Day 79: Chains

Someone recently said how they were chained. And it just got me thinking how nothing and none can chain you except yourself. Not your emotions, not your friends, not your family, no one can chain you except yourself.

Some may say, “Opie you are chained by the Jedi Path.” Which is a misunderstanding of the Jedi Path. I have chained myself to the Jedi Path, I was not caught in some trap. The Jedi Path does not chain anyone, people chose to chain themselves to the Path.

They do this because they see a value in the lifestyle, in the restraint, control. But at any given time they can easily throw off those chains and be whoever or whatever they want to be. And should the Jedi Path ever become something I do not want to be, than I shall remove my chains and I will be whatever I chose to be. Maybe I chain myself to something else or maybe I just say “to hell with it” and walk the path of Opie without chains.

ha And this ties in with the whole fictional Sith code of “my chains are broken.” I like that. Anyhow, end rambling.

Day 78: Kind of…

Never let other people determine your dreams and choices for you. If you wish to follow a path than do so because YOU wish it. As soon as you runaway because of what other people do, is the moment you give power and control of yourself to other people.

Live your life how you see fit. If that means living as a Jedi, than do so. Not because of anyone other than yourself. And do not give-up on the Jedi lifestyle simply because there are idiots out there that cannot live up to the name, but want to pretend.

Day 77: Jediism

My Final Case Against the Jedi Religion:
My name is Opie Macleod and for years I have stood opposed to Jediism, the Jedi Religion. If one wants to believe the Force is a sentient being, that is their freedom, their choice. My issue is not in a freedom to follow such ideals, but to clearly state that believing such does not make the Jedi a Religion. The Jedi is simply a philosophical ideology. And while we are not organized enough to put the Jedi Path forward as solidified Philosophy (such as Taoism or Stoicism), it is a lifestyle choice that is valid. It is simply not a religion by any means, and continuing to state it as such is not only an embarrassment to those that follow the Jedi Path, but it also misleads others (the public) as to what the Jedi are truly about. As such I have stood against Jediism, but this is to be my final argument against the Jedi Religion. From here I shall hope that my previous attempts along with this article serve to prove Jediism is not a religion. And people start calling the Jedi Path what it truly is.

We will be looking at 13 points to decide whether or not Jediism is a Religion or not. In each point we will be looking at the Jedi as a whole (the ideological path) and specifically Jediism (the self-proclaimed religion). We will look at both as Jediism does have differences which must be taken into account. However, we must also look at the greater whole of the Jedi Community, because even the term Jediism is only one part of a much more accepted belief. The belief that the Jedi Path is a lifestyle, a ideological view which one bases their life on.

I will also be including another report done by a Jedi which explores whether or not the Jedi as a whole is a religion or not. However it is my goal that before one gets to that point the issue will be clear. Jediism is not a Religion, get could mimic one given the effort, but in the end it will always fall short to what the Jedi Path truly is, and that is simply a lifestyle based upon a philosophical ideology presented via Star Wars and expanded upon by actual life experience.

I want to point out where I got these 13 points. Most of them are from the United States Internal Revenue Service’s own 13 point qualifier for whether or not something is a religion. Some of these points were changed to deal with dictionary definitions of the word religion. Giving us a more complete and definitive view of what is required of a religion. Not all with agree with certain points used as a basis of religion, but they provide solid evidence as to where and why Jediism is lacking being able to call itself an actual religion (rather than a simple belief and/or ideology).

Now to clarify 501(c)(3) status does not make one a religion. That simply places it as a non-profit organization with tax exemption. Meaning you can donate money to the group and have it written off on your taxes. Which many religions including the controversial Scientology have and use. I’d also like to point out that Religious freedom and protection as ruled by the United States of America allows one the right and protection to believe what they wish and not be discriminated for it. A Jedi is protected under the Constitution of the United States of religious rights, but again this does not make it a religion.

I cannot speak for other countries as my knowledge and experience is limited in regards to their legal and constitutional standards. However I can point out that in the United Kingdoms in 2005; the drafting of the UK Racial and Religious Hatred Act, an amendment was proposed which specifically excluded Jedi Knights from any protection, alongside Satanists, sexists, racists, and believers in animal or human sacrifice. This shows where many view the level of Jediism and that is not very flattering company to be placed with.

