to clear their minds. Our minds getcontaminated and need to be cleaned out daily. We evenabsorb things from those who are around us, so it’simportant to have, and keep, a clear mind.References:Yoda: "Concentrate, feel the Force flow. Yes, good,calm, yes." (Yoda teaching meditation)–Episode VYoda: You will know. When you are calm, at peace,passive. ‐Episode VYoda: "Control, control. You must learn control."(Yoda teaching Luke meditation)‐Episode V2. Jedi live in the here and now, and don’t have stressabout the future or the past. Jedi focus on thepresent moment. This isn’t as easy as it might seembecause the mind always rushes to the future or pastand doesn’t seem to be content with the eternalpresent moment. Contact with the Force is in thepresent moment. The mind is our tool, and we need tostop incessive thinking in order to be conscious of the present moment.References:Qui‐Gon: "Keep your concentration here and now where it belongs." Obi‐Wan: "Master Yoda says I should be mindful of the future." Qui‐Gon: "But not at the expense of the moment." ‐Episode I Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 4 Qui‐Gon: "Concentrate on the moment." ‐Episode I3. Jedi feel the Living Force flowing around them. Jedi are spiritually aware of the Force. Jedi aresensitive to energy and can feel the Force movingwithin themselves and others.Yoda: "You must feel the Force around you." –Episode VObi‐Wan: "A Jedi can feel the Force flowing through him." –Episode IVYoda: "Reach out. Sense the Force around you."(Yoda to the young Padawans.) ‐Episode IIObi‐Wan: "Stretch out with your feelings." –Episode IV4. Jedi believe in using and trusting their feelingsand intuition. Jedi are intuitive and are in touchwith the core of their being. Jedi can access theinner knowledge that seems to come from the Tan Tien, Hara, or belly center.Obi‐Wan: "Trust your feelings, Luke." ‐Episode IV. Qui‐Gon: "Feel, don't think. Use your instincts." –Episode IYoda: "Use your feelings, you must." ‐Episode IIYoda: "Use your feeling, Obi‐Wan, and find him you will." ‐Episode III5. Jedi believe in being mindful of their thoughts.Jedi keep their thoughts positive. A positive attitudeis healthy for both the mind and body. This has beenproven by science too. Jedi are mindful and watchtheir thoughts. Not every thought that 'pops' in ourhead is actually ours. We have to be able to discernthoughts and remove the bad ones. Even the food we eatcan influence our thoughts.Obi‐Wan: "Anakin, you're focusing on the negative again. Be mindful of yourthoughts." –Episode IIQui‐Gon: "Don't center on your anxiety, Obi‐Wan." –Episode IObi‐Wan: "Be mindful of your thoughts Anakin. They'll betray you." –Episode I6. Jedi cultivate patience in their lives. Yoda testedLuke to see if he had patience, which he didn't at thebeginning. But Luke learned to have patience later on.Patience has to be consciously developed over time. Wecan all work on patience. Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 5 Yoda: "Patience. For the Jedi it is time to eat as well. Eat, eat! ‐Episode VYoda: "I cannot teach him. The boy has no patience." ‐Episode VObi‐Wan: "He will learn patience." –Episode VQui‐Gon: "We shall have patience." ‐Episode I 7. Jedi try to protect others if possible. Jedi arepeaceful warriors. Jedi are also aware being preparedand trained gives them the advantage if they do haveto protect themselves and others. Most Jedi know atleast one form of martial arts or self defense.Yoda: "Around the remaining Jedi, a perimeter you will make." –Episode IIQui‐Gon: "Your Highness, it is our pleasure to continue to serve and protect you." – Episode IQui‐Gon: "I cannot fight a war for you, Your Highness, only protect you." –Episode I8. Jedi are aware of, and avoid the 4 vices that leadto the dark side; Fear, Anger, Aggression, and Hate.If Jedi see these negative emotions manifestingwithin, they know its time for some meditation to workit out. Jedi are always on the look out for these darkemotions. Jedi believe that evil exists, and aredetermined not to allow it to take root within theirlives. Fear can be overcome by trusting in the Force, and the will of the Force, and letting go.Yoda: "Anger, fear, aggression; the dark side of the Force are they." Obi‐Wan: "Luke, don't give in to hate. That leads to the dark side." ‐Episode VYoda: "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to Anger. Anger leads to Hate.Hate leads to suffering." ‐Episode I9. Jedi stay physically fit in order to accomplishtheir mission in life. Fitness is a part of Jediism,but the level of fitness depends on the individual.Yoga, Tai Chi, the Martial Arts, jogging, swimming,etc... are excellent ways to stay fit. Always consultwith your physician before starting any fitnessprogram.Yoda: "Run! Yes. A Jedi's strength flows from theForce."(Yoda giving Luke physical training)‐Episode VObi‐Wan: "Run, Luke. Run!" ‐Episode IV Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 6 10. Jedi trust in the will of the Force and accept thefact that nothing happens by accident. Jedi believein destiny, and that there is some method to thismadness of the Creation. There is a ‘soul‐plan’ forevery person, but it’s hard to understand thesethings. Jedi trust in the Living Force.Qui‐Gon: "Finding him was the will of the Force...Ihave no doubt of that." ‐Episode IQui‐Gon: "Nothing happens by accident." ‐Episode IObi‐Wan: "In my experience, there's no such thing as luck." –Episode IVObi‐Wan: "You cannot escape your Destiny." ‐Episode VIObi‐Wan: "Don't worry. The Force will guide us." ‐Episode IObi‐Wan: "I'm sure another situation will present itself." ‐Episode I (concerning nothaving enough money to buy parts; trusting destiny)11. Jedi work on 'letting go' of attachments and trainthemselves on this. The fear of loss of attachmentsleads to the dark side, so a ‘letting go’ and‘trusting in the will of the Force’ attitude needs tobe developed gradually over time. Everything reallybelongs to the Force, so we need to trust the Force,and not be so attached to things. We need to trust theForce for the outcome, even if we don't understand itfrom our level; not easy I know!Yoda: "Attachment leads to jealousy. The shadow of greed, that is."