What Is The Difference To Cosplayers?

A basic Introductory Course

We actually get this question a lot, from new members to the community as well as from interviewers, such as, but not limited to, Student projects, news reporters, and documentary directors.

What exactly is the difference?

This question is often asked because (While not a requirement) it is not unheard of for Jediists to wear Jedi robes, train with toy lightsabers, and adopt fictional references such as “May The Force Be With You” by way of a farewell. Even the name itself is so rich in fiction due to its foundation in Star Wars that it is not uncommon for any of us to question. Why that name in particular? If we are going to be marked with the stigma of "Star Wars," then....why?

Heck. You will even find these practices at Jedi Gatherings for Knighting Ceremonies or Weddings and in cases like the Chicago Jedi who attend Cons, flash mobs, workshops, and charitable events in full Jedi-like attire in order to participate in their local communities and also to get the word out that they are there...It is really no wonder that people are curious.

The thing is, why wouldn't one emulate something they admire and respect so much? I mean, sure. Jedi of Star Wars is just a series of movies, TV shows, books, and sci-fi drama/Fiction. And yet, for some of us, the philosophy cleverly interwoven into it by the director George Lucas is really quite admirable. Enough to move the hearts of many into applying it to their everyday doctrine, especially for those who had once lost their way from other religious groups.

While it is commonly debated among members whether or not we should wear Jedi Robes to avoid misrepresentation and misunderstanding, some have found their own personal meaning behind the flowing, muted attire. Not only are they comfortable, but they also put the practitioner into a meditative mindset, much like an officer donning his uniform, a Jedi in robes is just the natural expectation during ceremonies and studies.

Although I can assure youthat a larger number of us find our modern attire to be perfectly good enough, there are those who enjoy a bit of dress up to 'get in the zone,' as it were.

However, it is essential to point out that it is not, in our opinion, about what we wear, the phrases we say, or even the tools used in practice, but rather about the mindset and the results in which it is being used.

Your average cosplayer is the kind of person who enjoys perfecting their craft and displaying it at cons or in front of cameras. And don't get me wrong! You can find some really cool cosplayers out there who have gone above and beyond with their artistic talents. Seriously! Props to them!

However, jediists and/or Jedi realists have a completely different mindset. Instead of lights, cameras and Con's... We are delving into the philosophy of life and how we should be a part of it. How we can improve our health. Improve our minds. Improve our spirits and use our self-improvements to help others. We set down key stones and/or doctrines to follow. We challenge ourselves to open our minds and discover new perspectives and we do it with a belief that there really is some kind of "Energy" empowering us to question and seek out a greater way to live our lives.

To put it simply. There is no real difference. Behind every mask, robe, lightsaber and cool effect is an individual human being who has a personal spiritual and or religious belief that goes beyond the momentary entertainment they choose to enjoy.

Our’s just happen to be labeled as “Jedi.”

Journal Entry: What is your fictional Hero? How does he or she inspire you? Have you ever dressed up like them? How did it feel to (for just a moment) ‘take up the mantle/appearance’ of said hero.

Last edit's:

• April 22 2025

• Sept 26 2020

• April 20 2019