It is my sincere hope that by the end of this article we can all agree on two things. First that Jediism is in fact not a religion. Even if one views the Force as a sentient deity (which 90% of Jedi will say it is not), Jediism itself is not an actual religion. Secondly, that the Jedi Path itself is a valid lifestyle choice. And that it does not need to be a religion in order to be a viable way in which to live ones life, if they so chose.

1. A Stance on Life-After-Death, Creation of the Universe, and the service and worship of a deity.
The Jedi Path: This is a stance of personal belief and development. The Jedi as a whole do not have a pre-described belief to the creation of the universe, what happens when you die, nor even a stance on deity. The Jedi Path allows these issues to be resolved by the individual Jedi. Whether that be based upon their culture, up-bringing, or simple choice, such religious and spiritual beliefs are for each Jedi to decide and deal with themselves.

The Force is the biggest thing people will point to in relation to this. However while the majority of Jedi can look at the Force, believe in it, and give a basic classification of the Force (non-sentient energy field connected to life), it is not fully accepted. There are Jedi who do not believe in the Force. So while there is a supernatural element to the Jedi, we must recognize it is not always accepted.

Jediism: The first problem we come to with Jediism is that it has no set belief in regards to these issues. Some Jediists (followers of Jediism) actually prescribe to the Christianity beliefs. This being in reference to all aspects of issue One. Yet you also have Jediists who believe that when you die you become one with the Force. This belief being more comparable to Taoist thought. This also comes into play with the creation of the universe and the Force, many Jediists again fall to a more Taoist approach that the Force has no beginning and thus has no end.

Overall we see a very diversified belief in these core aspects of any religion. Any religion can tell you exactly what their belief dictates on these three core subjects. If you go to a Catholic church and ask them how the was the universe created everyone will have the same basic answer. If you ask a followers of Islam what happens when you die, you will get a core answer from all. If you ask the Jewish Community who and how they worship you will get the same answer. And yet Jediism, let alone the Jedi Community, cannot provide a singular basic answer for you. And will more often than not, inform you that is your decision to make.

2. A Recognized Creed and Form of Worship.
The Jedi Path: We can look at a couple different sources for a creed within the Jedi Path. Most commonly we can see the Jedi Code being used as the basis for such a creed. However it lacks many aspects one would associate with such a valuable piece of text. We can, though many do not, turn to the Jedi Circle. This certainly fulfills the criteria of a creed. We can see practices, beliefs, and guidelines listed within the Jedi Circle. As such we must concede that the Jedi Path does have a creed. Even if not the Jedi Circle, we can look within the fiction and find something.

Yet what we will not find is a form of worship. At best one can list meditation as a form of worship. Yet again we come to a critical question. What is a Jedi worshiping? The Jedi Path, by majority, does not view the Force itself as a sentient being. We are not worshiping ourselves, it is simply fact that the Jedi Path has no form of worship. No prayers, no revered silence (since meditation does not have to require silence and many forms are very active and loud), no fasting, no holidays. The Jedi simply do not completely fulfill this area.

Jediism: Jediism does have a specific creed. However this creed does differ from group to group. Where the Temple of the Jedi Order specifically states a Creed, the Jedi Church out-right states they have no doctrine or form of worship. Again looking the Temple of the Jedi Order, we see they state multiple belief systems, claiming that Jediism is an actual religion itself (without providing any frame of reference) but that most follow a form of Jediism, such as Christian Jedi or Buddhist Jedi.

Overall we see that Jediism is too diverse, even within a singular organization of Jediism to classify any set creed, doctrine, or form of worship. Which is understandable, since worshiping Buddha often takes a different form than worshiping Christ, which can take a different than worshiping God (comparing Judaism to Christianity). It must be seen than that Jediism is unable to fulfill this requirement by themselves. And certainly cannot do so as a collective whole. Thus bringing us again to the conclusion that it is a lifestyle choice of philosophical ideals, rather than a religion within itself.

3. A Definite and Distinct Ecclesiastical of Government.
To be clear we are stating a body which governs as defined by a specific deity. In other words a type of Church or even a theocracy. Within the fiction of Star Wars one would no doubt look at the Jedi Council and the Jedi Temple itself as this foundation of Ecclesiastical Government.
The Jedi Path: While each organization and/or site may have a system of a governing body. It fails to provide a definite and distinct form, especially one as directed by the Force or any type of supernatural entity. What we can say in all certainly, like so many of these issues, is that each individual organization has its own method of governing the organization itself and the progress of the Jedi within that particular organization. While most Jedi Groups use a Council archetype how that Council is chosen differs greatly. And it is not detailed that the Council rules by the say of the Force, nor even Star Wars. But simply within the experience and beliefs of that particular Jedi group/organization.