‐Episode IIIYoda: “The fear of loss is a path to the dark side.” ‐Episode IIIYoda: "Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose." ‐Episode IIIAnakin: "Attachment is forbidden. Possession is forbidden." ‐Episode II12. Jedi believe that the soul survives death. Jedi do not mourn those whopass. There will always be some mourning, which is only natural. But Jediavoid the extremes of mourning that can be so debilitating. Jedi trust theForce to take care of our departed loved ones.Yoda: "Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transforminto the Force.Mourn them, do not.Miss them, do not.” Episode IIIYoda: "Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter." ‐Episode V Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 7 Yoda: "One who has returned from the netherworld of the Force to train me, yourold Master, Qui‐Gon Jinn." ‐Episode IIIYoda: "Twilight is upon me and soon night must fall. That is the way of things...the way of the Force." ‐Episode VI13. Jedi are encouraged to use the Force, but only forreasons of training, defense and knowledge. Jedi neveruse the Force in order to show off in public or toimpress others, like Anakin did. A Jedi hides his/her powers from publicview to help preserve humility, a great spiritual virtue.Obi‐Wan: "Use the Force, Luke." ‐Episode IVYoda: "Use the Force. Yes. Now the stone. Feel it. Concentrate." ‐Episode VYoda: "A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense, never for attack." –EpisodeVAnakin: "The Jedi use their power for good." –Episode IIIYoda: "Through the Force, things you will see. Otherplaces, the future, the past, old friends long gone." ‐Episode VLuke: "I don't believe it." Yoda: "That is why you fail." ‐Episode V14. Compassion and love are central to a Jedi's life. Jedi believe that the core of everything is love. Wehave to love ourselves first and foremost, and thenlet that love gravitate outwards to the wholecreation. Love and Compassion are essential to being aJedi.Anakin: "Compassion, which I would define asunconditional love is central to a Jedi's life. So youmight say that we are encouraged to love." ‐Episode II15. Jedi are guardians of peace and justice. Jedideeply believe in finding peaceful solutions toproblems and are expert negotiators. Jedi embracejustice, which means protecting and preserving thebasic rights of others. Empathy and compassion areimportant because without them we can’t understand howothers feel when they are injured my injustice.Obi‐Wan: "For over a thousand generations the JediKnights were the guardians of peace and justice in theOld Republic." –Episode IVMace Windu: "The Jedi are keepers of the peace." ‐Episode II Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 8 Opening Logos: The Supreme Chancellor has secretlydispatched two Jedi Knights, the guardians of peaceand justice in the Galaxy to settle the conflict. ‐Episode I 16. Jedi are committed and serious about Jediism andthe Jedi cause. Jediism means a lot to the Jedi, andJedi take action on this path for self improvement,and to help others. Jedi are the protectors of Jediism.Jedi don't have to tell other people that they are Jedi.Our business is our own. But Jedi are committed to, andserious about following the Jedi teachings in their own private lives.Yoda: “A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, themost serious mind.” ‐Episode VQui‐Gon: "Remember: Your focus (thoughts) determinesyour reality." ‐Episode I 17. Jedi lose their Egos by serving others and puttingthe welfare of others first. This means that Jedi areselfless. Jedi care so much about others that theyforget themselves, at least temporarily, in order tohelp those in need. Jedi are like Angels when it comesto caring for, and watching over others.Anakin: "The Jedi are selfless. They only care aboutothers." ‐Episode III18. Jedi are mindful of the Living Force because thatis where our connection is. If Jedi are mindful of theForce, then they are not thinking of the past or thefuture; they are in the here and now. Satisfaction comesfrom our personal connection to the Living Force;material things and wealth don't give lasting peaceand satisfaction. Only our connection to the Living Force bringstrue happiness.Qui‐Gon: "Be mindful of the Living Force young Padawan." ‐Episode I Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 9 Jedi Sanctuary Tenets of Faith (as decided on by this Congregation)1. We believe that the Force is an all pervading Universal Energy thatcreates, binds together, and maintains everything in existence.2. We believe that the Natural Order of the universe comes from the Force.3. We believe that the Force is, and probably always will be, a mystery. The Jedi CreedJedi are the guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy.Jedi use their powers to defend and protect, never to attack others.Jedi respect all life, in any form.Jedi serve others rather than rule over them, for the good of the galaxy.Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training. The Jedi CodeThere is no emotion; there is peace.There is no ignorance; there is knowledge.There is no passion; there is serenity.There is no death; there is the Force. Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 10 Assorted Teachings from the Jedi Sanctuary CongregationA Jedi Never AttacksYoda: A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense, never forattack. –Episode VDiscussion:Yoda teaches us that a Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense,never for attack. If you are attacking someone, in words or actions, you are allowing the dark side to gain control. We have to considerverbal attacks too, and even mental attacks.First we attack that person with our thoughts, then verbally and thenphysically. It may start by thinking that someone is an `arse'because they have said or done something to make you angry. Then itprogresses...you call that person an arse to his/her face. Then comesthe physical attack because you believe that person is an arse, andneeds to be taught a lesson! It's all of the dark side.Defense is a different type of energy, whether it’s mental, verbal orphysical defense. But even while defending, we have to watch out foranger and aggression. If you are correctly defending, you will staycalm and at peace with yourself throughout the attack.The attacker will probably try to stir‐up some anger in you, so be onthe guard. If you remain calm, relaxed and at peace during an attack,you will really throw off the attacker. They will truly be baffledand it might bring a quick end to the attack. Staying calm during an attack orfight (mental, verbal or physical) is a Jedi's goal. I didn't say it would be easy.May the Force Be With You! Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 11 FearKI‐ADI: Your thoughts dwell on your mother. ANAKIN: I miss her.YODA: Afraid to lose her...I think. ANAKIN: (a little angry) What's that got to do with anything?YODA: Everything. Fear is the path to the dark side... fear leads toanger... anger leads to hate... hate leads to suffering. –Episode IDiscussion:Jedis should never under estimate what fear can do. The fear oflosing a family member or a loved one can get a terrible grip on us.We can become paranoid because of fear. We can loose our balancebecause of fear. Some people are even afraid to leave their home, orafraid to go any where alone because of fear. Some people arecrippled because fear has gripped their mind and it won't let go.Anakin was fearful that his mother might die and leave him allalone. In Anakin's case, fear did eventually lead to anger againstthe Sand people. The Sand people captured his mother and torturedher. He came to her rescue and freed her, only to have her die inhis arms. His anger became hatred, and his hatred lead to untoldsuffering. He wiped out a whole village of Sand people to avenge thedeath of his mother. He attacked and destroyed instead of stickingto the Jedi way of just defending. He killed male, female andchildren out of anger and hatred. This was the beginning of hisconversion to the dark side.Perfect trust in the Force destroys fear. If we trust in the will ofthe Force and surrender to it, we can defeat fear. There is a soul planfor every creature, and that plan is in the soul's best interest. It maynot seem that way from our perspective, but everything happens as itwas meant to happen for a reason. We have to surrender to the willof the Force and believe that all will be well for us. Only then canwe defeat fear and have peace of mind. Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 12 NatureYoda: You must feel the Force around you. Here, betweenyou...me...the tree...the rock...everywhere! ‐Episode VDiscussion:We often get so busy with getting to work, the office, traffic jams, and familyproblems, etc..., that we lose contact with Nature. Jedis view Nature assomething sacred and as a living expression of the Force. Nature is ourgreat teacher too.The Force is in everything, all around you. We should make an effort tospend time in Nature everyday, even if it’s just for a few minutes. You don'thave to go to Churches or Temples made of wood and stone to worship theForce. Jedis prefer to go out and sit in the woods and listen to a bird's song. The Force can be heard from the leaves rattling in the wind, a cricket'ssoothing melody, a Hawk's cry, or a Dove's coo.People are a part of Nature, but most people have lost contact with Nature, the Force and themselves. Peaceful energy and harmony comes from theanimals, trees and plants in Nature. This peaceful energy and harmony can alsoradiate from you if you are in touch with yourself and at peace with yourself. Ifyou don’t have peace with yourself, you won’t have peace anywhere you go.During the recent Tsunami, anthropologists believe that ancient knowledge ofthe movement of wind, sea and birds may have combined to save the fiveindigenous tribes on the Indian archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar islands. Their tribal elders ordered them to higher ground before the Tsunami hit theirislands. They were in tune with nature and it saved them.May the Force be with you! Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 13Perceiving Through the HeartObi‐Wan: “Your eyes can deceive you. Don't trust them. Stretch outwithyour feelings.”Obi‐Wan: “Trust your feelings, Luke.” ‐Episode IVDiscussion:Obi‐Wan was always trying to teach Luke to trust his feelings. Luke finallylearned this lesson while he was passing through the dangerous maze ofenemy corridors guarding the Death Star. The distant voice of Obi‐Wanechoed, "Trust your feelings, Luke!" Luke then turned off the computertargeting mechanism just in time to release the only missile that destroysthe Death Star. He turned off the computer and trusted his feelings.Jedi need to develop their ability to perceive or feel things throughtheir hearts instead of depending solely on their ‘computer’ or brain. Our overactive minds seem to block our perception of the heart. Modern society seemsto take us away from the heart and our feelings in general. We are too busy atwork, earning a living, driving cars, telephone calls, watching television, DVDs, computers, etc... We don't seem to have time to connect with ourselves oreven with the people around us. These modern things are all distracters of ourinner perception. There has to be a balance. A proper balance betweenfeeling/perceiving and thinking is essential.Many people in modern society live totally in their minds and don't evenknow how to perceive through their hearts anymore. They may have knownhow as children but forgot, or were discouraged by parents, friends, peersor teachers. Here are some possible symptoms of someone who onlyperceives through their mind: sarcastic, skeptical, critical, andunemotional. Some people even experience a sense of hopelessness, or alack of purpose in life or self fulfillment.Webster's dictionary defines the heart as "the center of the totalpersonality, especially with reference to intuition, feeling, or emotion; thecenter of emotion; the central part, the core". The head is the seat of theintellect, thinking, analyzing, and memorizing. The heart gives us feelingslike compassion, care, gratitude, joy, love, forgiveness, and also the hiddenknowledge called intuition or that `gut feeling'. Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 14Perceiving Through the Heart (cont.)In order to contact the heart we have to direct our focus or consciousnessaway from our minds and into the core of our being called the heart in thewest, but also known as `Hara' in Japanese, or `Tan Tien' in Chinese. Thereis a subtle connection between the heart and the mind, and you can learnto use this connection in time. Perceiving Through the Heart (cont.)Suggested Exercise:Some people recommend going to a quiet, peaceful place where you won'tbe distracted. Visualize that your focus is moving from your mind to yourheart area, or the core of your being. Keep your focus there for at least 10seconds and relax. Ask your heart or core the question you need answeredand then perceive or 'feel' the answer that your heart is giving. Allow a fewextra moments for you mind to fully translate the message from your heart.It will take some practice at first, but soon you'll be a professional becauseit is a natural process. MTFBWY! Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 15 The Deadly FourYODA: "A Jedi's strength flows from the Force. But beware of thedark side. Anger... fear... aggression. The dark side are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight." –Episode VObi‐Wan: "Luke, don't give in to hate. That leads to the dark side." ‐ Episode VYoda: "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to Anger. Anger leads to Hate.Hate leads to suffering." ‐Episode IYoda: “The fear of loss is a path to the dark side.” ‐Episode IIIDiscussion: When a Jedi is in tune and in harmony with the Force withinhimself, he is also in tune with the greater Universal Force. Greatstrength and energy comes from this connection with the Force.But then Yoda warns that there are four ways to block this connection:Anger, fear, hate, and aggression. These four negative emotions poison oursystem. Even modern medical experts warn about the ill effects of anger, fear, hate and aggression. They actually destroy white blood cells and weaken ourimmune system! They hinder our inner peace and harmony, and break off ourconscious connection with the Living Force. Who needs that?It's too easy to give in to Anger if you are in fight. If your purpose is to defend,and that should be the only time a Jedi is involved in a fight, then it is possibleto avoid Anger. If you stay centered and see your opponent's actions asmisguided energy that simply needs to be re‐directed, then you can avoidAnger. Remember not to take the attack personal.Fear comes from a lack of total trust in the Force. When you are really incontact with the Force, then you will have total trust that all will go well, nomatter what. Aggression is anger in action, and is a misdirected energy. If youare able to control anger, you will also be able to control aggression. Websterdefines hate as: intense hostility and aversion usually deriving from fear, anger, or sense of injury: extreme dislike or antipathy.Jedi always try to find a way to avoid a fight if possible. They will try toinfluence their opponent, through words or actions, in order to turn them awayfrom aggression. If that fails, then a Jedi is ready to defend. MTFBWY! Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 16 A Serious MindYoda: A Jedi must have the deepest commitment, the most seriousmind.‐Episode I and Episode VDiscussion:This is interesting because Yoda said the exact same quote in both Episode’s Iand V. In Episode I, he was talking to young Anakin. In Episode V he was talkingto Luke, Anakin’s son. What does Yoda mean when he says “The deepestcommitment” and “the most serious mind”? I think it’s about a Jedi’s generalapproach to life.The dictionary says that commitment is: The act of committing, pledging, orengaging oneself; a pledge, promise, obligation, involvement orengagement. Yoda is saying: be committed, don’t give up, apply yourself, stick with it. Jedis must have discipline when they under take a course ofaction. Without discipline nothing is accomplished. We have to applyourselves in all the endeavors that we undertake.A ‘serious mind’ means a Jedi should have a serious and realistic view ofthe world. A Jedi should not try to run away from reality through drugs oralcohol, but should face the world bravely. We have to look at the facts. Wehave to size up the world for what it is, without using rose colored glasses. Wehave to wake up and smell the coffee! We have to ask ourselves questions like;What is reality? Why am I here? What is my purpose in life? Why is the worldlike it is? Just being in the world prompts many such questions to a seriousseeker of the truth. Without a serious and sober approach to the truth, a Jedi can’t meditate, contemplate or know himself/herself. However, this doesn’t mean that Jedisaren’t allowed to have fun and joke around. Even Yoda joked around with Lukeand Obi‐Wan. We have to keep our sense of humor too. We can’t take ourselvestoo seriously. I would say, ‘balance in all things’. We should have a balancebetween seriousness, fun, work, contemplation and meditation, family orsocial life, working out, practicing martial arts, and everything else. We haveto live in the world and be Jedis too.May the Force be with you! Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 17Unlearn What You Have LearnedLUKE: Master, moving stones around is one thing. This is totallydifferent. YODA: No! No different! Only different in your mind. You must unlearnwhat you have learned. –Episode VDiscussion:Yoda was trying to teach Luke to open up his mind, and to think outside of thebox. He wanted Luke to understand that anything is possible with the Force. Ifyou have always been taught that it’s impossible to do something, it’s hard tobelieve otherwise. Unlearning what we have learned and accepted as the truthsince childhood is difficult! But not impossible.All of the feats that were done by Jedi Knights in Star Wars have beenaccomplished by Mystics, Yogis, and Masters of the Martial Arts in our ownworld, according to reports from witnesses. Mystics, Yogis and Masters haveflown through the air, moved objects with their minds, walked on water andfire, survived without oxygen for long periods of time, deflected arrows withswords, etc... There is nothing new about what the Jedis accomplished.The "whole in every part" nature of the hologram theory, in a nutshell,states that all the wonders of the Universe are also found in the smallest ofparticles of the Universe, to include you and me. The possibilities foreveryone are unlimited. May the Force be with you! Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 18Your Focus Determines Your RealityQUI‐GON: Always remember, your focus determines your reality.Discussion:Qui‐Gon was not allowed to train Anakin. The Jedi Council had not approved hisrequest, at that point, but Anakin was allowed to stay with him and watch him.Qui‐Gon told Anakin that his focus would determine his reality. He wouldbecome that which he desired and dreamed for.This reminds me of the story of Grey Owl, British born Archie Belaney, whobecame a Native American. The story took place back in the 1930’s. Oneday he was being awarded by a Sioux Chief for his literary contributions toNative Americans. Few people knew that he was a white man at that time,and the Sioux’s had never seen him in person. Anyhow, when he walkedinto the large tee pee the main Sioux Chief stood before him and greetedhim. The Chief kept on looking at him and studying him for quite a fewmoments, and finally busted out laughing. Grey Owl didn't need to tell himthat he wasn't Native American by birth because the Chief saw it. Sooneveryone in the entire tee pee busted out laughing.They were enjoying the irony and paradox of the most famous Indian of theirtime being a white man! After the initial shock, the Native Americansembraced him as one of their own. The Chief removed an intricately beadedneckpiece from around his own neck and placed it around the neck of GreyOwl, which symbolized his being truly one with the Native Americans and aworthy spokesman for them. He then said, "Men become what they dream.You have dreamed well." There are many ‘white’ Native Americans now andmany people from all over the world have adopted the Native American religionas their own. I have met both German and Russian Native Americans in Europe.Here is another quote that applies: "We are what we think; as we desire sodo we become! By our thoughts, desires, and habits, we either ascend tothe full divine dignity of our nature, or we descend to suffer and learn." ‐ J. Todd FerrierI think this all applies to Jediism. By our focus, our dreams, our thoughts, and our desires we eventually become that which we desire and long for. MTFBWY! Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 19 There Is No TryLUKE: (focusing, quietly) All right, I'll give it a try.YODA: No! Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try. –Episode VDiscussion:Yoda was trying to teach Luke not to be ‘wishy washy’ because ‘wishywashy’ is not the way of the Force. Jedis make a firm decision from thecore of their being and make it happen. When Jedis desire something, there isfocused energy and discipline behind their decision.The energy of ‘I’ll try it’ is different from ‘I’ll do it’. For example, smallchildren and animals can feel the difference between the two methods. Ifyou are trying to teach or train them, they perceive the energy behind thewords. They can feel ‘the firm’ or ‘not so firm’ energy that is coming fromyou. If you are training a dog, you can’t say “Rex, I want you to try this, ok?” Rex will only look at you like you’re a dumb human. But if you knowwhat you want and firmly say “Rex, do this!” Rex will understand. It’s thesame with small children. They will perceive and know if you are solid inyour decision, or if you are ‘wishy washy’.You have to firmly know what you want, and project that decision withconfidence from the core of your being. Jedis make it happen. There is notry. May the Force be with you! Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 20 Hard To SeeYoda: Hard to see, the dark side is. –Episode IIDiscussion:Yoda and the other Jedi Masters had a difficult time seeing the dark side.They were highly trained to use the Force but the dark side had eclipsedtheir vision of what was really happening in the Republic.The quote also applies to us. We have a hard time seeing our own dark side. Why is that? Sometimes we don’t see it until its almost too late. It could bedrugs, alcohol, smoking, harmful relationships, or self destructive behavior,fear, anger, hatred, prejudice, etc. Many times we just don’t see it until thesnowball effect makes it so large that it rolls right over us! By then it’s hardto control.Daily contemplation and meditation are important because a Jedi has tosort through his/her actions, thoughts, feelings and emotions. I have a virusscanner on my computer and it sorts through the hard drive and every file.It takes some time but the end results are worth it.We have to do the same thing everyday or else we will loose our ability tosee what is going on within us. Feelings and incidents can becomesuppressed deep inside us. We have to stay on top of our feelings andemotions and question everything. Why do I feel this way? What caused meto react like that? Why did I say that? Why did I do that? The ultimate goal isinner peace and harmony. MTFBWY! Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 21 Luminous BeingsYODA: Luminous beings are we...