Post by DreamKiLLeR on Apr 20, 2007 4:55:35 GMT -5
[OOC: I pulled these off of my own site - figured they would be useful here. Things I've gathered from several SW books and websites. Enjoy. ~ Ty aka "DreamKiLleR"]
The Jedi Code
Jedi are the guardians of peace 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 ruling over them for the good of the galaxy.
Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training.
--- From the Jedi Code
The philosophy known as the Jedi code was created to keep young Jedi students from being drawn to the dark side. It was taught by the Jedi council to hundreds of thousands of Jedi throughout the ages; Obi-Wan Kenobi and Master Yoda taught parts of it to Luke Skywalker: and Luke Skywalker passon what he learned to his students at the Jedi Academy.
At its heart, the Jedi Code provides simple instructions for living in touch with the Force. A Jedi never uses the Force to gain wealth or personal power. Instead, a Jedi uses the Force to find knowledge and enlightenment. Anger, fear, aggression, and other negative emotions lead to the dark side, so Jedi are taught to act only when they are at peace with the Force.
Jedi are encouraged to find nonviolent solutions whenever possible. They should act from wisdom, using persuasion and counsel instead of Force powers and violence. When all else fails, or to save a life, a Jedi must sometimes resort to battle in order to resolve a particularly dangerous situation. Though combat may sometimes be the answer, it should never be the first option a Jedi explores.
Because of their connection to the Force, the Jedi sense its flow and draw upon its energy. While doing so, a Jedi sometimes perceives disturbances in the Force. These disturbances can be explained by the presence of powerful Force-users in the area, or intense emotions that cry out in the Force, such as when the life of the planet Alderaan was extinguished by the Death Star. There are even times when such disturbances result in feelings of urgency or premonitions that spur a Jedi to a place or situation where she is needed.
The Path within the Code
At its most basic level, the Jedi Code is a set of guidelines explaining what virtues to prize and what flaws to avoid. Jedi instructors ask their students to always keep these works in mind. The reason is simple: The Code provides instructions on how to become a Jedi Master.
Consider the first rule: "There is no emotion; there is peace. " It is plainly a contrast distinguishing the confusion of emotional considerations from the clear thinking of peaceful meditation obviously, a valuable quality.
But if that peace is rooted in simply being unaware of some factor that would otherwise cause a Jedi to feel an emotion reaction, then it is not so much peace as ignorance. This is why the Code contains the second rule: " There is no ignorance; there is knowledge."
This teaches Jedi to strive to understand all situations --- particularly before acting --- to avoid errors in judgement. But knowing a thing well can lead one to become engrossed in it. An obsessive focus leads to clouding of the mind. Thus, the third rule: "There is no passion; there is serenity." Knowing a thing objectively is knowing it as the Force knows it.
Still, students commonly argue that the only true objectivity is nonexistence --- death. For does one not affect a thing even by merely observing it? This is why there is the fourth rule: "There is no death; there is the Force." The Force knows all things objectively; it is serene, and it is not swayed by emotion.
Thus, the Jedi Code teaches that before undertaking any action, the Jedi should consider the will of the Force. Master Odan-Urr said: "With these other considerations aside, all that remains is the Force. " If a Jedi can act emotionlessly, knowledgeably, and serenly, then he or she is acting in accordance with the will of the Force.
Therefore, if a Jedi acts in all things without emotion, ignorance, or passion, then that Jedi is truly a master of the Force.
Interpreting the Code
While the Code is a straightforward map to mastery of the Force, it can sometimes be frustrating when put into practice. The galaxy has changed a great deal since the Jedi Code was first defined, and a great deal more since Master Odan-Urr attempted to clarify it. Although the secret to the Code is considering it thoroughly before acting, the universe often does not afford a Jedi the time to do so.
Still, a Jedi can think through a great many things in advance, to better maintain the principles of the Code when the rest of the universe is in a hurry. Over the millennia since the founding of the Order, Jedi Masters have recognized that there are ninc concepts a Jedi should embrace before situations are thrust upon him. A Jedi who understands these nine concepts will, when called upon to make a quick decision, already know the will of the Force.