Jediism: Much like the greater Jedi Community, Jediism works off the concept of Star Wars. A Council is chosen to govern the group/organization. However how this group is chosen, why this group is chosen varies from group to group. The one common factor we can find in all of them is that the group/site/organization’s creator is always a member of the Council. For how long is another issue, but in the beginning they are a Council member. Outside of this common occurrence, we tend to find that individuality once again deters more than any singular belief of the Jedi as a whole.

Overall however, we can look and point to the Council, the governing body of a Jedi group/organization and say this is their definite and distinct ecclesiastical government. Yet we must concede once again that this only works on a individual group basis, as the Jedi as a collective whole, Jediism as a collective religion, do not have any set organized institution. The ideals, reasoning, processes, and form of administration is too diversified to simply claim this in favor of the Jedi Religion.

4. A Formal Code of Doctrine and Discipline.
The Jedi Path: Easy enough to point to without making any explanation or excuses. The Jedi Code, the Jedi Rules of Behavior, the Jedi Circle, the Jedi Method. You will find the Jedi Code taught at every single Jedi Site. It is looked at, it is taught, it is discussed, and it is pushed as a core value of all Jedi. And as listed there are several others which do vary from Jedi group to Jedi group, however you can find the Jedi Circle at a lot of these places. In the end, this is one area where the Jedi as a whole do have a core set of values. And they do require training of these values before one can progress within the Jedi Path

Jediism: Similar to the Jedi Path the Jediists do have a set Code and value. The Jedi Code, along with training. Jediism does have training, which does include the Jedi Code. It is this common Code that cannot be ignored or truly argued. While we can point to the lack of standardized training, what we will find is training on the Jedi Code.

Overall this requirement is met. Saved by a singular Code written for role-playing purposes back in 1987. And while some sites may prefer a different version of the Jedi Code, such as the 1996 version, which added an extra line. 1987 we had a four line Code, in 1996 it was five (better known in the 2001 Star Wars game Knights of the Old Republic). Regardless of the version we must admit that this is a common ground for all Jedi and a requirement by all Jedi. Thus Jediism passes.

5. A Distinct Religious History.
The Jedi Path: We have no religious history. We have no savior, prophet, or select deity. We have no religious movement. In this we have only our individual religious (or lack thereof) beliefs and the history that comes with that. The Jedi Community really came into its own in 1999, existed since 1995, and has had individual followers since 1977. There are particular events, but those we will look at in favor of Jediism.

Jediism: Jediism really only came about in terminology and actuality in 2001. In 2001 the New Zealand and United Kingdom census was underway. A viral e-mail made its way across the globe requesting that people put Jedi as their religion on the census. The e-mail claimed that if enough people did this, Jedi would become an officially recognized religion. First, that is not true. No matter how many people claim a belief on the census it does not make it a religion. It simply gives the government a new numbering system to include said belief. In this case Jedi has its own filing number.

Secondly, this was done and supported for many reasons. Yet the truth is most did so as a joke, as a social experiment, and as a protest. Most who listed Jedi as their religion in 2001 did not and do not actually believe or follow Jediism. It was a huge joke, in which others added their own crusade too.

Nevertheless Jediism was born. And with it came the Jediism Way into the already well established Jedi Community. This is the religious history of the Jedi Religion. In more recent news (at the time of writing) was the Church of Jediism creator Daniel Jones seeking religious discrimination against United Kingdom corporation Tesco. This being over a Tesco store requesting Mr. Jones remove his hood and Mr. Jones claiming that due to Jedi Religious beliefs he is suppose to wear his hood up when in public. The status of this process is unknown at this time, but all legal analysts have said Mr. Jones does not have a case, as the United Kingdom does not recognize Jediism as a religion.

Also Temple of the Jedi Order and Temple of the Jedi Force have both claimed that they have 501(c)(3) status with the United States Internal Revenue Service. This has not been verified, however if true, it does speak to the groups of Jediism seeking religious recognition.