(Yoda pinches Luke's shoulder)... not this crude matter. –Episode VDiscussion:The existence of the soul is very much a part of Jedi Teachings, and so is lifeafter death. Yoda said that our true nature is not crude matter; we arereally Luminous Beings. Of course, he was talking about our spirit or soul. Thesoul survives the death of the body and is eternal. It is the very life of thebody.According to Star Wars, Jedi Masters continue to instruct their students, evenafter they leave their physical bodies. I’m sure that Lucas got this idea fromMysticism. In Mysticism, the `Radiant Form of the Master' appears to disciplesin order to guide them to higher spiritual development. The concept of the'Radiant Master' who appears to disciples in order to guide them is ancient, andappears in many eastern teachings.We are luminous, radiant beings and our goal is to do the will of the Force.Someone once said "We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; weare spiritual beings having a human experience." I think this saying is true. Maythe Force be with you! Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 22Nothing Happens by AccidentQUI‐GON: Our meeting was not a coincidence. Nothing happens byaccident.ANAKIN: You mean I get to go with you in your starship?!QUI‐GON: Anakin, training to be a Jedi will not be an easy challenge. And if you succeed, it will be a hard life.ANAKIN: But it's what I want. What I've always dreamed about. Can I go,Mom?!SHMI: Anakin, this path has been placed before you. The choice is yoursalone. ANAKIN: I want to do it. ‐Episode IDiscussion:Qui‐Gon believed in destiny and that nothing happens by accident. Hebelieved that the Force had guided him to find Anakin. He thought thatAnakin was the ‘Chosen One’ who would restore the balance. Later, beforethe Jedi Council, Qui‐Gon stated: “Finding him was the will of the Force...Ihave no doubt of that.”From these statements we can conclude that the Jedi believed in destiny andthat a benevolent Force was guiding events. Some Jedi’s disagreedwith Qui‐Gon, but tolerated his different views. In the same way, we themodern Jedi view the Force differently, and we must learn to tolerate thesedifferences of beliefs.Qui‐Gon warned Anakin that Jedi training would be difficult, and that Jedi’shave a hard life. But Anakin wanted to meet that challenge, and his motherShmi allowed him to make his own choice. She encouraged him to follow hisown heart. She knew that Anakin was destined for greater things. I’m notsaying that you have to believe in destiny and guidance from the Force. But theEpisodes do support destiny, but it’s your choice if you want to believe in it ornot. MTFBWY! Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 23The Dark Side versus the Light SideLUKE: Is the dark side stronger?YODA: No...no...no. Quicker, easier, more seductive.LUKE: But how am I to know the good side from the bad?YODA: You will know. When you are calm, at peace, passive. ‐Episode VDiscussion:There are some great Jedi lessons in these few lines. First of allYoda taught Luke that the dark side of the Force (or the dark side ofone's self) is not stronger than the light side. But the dark sideit is easier, quicker and more seductive. For example, it's easierto get angry if someone insults you than to stay calm and at peacewith yourself. That's just how it is. You have to work on yourself in order tostay calm during insults.How can we tell the difference between the light side and the darkside? Yoda explained that you will know that you are with the lightside because you will be at peace with yourself, calm and passive. AJedi should base his/her decisions and actions on this test.The opposite is true with the dark side: you won't be at peace withyourself. You will be mentally agitated. You will tend to beaggressive. You will also know that it's the dark side because itwill be easier, quicker and more seductive. It may be easier to tella lie than tell the truth, or to cheat or steal than to earn anhonest living, but you won't be at peace with it.You will not be at peace with yourself when you are full of anger orrage either. It may take you hours or days to calm down again. Youmay just have a temporary slip to the dark side. Catch it andcorrect it immediately. Try to ‘nip it in the bud’ before it becomesa habit or obsession. You have to confront this anger and challengeit. Find its roots within yourself and remove them.It's the same with fear. Are you at peace with yourself when youhave fear? Or when you are greedy? Or when you are jealous? You haveto make a choice: either you control the dark side emotions or theywill control you. MTFBWY! Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 24 The Here and NowQUI‐GON: Don't center on your anxiety, Obi‐Wan. Keep your concentration hereand now where it belongs.OBI‐WAN: Master Yoda says I should be mindful of the future... QUI‐GON: .....but not at the expense of the moment. Be mindful of the LivingForce, young Padawan. –Episode IDiscussion:Here Qui‐Gon is trying to teach Obi‐Wan that Jedis need to live in thepresent so that we don’t miss what the Force is trying to tell us throughnature, our surroundings and other people. Living in the present helps us toenjoy life better too. Why should we be stressed out about the future? Whyshould we be burdened about the past? Our connection to the Force is in theeternal present moment.We should be aware of the signs of nature, which can be very subtle. Forexample: Are the birds singing? Are the crickets chirping? Is everything oreveryone acting normal? How do we feel right now? What are we reallyseeing? We have to learn to read the signs of nature, but if we are mentallyoff in the future planning next week’s activities, it won’t be possible. When you are driving your car in a new city for the first time and you arenot exactly sure which way to go, you are probably living in the present.You turn off the radio and pay attention to what is going on because youdon’t want to get lost. You see what is ahead of you, what is to your sidesand what is behind you. This is a good example of living in the present.The problem seems to be that our brains are too big and too active and ourthoughts are always dashing to the future or the past. The only true realityis the present. The future is only a ‘mental concept’ that humans havedeveloped in order to make plans for survival. The past is no longer realityand is forever gone and unchangeable, and is not worth dwelling on either. Of course we have to be realistic about this. Sometimes we have to planahead for careers, finances, retirement, and other activities. We have toremember past events too. However, we shouldn’t become obsessed withthe future or the past. The present is where the living Force is. The presentis where we need to keep our consciousness. May the Force be with you! Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 25 The Will of the ForceQUI‐GON: I request the boy be tested.YODA: Trained as a Jedi, you request for him?QUI‐GON: Finding him was the will of the Force...Ihave no doubt of that. There is too much happening here... MACE WINDU: Bring him before us, then. YODA: Tested he will be. ‐Episode IDiscussion:Qui‐Gon believed that finding Anakin Skywalker was the will of the Force. Somany events happened which proved this to Qui‐Gon beyond a doubt.He believed that Anakin was the one who, according to Jedi prophesies, wouldrestore balance to the Force.Qui‐Gon was a Jedi who viewed the Force as a ‘Benevolent Energy’ with a will.Jedi Masters talked about destiny in other Episodes, and now there arediscussions of Jedi prophesy in Episode I. These things all project a morepersonal side to the Force.I feel that opinions and beliefs about the Force vary to some degree among theJedi, and that this variance is acceptable. After all, the Force is, and alwayswill be a mystery! May the Force be with you! Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 26 What do Jedis Do?LUKE: What is it?OBI‐WAN: Your father’s lightsaber. This is the weapon of a Jedi Knight.Not as clumsy or as random as a blaster. OBI‐WAN: An elegant weapon for a more civilized time. For over athousand generations the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace andjustice in the Old Republic. Before the dark times, before the Empire.Discussion:Obi‐wan taught Luke that Jedis were the guardians of peace and justice.According to the dictionary a guardian is ‘a person who guards, protects, orpreserves’. Jedis strive to preserve the peace and protect rightfulness. Jedis work to stop warring among nations, groups or individuals. Jedis wantto ensure that people are treated rightfully and fairly; this is justice. They tryto restore the natural order of peace and harmony wherever they go.Jedis can do this on many levels. First of all, they have to achieve peaceand rightfulness within themselves. Then they can restore peace and justiceamong their own friends and families. A Jedi has to take care of his/her ownlove ones first. Next will be his/her community, state, country, and planet.Jedis use their devotion and commitment to the Force to accomplish all ofthis. May the Force be with you! Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 27 The Force Will Guide UsQui‐Gon: "Don't worry. The Force will guide us." –Episode IQui‐Gon: “Concentrate on the moment, feel, don't think, use yourinstincts." –Episode IDiscussion:Qui‐Gon used the Force for guidance. He had an inner connection to theForce and always trusted his feelings. Jedis developed the skill of ‘feeling’ to a fine art. They were always in touch with their feelings. Unlimitedknowledge is available to us within ourselves. We have to make an effort tobecome conscious of our inner connection to the Force. The connection hasalways been there, but for some reason most people don’t take advantageof it.If you look at Nature, you quickly realize that animals have the ability to tapinto the inner Force. Wild Geese use it for navigational guidance. Allmigratory birds use it. All animals use it to help them survive. Humans seemto be the only creature that has difficulties connecting to the inner Force. As Jedis, we need to work on developing this ‘feeling’ skill. This theme isrepeated often in Jediism to help us remember: ‘feel, don’t think’. MTFBWY! Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 28 Points of ViewObi‐Wan Kenobi: "You are going to find that many of the truths we cling todepend greatly on our own point of view." –Episode VIHere Obi‐Wan was trying to teach Luke about different points of view. Lukewas troubled because Obi‐Wan and Yoda had always told him that DarthVader killed his Father. When Luke found out that Darth Vader was in facthis Father, he felt confused. From Obi‐Wan’s point of view, Anakin died themoment he became Darth Vader. Obi‐Wan felt that he had been truthful toLuke, according his point of view.Many things are not totally true or totally false, and we may or may not beable to judge the truth of something. Things are not always black and white. The most famous example of perceptions is found in Plato’s ‘The Republic’and is called the cave allegory. Socrates is talking to Glaucon, Plato’sbrother about it.Socrates: "Let’s compare our own education and understanding of the worldto people in a cave—to human beings in an underground, cave‐like dwelling. From childhood on, the people who live in this cave have their legs andnecks chained so that they can see only straight ahead in front of them. Thechains keep them from turning their heads in any other direction."The only light in the cave is from a fire burning far above the people andbehind them. Between the fire and the chained people there’s a road, builton a kind of stage structure such as you find in theaters—again above andbehind the people—along which move other people and animals, somecarrying things, some not, some speaking, some not."The discussion goes on and on about the shadows from the abovedescription being perceived as reality by the cave dwellers. When the cavedwellers finally leave the cave and see the reality of the outside world, theyhave a hard time accepting the truth.Then Socrates sums it all up:“Let’s take this whole allegory and apply it to everything we’ve said so far. What we see with our eyes and experience through our senses is like thecave, while the sun, the center of the universe, is like the fire thatillumines the cave. As you probably expect—and I agree with yourexpectations—the ascent from the cave is like the soul’s ascent to theRealm of Ideas. Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 29 Points of View (cont.)“Of course, just because we agree on this doesn’t make it true; there may besome god or power somewhere who knows the truth about these things. Butthis is the way it appears to me: that of all the subjects of humanknowledge, the last and most difficult to be seen is the Idea of the Good.But once seen, it is clear that the Idea of the Good is the source ofeverything. In the visible realm, it’s the source of physical light, and in theconsciousness realm, it’s the source of truth and wisdom. And any personwho wants to act with justice, either personally or publicly, must see it."MTFBWY! Alternatives to Fighting"There are always alternatives to fighting." ‐Obi‐Wan Kenobi, Episode IVObi‐Wan taught Luke that there were always alternatives to fighting.Sometimes he used Jedi Mind tricks, or a fake dragon call to scare the sandpeople away, or he tried to persuade aggressors not to attack throughreason. He always tried to look for alternatives to fighting if possible. Onlywhen all other means failed would he use his Lightsaber.I think modern Jedi can learn from Obi‐Wan's example, and should onlyconsider fighting as the last resort. We should be well trained how to defendothers, and ourselves but we should always look for alternatives before wedecide to fight.Avoiding a fight could be something as easy as moving out of the aggressor’sstriking range, and trying to calm the aggressor. But if all else fails, a Jediwill defend himself/herself and others. May the Force Be With You! Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 30 Compassion, Marriage, Attachments and PossessionsPadme: Are you allowed to love? I thought that was forbidden for a Jedi?Anakin: Attachment is forbidden. Possession is forbidden. Compassion, which Iwould define as unconditional love, is central to a Jedi's life, so you might say weare encouraged to love. –Episode IIYoda: "Attachment leads to jealousy. The shadow of greed, that is." ‐ Episode IIIYoda: "Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose." ‐Episode III This is taken from an interesting conversation between Anakin and Padmewhile they were traveling to Naboo. We can gain some important insights aboutthe Jedi teachings from this conversation.Compassion is central to a Jedi’s life. Compassion is defined in theCambridge Dictionary as: “a strong feeling of sympathy and sadness for thesuffering or bad luck of others and a desire to help them.” Compassion is anecessary trait. Jedi must possess compassion in order to help and serveothers.It is also clear from this conversation that the Jedi of the Old Republic liveda lot like Monks. They were not allowed to marry, have possessions orattachments if they wanted to be a Jedi Knight. They lived in Temples, did notreceive pay for their work, as far as we know, and their lives were dedicated toserving the Force, the Republic, and the Jedi Order. We want to avoid any future rebellion and devastation like the Jedi of theOld Republic had with Anakin Skywalker (who later became Darth Vader). Therefore, Jedi from the Jedi Sanctuary are allowed to marry, have families, possessions and attachments, as long as they maintain their balance. A ‘lettinggo’ and ‘trusting in the will of the Force’ attitude needs to be developed byJedi gradually over time.Normal attachments are to be expected in life and are acceptable as long aswe stay well balanced. But when we become obsessive, possessive, jealous andcontrolling towards our attachments, then we are moving towards the darkside. We have to train ourselves to gradually let go. How can you feel theLiving Force when you are obsessed with another person or thing? How can youmeditate or have a clear mind? Jedi Sanctuary Training Guide For New Members Updated: March 25, 2006 31 We must be careful that our attachments don’t control and possess us. Wemust always keep our balance. Of course, Jedi can still choose to live amonk‐type lifestyle if they want to, but it’s not mandatory in the JediSanctuary Congregation. MTFBWY!Jedi Help Others“Jedi serve others rather than rule over them.” – The Jedi CodeThe way of the Jedi is to help others. You can see this theme repeatedagain and again in the Star Wars Episodes. How many times did Han, Leia, Luke, Obi‐Wan, Qui‐Gon, and the other Jedi stick out their necks to selflesslyhelp others?Think about the Clone Wars and how the Jedi jumped in to save Anakin, Obi‐Wan and Padme, with no thought of their own personal safety orcomfort. The way of the Jedi is to respond to the call for help from others, and not to be self‐absorbed or egocentric. Its not that we don’t want to helpothers. We are usually too worried and obsessed with our own problems toeven realize that other people need our help. We just can’t see it.Every time we reach out to help others, a part of our own dark side isdefeated, and some of our own problems are solved too. Answering anotherperson’s cry for help is more important than to fret and worry aboutourselves all the time. Of course, balance in all things. We need to takecare of our own problems and this is important too. But somehow by helpingothers, we are helped.As Jedi we need to open our eyes and look around us because someone outthere might need our help and support. It might even be some one in your ownfamily, an old friend, a fellow Jedi or a stranger. MTFBWY! http://www.JediSanctuary.Org