Overall Jediism does have some history in seeking religious recognition. There is a clear show of individuals moving to make Jediism a religion. It lacks foundation, cause, however the history, as far as history goes, is there. And in this we might need to concede that Jediists have grounds of history. While the Jedi Path certainly has a longer course of history, we cannot deny the efforts of certain modivated individuals.

6. A Membership Not Associated with any Other Church or Denomination.
The Jedi Path: We can look at the Jedi and see the wide variety of belief systems. From Atheists to Wiccans, the Jedi Path is filled with individuals free to explore their own religious (or lack thereof) beliefs. Your religious preference is your religious preference. As such we can see that the Jedi simply do not fall within this category. Be a Jedi, your religion is up to you.

Jediism: The Jedi Religion, like the rest of the Jedi, allow one to keep their religion. This however is a complete contradiction to the most followed and allowed religion, Christianity. Christianity in itself does not allow on to be a Christian and something else. It is listed very clearly within the first two commandments of the Ten Commandments of the Holy Bible. And any Jedi Religion site will defend Jediism as being allowed to follow other religions. One again we see encouragement of Christian Jedi, Buddhist Jedi, Wiccan Jedi, etc.

Overall we can see that neither system falls in line with this category. Jediism would take a huge hit in numbers if they actually stood up to be counted as a religion. And the parents of the many kids that claim be to a Jediist would immediately put a stop to participation, if the children had to give-up their religion to be a Jediist. The fact is Jediism wants the best of both worlds. They want to be called and considered a religion, so people will take them seriously, but at the same time they are trying to please everyone by allowing everything. In the essence of religion and religious recognition Jediism once again falls short.

7. A Set of Beliefs Concerning the Cause, Nature, and Purpose of the Universe.
The Jedi Path: This really boils down to the Force. The supernatural element of the Jedi Path. Most Jedi believe in the Force. The Force is unseen and thus must fall in a category of belief. As such, as mentioned before, there are Jedi who do not believe in the Force. Thus we cannot point to any one singular belief and teaching within the Jedi Path and say here are our beliefs in regards to the universe.

It is too much of an individual thing for the Jedi to classify a specific belief in regards to the universe, its creation, or its purpose. As Jedi we recognize our limitation in this and others draw on their own religious beliefs to address this issues. Thus the only majority accepted belief we can draw upon here is that most Jedi believe in an energy field created and sustained by all life in which we live our daily lives (regardless of belief).

Jediism: We find once again that the Force is the main element which must address this concern. And while one can take a Taoist like approach and say the Force created the universe, we find that no one explanation is available. And even if one considers the Force the same as the Christian God, again that only provides us with so many explanations to this particular issue. Because we cannot deny the Jediists who take a more scientific outlook to how and why the universe was created.

Overall we find that individual beliefs take priority over core religious ideals. Christianity can address this issue, Islam can address this issue, Taoism can address this issue, Buddhism can address this issue. And yet Jediism must rely on the individual to decide that for themselves. And there is nothing wrong with that, however it certainly speaks against Jediism being an actual religion.

8. A Literature of Its Own.
The Jedi Path: This cannot be denied, in a sense. Actual real life applicable material written by Jedi Practitioners for non-fictional use can be found at every single Jedi site. The Jedi Circle is a prime example of this. And there is several others, such as the Jedi Jewel Series, and many Jedi Training Manuals. As well as Adam Yew’s Great Holocron. And while none of these materials are published and found within bookstores, one can find books on the subject of Jedi. And this of course is not in reference to all the fictional sources available.

Jediism: Again we can find many texts written specifically for the use of Jediists in reference to Jediism. Any Jediism site will have lectures, texts, manuals and so forth ready for those interested. And again while there is no officially published material in the form of a book at say Barnes and Nobles, there is enough material to support this particular issue.

Overall we can see that this area for the past 8 to 10 years has been fulfilled in one way or another. Often the groups themselves have enough simply on their main web pages to qualify for this point. Yet if one were to be required to point to a more Bible like reference, this would not be possible. However the issue does not specifically say a book of biblical portions. It simply states literature of its own – which can be found within both aspects.

9. Established Places of Worship.
The Jedi Path: The main problem here is establishing what is meant by an establish place of worship. First does the internet count? If so, the Jedi certainly do have many established places to gather. However, worship? Discuss, debate, learn, lead, contribute, but I do not believe worship falls within the context of the many established Jedi sites. Again it is coming down to the fact that we do not really have anything to worship. We have ideas, philosophies, lessons, lectures, plenty of things to explore and debate, but nothing to worship.

Now if we are talking strictly established in-person places. Well, even for places to debate and discuss that is not true. I personally get together with others when I can at a local restaurant, but I highly doubt that qualifies. The Jedi do have yearly gatherings, but again the location varies. And again one would not classify it as a place of worship.

Jediism: Again the main issue is deciding whether or not the online world counts. If so, than there are certainly places to meet up and “worship” if they do in fact worship anything. However, if we are talking more in line with an actual church, than no. Parks, personal home, these have been known to be places of regular meet-ups with locally organized Jediist Groups, yet they are not established places of worship per se.

Overall this issue is one that can go either way, in a sense. Yet I still maintain that even if one counts the internet or more to the point a website as an established place of worship. The Jedi themselves do not have an actual place of worship, since they vary in their worship. Yet perhaps on their website they have a place for the various aspects of worship. Than in that sense one must decide if a website counts as an established place of worship. I personally do not believe so, but I’ll leave that to you.

10. Ritual Observance of Faith; Holidays.
The Jedi Path: The Jedi Path itself has no officially accepted holidays, days of observance, or rituals of observance. Again these are personal aspects to each Jedi and vary from Jedi to Jedi. It depends on one’s actual religious following. And while I personally would not mind seeing a day or two dedicated to Jedi Observance of some kind, the fact remains there is no such thing currently.

Jediism: Jediism does seek to fulfill this point. However these vary from site to site. Some of a day of Jedi Observance, while others have days where they remember members who have died. In the end Jediism itself, as a Religion, has no specific days or rituals of observance. Each Jediism site may have days which they use, some may have none, again we see a clear lack of solidarity.

Overall we can look exactly at what this issue is looking for. Christmas, Easter, for the Christians. Yom Kippur, Chanukkah for the Jewish faith. Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha for Islam, and so on and so forth. Yet the Jedi have no such observance, because the Jedi have no such beliefs. The Jedi are simply not a religion, thus they do not fall within the religious perimeters. And as such they do not have the same sort of rituals and holidays as all other recognized religions.

11. Regular Religious Services.
The Jedi Path: Simply put the Jedi Path as a whole has no regular religious services. Individual sites do not hold regular religious services. There is no Sunday school for the Jedi. There is barely academies for learning basic Jedi Philosophy, there is certainly no religious services held on a regular basis.

Jediism: Again no regular religious services. I have heard of such being held, service at a Jediist’s home. However this has not been confirmed. Still, if this does take place, than it would hold some validity in a sense. However, again we must recognize what constitutes religious services. The Jedi simply do not have the ability to fulfill this even if they could. And we must acknowledge the problem with the Jedi Religion itself stating others from various religious backgrounds may be Jediists. In this a regular religious service would have to either ignore personal religious practices or incorporate all religious practices. And this simply is not done on a regular basis.

Overall if the Jediists could prove and provide regular religious services, which would be extremely difficult without a form of worship, and without specific ritual observance and rites, then the Jediists would have a point here. However again there Is no Jedi Church building. There is no Sunday sermons, there are no Sunday schools, etc. (using Sunday schools simply as an example as it is widely known.) It is a point which could be correct and debated, but as it stands, the Jedi Religion just does not fulfill this issue.

12. Schools for the Religious Instruction of the Young.
The Jedi Path: Most sites will not allow anyone under the age of 12 to sign up. And on average the youngest members of the Jedi Community are about 16. Within these age groups the Jedi Path does offer basic instruction, but it is the exact same instruction that a 32 year old would get. The Jedi do not have any training program geared towards children below the age of 12. There are simply too many legal issues with such a practice.

Jediism: Much like the rest of the Jedi Community, Jediism is limited to the internet. As such their general membership does not go below 14 years of age. And likewise their training program is geared simply towards anyone interested in becoming a Jediist; whether they are 12 or 42, they get the same basic program.

Overall the Jedi just do not have anything geared towards the young. Other religions have to worry about this aspect as the wide-spread membership demands that when a parent wants to bring their children up in their religious ways, they have a place they can put them to properly learn and understand the views and ways of that Religion. The Jedi Religion however, having no established actual church, does not have a need to address this issue. Thus Jedi with children simply must educate them on their own. At this point in time, I have no met or heard of any kids of Jedi becoming and participating in the Jedi Community after their parents.

13. Schools for the Preparation of Its Ministers.
The Jedi Path: Online websites are easy enough to find. Those one can easily question the validity of such, especially as a “school.” While many claim such to fulfill such a role, there are very very few qualified to actually uphold such a claim. But they do exist. Outside of that there are Jedi Gatherings, which hold workshops on different aspects, such as Self-Defense and First Aid. Again, certification to rightfully teach is sometimes a question, but has been provided (proof of certification and license) on more than one occasion.

Whether that it truly enough to fulfill this stipulation is hard to say. The Academies provided online are meant to help others become capable to teach and pass on the Jedi Knowledge. But again it is a recognition that it is not a religion. And much more a lifestyle choice, which allows a little bit more leeway when it comes to certain certifications and rights.

Jediism: Not too different from the Jedi Path in this respect. There are places you can meet in-person (often after-school). Many websites exist for this purpose as well; to teach others to pass on Jediism to others interested. With titles such as Bishop, Jediism definitely support a much more religious practice and teaching principle. Again the certifications, qualifications, are definitely questionable. So we find that this area is covered at its most basic. It is only when looking at actual certifications and qualifications may a problem present itself.

Overall, before beginning any training in the Jedi Path, whatever your choice may be, ask questions first. Ask about qualifications, certifications, and teaching credentials. While this area certainly can be said to be covered, it is done mostly by the internet. And that just allows anyone to hold a supposed teaching position. Your wise Jedi Master Arch-Bishop just might be a 17 year old kid who has spent the whole summer studying the Jedi Path is now looking to guide you on the path. So seek just be careful, because religion or not this is the biggest drawback to both communities.

In Conclusion
In the end we can see multiple reason as to why Jediism is just not an actual religion. And it definitely should not be accounted as an actual religion. The Jedi Path is a lifestyle choice. It is a way of life that offers some philosophical ideals on how to proceed in life and seeks to help others on the way. The Force is the only metaphysical element and that we can see as basic energy (energy in multiple forms, kinetic, thermal, etc.).

There is no deity, there is no form of worship, no prayers, no holy book. The Jedi Path does not dictate or even speculate on the creation of the universe or what happens when one dies. A Jedi in general is free to seek those answers in their own way in their own time. This is the essence of any religion, having core and concrete ideals about what happens when one dies; as well as how the universe was created. Instead the Jedi is a philosophy that fits closer to Stoicism, there are ideals on how to live and the proper way to live. But these do not ensure ever-lasting life, they do not grant you karma points, it simply means, when you die, you do so as a Jedi.

The core aspects of any religion, including Atheism, are missing in the Jedi Path. The Jedi Path is a guideline of living as a Jedi. It is about a healthy mind and body, about helping others to help themselves. It is about doing the right thing, simply because it is the right thing to do, nothing more. You do not help others because you will get something in return, you do not help others because you are emotionally compelled too (compassion), you help others because they are in need of help.

It is simply a Path one walks in life. Religion? Absolutely not. And anyone who claims it as a religion, uses that for personal gains (such as suing companies and job centers), such individuals are definitely not Jedi (in any sense of the word). We are Jedi, that simply means we live by the philosophical ideology of the Jedi Knights as seen in Star Wars.

Remember, one can be a real Jedi in today’s society. It takes years of study, training, and practice, but it is more than possible. People have been living as Jedi for years. It is not their religion, it does not define their views on the after-life or the creation of the universe. It is simply how they have chosen to live their lives.

Day 76:

Do you wish to know who is a Jedi? Those that follow the Path. If one does not follow the Path, than they are simply not a Jedi. And again, that is not a bad thing. It is simply the use of words and definitions. People want to rebel against that. Rebel against the “norm.” It is very childish.

The Jedi Path, like any other, is a path that is defined in action, in thought, in deed. And if one acts counter to that, even by one point, than they are not a Jedi. They are similar, but they are not the same.

To be a Jedi you simply need to follow the path. Will there be time you must make your own way along the path? Absolutely. Will there be times when you lose your way? Absolutely. But it is in continuing to walk the path, to find your way on it, that you succeed where so many others have failed.

Day 75:

You have done something you regret. There is a moment you wish you could change in your life. There is a moment in your life that you are not proud of, that brings a sting shame, embarrassment. And every person in the world can relate to that statement.

Such is growing up – physically, mentally, spiritually. As we grow we make mistakes, we stumble, we do things which later we wish we could change. It is there in all of us.

It is now your job to confront those mistakes, those regrets, those desires for a time machine. Confront them one-by-one, not moving on until you have fully accepted the event/regret. Accept it.
How? Acknowledge the event – What would you do differently, really consider that, what would you do now? How would that change where you are at now, if at all? What if you could go back and change that one event and still seek to get to where you are now? What does it change, how does it affect you? If you could change the event, but keep the lesson would you? Or would you rather just erase it? Why?

Now – Accept Reality. Time travel, not going to happen. The mistake is made. What is left is how you feel about it and what you are doing with it. There is no shame in shouldering an important lesson. Especially to make sure you do not repeat it. But be sure you gained the proper lesson. And be sure that you are shouldering it, not be dragged down by it. Regret is a waste. Accept it. You did something – it cannot be changed.

Accept it. Now move forward. And on to the next.

Day 74:

I wish I were different. I wish I didn’t have it so hard. I wish I had a million dollars. I wish I wish I wish.

Do not simply wish for things to be different. Strive for them to be different. Nothing is holding you back, but you. Are there limitations? Yes. Will there be things blocking your path? Yes. Will you have to compromise, settle, or otherwise seek an alternative? A very real possibility.

But do not sit around wishing. Do not sit around pretending. If you want something – go get it. If you want to be something – than become it. It is not easy, or at least, it rarely is. But work for it anyhow – fight for it, reach for it.

You want to be a Jedi Knight in the real world? Than study, train, practice, and live it. Will it happen over night? No, but you can start right now. You can take the first steps right now. And that goes for all things in life. Money? Work out a clear cut plan and strive for it, begin right now. Police Officer? Nurse? Medic? Military Career? Begin right now.

You can wish all you want – but nothing will be magically delivered to you. If you want the things you wish for, you are going to have to work for them. And there is no better time to start than now.

Day 73:

Choice is a powerful thing. We all have free will, we always have a choice. The choice is not always a good choice, or a fair choice, but the power of choices lays in each of our hands regardless.

Thus why blame is a pointless thing, in a lot of situations. For change one choice for just one individual involved and the whole situation changes. Such is the power of choice.

The question than becomes – what fuels your choices in life? What guides your decisions? Why do you chose what you chose? And why would you ever believe that your choices are set into stone?

While we may not be able to change the past, we can certainly change our minds, our outlook, our decisions, our goals. The choice of lifestyle, of direction, the power of choice is always in our own hands.

Sure things may not be easy, but the choice is still ours to make. Do you take the easy way out? Realize you cannot blame anyone else – you cannot blame anything else. Once you are capable of passing blame, you are capable of accepting responsibility for your own life and your own actions.

And from that point forward, from this point forward, you have no one to blame but yourself. So grab the power of choice – do what you wish to do, be what you wish to be, and use the power of free will to live your life as you see fit.

Day 72:

In my 20 years trying to live as a real life Jedi Knight I have made many mistakes. I have failed many times. I have made claims such later experience would prove to be false and simply silly. I have fought with friends, share laughs with enemies, lost friendships and gained new ones. It has been an experience.

And it is an on-going experience. I have gone full circle on certain subjects. On other subjects I have gone full circle a few times. And through applying the Jedi Path to a various lifestyles I have gained some insight on many different subjects. Often gained through my own failure within a situation.

I misunderstood a lot of concepts within the Jedi Path, because it is easy to get taken off the path. And you find yourself in the woods. With everyone always throwing other works at you – Tao te Ching by Lao Tzu, The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Ghandi, Code of Chivalry, Holy Bible, The Art of Peace… the list can be rather long. People will throw various philosophies and religions at you. And what they never send your way – is exactly what brought you to the Jedi Path to you or at least into existence.

And thus you find yourself not following any path. And of course, one can simply blaze their own trail. Which is fine, but it is not the Jedi Path. For that trail has been made – at least to a certain point. We are still working it to the end, but the path has been developed a lot over the years.

And the simple truth is that you do not need anything, but the most basic Jedi teachings to be a great Jedi in today’s society. You want to be a Jedi? The path itself is simple, not easy, but certainly simple. Basics can be found in the Jedi Code, Jedi Rules of Behavior, and the Ten Rules of Engagement. All these will help one develop on the Jedi Path.

Of course there are plenty of lectures and lessons available from those who have lived it and their lessons based upon their experiences living as a Jedi. Thus we see much more original material set-up as guidelines. Such as the Jedi Circle and the Light Jedi Definition (as seen at the Force Academy in the Light Aspect Constitution).

These alone can lead one to a full lie as a Jedi. No Zen required. No Religious Beliefs Required. Simply the Jedi Path delivered for all Jedi, regardless of belief.

Day 71: Seeking the Way

There are many worthwhile paths in life. Each path has its course, it signposts, and its veterans. One of the best ways to feel out a path is to just sit down and talk with one of its veterans. This will help give a good general idea about the path. One must take personal issues into account, but how a veteran of a path handles themselves in such a discussion can speak volumes as well.

For the Jedi our real world veterans are limited in numbers. These days if you have been around for two years you are considered a veteran. And if you have been around for four years you are a legend. Still these individuals ca offer the insight they have gain in such a short amount of time. The ideals of the Jedi do not take long to see results. Sometimes these result are not what we had hoped for. Sometimes people come to expect us to act a certain way, and when we do not, they do not always appreciate the change. And those who have gone through that can really help one with understanding the position of family and friends in such changes.

The best thing to do when seeking the way is to simply seek those that came before. Discuss with them, debate with them, learn from them, and learn from their experiences and mistakes. Take it to grow better, to become better. Step upon their shoulders to reach new heights within the Path. Honor your elders – which has less to do with age and more to do with knowledge and experience with the information you are seeking.

Day 70: Honorary Jedi

One Jedi site I visited in early 2001 had a section for Honorary Jedi. And in this forum you could post about people you felt were Jedi – though they did not claim the title. Examples of this range from Ghandi to one’s Father. And I remember I added Bruce Lee, as that was the first outside source I used to help me on the Jedi Path.

Recently a discussion came up on this subject again – Honorary Jedi. In the list was a family member, added was Ghandi, Mother Teresa, and Jesus Christ. Around 2002 I realized my error and disrespect in calling others Jedi who followed their own path in life. It really cheapens what that person lived for, how they lived their life, their own philosophy and beliefs. And since that time I have gotten into many debates (and a few heated arguments) on the subject.

We are Jedi because we have chosen to live by the Jedi Ideals. These ideals are not for everyone. Ghandi lived by very specific ideals. Bruce Lee has his own ideals (colored by Zen Philosophy and Taoism). Jesus very specific ideals and message. Marcus Aurelius offered great advice in his Meditations, but they were based upon something that existed long before the Jedi. We can appreciate the similarities, but let us honor the paths and ideals these individuals forged by respecting the differences.

Case and point:
- You can acknowledge the influence and guidance one’s teachings has on your life. Without it being the exact same. Bruce Lee was a big influence in my life, especially in my teens. However he is not a Jedi, though his words, teachings, and thus guidance did help me solidified my own ideals on the Jedi Path.

- You can respect the greatness in people. People who really helped the world and made a difference – without them being Jedi. Mother Teresa did great things, wonderful things. People can definitely learn from her. But she was not a Jedi; she was very much a Catholic Nun. Honor her choice, her path.

- Let us recognize the greatness of these paths, these ideals, these individuals, without bringing them down to our level. Let us seek to bring a Jedi to their level. Let us endeavor to live up to these giants. So that among the Catholics, the Christians, the Taoists, the Buddhist Monks, those that follow Satyagraha, we can have a Jedi in there. A great of our own.

There are no honorary Jedi. There are only Jedi and great individuals. And let us seek to combine those through our own actions. Let us not crawl onto the shoulders of giants trying to validate ourselves. Or give some misguided “honor” to them, as if being labelled a Jedi is this great thing to bestow upon them. No – instead let us be as great as them. Let us be Jedi and make Jedi mean something that can be compared to Satyagraha, Christianity, Zen Buddhism, Taoism, Stoicism. Let us aspire to these greats, not claim their greatness as our own.

What greater arrogance is there? *shakes head* We should be inspired, and seek to aspire, but we should not drag such individuals, such paths, to our humble beginnings. Let us respect our path by living by its tenets. And let us honor and respect the great people and paths out there by acknowledging their deeds as their own; not add Jedi to it.