Meditation
"Every Jedi should spend time meditating each day on the will of the Force. The reason for this is simple: If one has unwittingly acted contrary to the will of the Force, recognizing the mistake soon after may still gie one time to make amends." ~Master Odan-Urr
What Master Odan-Urr left unsaid was that by regularly examining one's own motivations, a Jedi could be certain that she was not allowing emotion, ignorance, or passion to entrude upon her clarity. A Jedi who has no time to meditate may more easily become lost. More to the point, a Jedi who refuses to meditate may already know that her motivations are not pure, and is thus lying to herself. As Master Yoda once said: "The Jedi who heeds not the counsel of the Force, to the dark side listens. "
Training
"A Jedi's training in the Force never ends." ~Master Vodo Siosk-Baas
A wise Jedi should strive to remember that there is always something more to learn about the Force. The Force reveals itself to those who have the desire, and knowledge to see it, and merely heeding the Force's will is much the same as looking at a bantha's toe and saying: " Now I understand banthas. " To continue to grow, a Jedi should train each day.
Loyalty
A Jedi can exist in this Universe because the Force exists. But the Jedi Order needs more: It requires loyalty. It goes without saying that Jedi should be loyal to one another. They should not squabble or fight. More important, though, each Jedi should be aware that he must act in accordanc with the wishes of the Jedi Council. This is not a question of seniority, but rather of understanding the will of the Force, and in this regard, the members of the Jedi council are the recognized experts.
Integrity
A Jedi's responsibility to the Force is to be honest with himself. So long as the Jedi does not act in his own interest and observes the Code, he is obeying the will of the Force.
Master Odan-Urr lamented the misperceptions of those who believed that Jedi should be morally superior: " Many feel that a Jedi should be scrupulously honest, never taking advantage and never withholding information. This is nonsense. "
A Jedi can and should offer advice to those who need it. From a certain point of view, a Jedi is not being dishonest if he allows people to believe what they wish to believe. It is not incumbent upon the Jedi to convince anyone to follow his advice.
When a Jedi is serving the Force, he may employ deception, subterfuge, misdirection, and even fraud, if he does so with a righteous aim. Although sentient beings have a distaste for such practices, the Force is without such emotions.
Do not confuse this with "moral flexibility." A Jedi does what needs to be done. But also remember a Jedi is not above the law.
Morality
The most dangerous --- and debated --- words ever uttered by a Jedi Master are: " A Jedi is not a creature of morals. " This statement has unfortunately been translated, often by Jedi, to mean what that a Jedi can do no wrong.
What it actually means is that Jedi are not enforcers of morality. While Jedi can bring or restore order and justice, they cannot themselves sit in judgement of others. There are two reasons for this.
First, the galaxy is a vast place, full of cultures that no one Jedi can completely understand. One famous story tells of how a Jedi learned that a companion had been devoured by the carnivorous Colicoids. When asked why the JEdi later bargained with the very same beings for starship components she responded: " Because eating the flesh of sentient beings is not forbidden by the Jedi Code --- but to the Colicoids, not eating the flesh of sentient beings is considered a sign of insanity. "
This Jedi recognized that punishing the Colicoids for following their nature would be acting out of emotion and ignorance. Similarly, not procuring a badly neded engine part would have been punishing herself out fo guilt.
Discretion
Though Master Odan-Urr believed in justice, he also understood that it was sometimes necessary for a Jedi to practice discretion. Some have seen this as a sign of Jedi partisanship. Others, particularly law enforcement agencies, believe that Jedi ignore small crimes in order to apprehend greater criminals. Obviously, neither of these assertions is true.
The truth is that Jedi Knights are suffered throughout the galaxy --- despite their facility with the Force. It is because they do not actively interfere witht he lives of the common people. Jedi stand for the order and justice, and these qualities do not begin with the misdeeds of the few. The goal of the Jedi should be to create and preserve an atmosphere where justice can flourish, rather than try to create justice themselves.
Master Yoda often said that, should the republic ever challenge the Jedi Order's right to exist, the support of the common citizen would see them through: " If fear us they do, help us they will not. IF hate us they do, hunt us they will. "
Bravery
" To be brave in battle proves nothing. Bravery itself proves nothing. A Jedi should be prepared to put aside fear, regret, and uncertainty and either fight, run, surrender, or die." ~Master Odan-Urr
Younger Jedi commonly and mistakenly define bravery as the opposite of fear. Since fear leads to the dark side, they reason, bravery is armor against the dark side. This isn't so, if a Jedi is mindful of the will of the Force, he will know whether it is best to stand his ground, or flee, or even to offer a truce. Remember that bravery itself is an emotion, and a Jedi should be at peace --- even in the midst of war.
Fighting
"If a Jedi ignites his lightsaber, he must be ready to take a life. If he is not so prepared, he must keep his weapon at his side." ~ Master Odan-Urr
Conflict is a fact of life in the galaxy for far too many beings, and no Jedi can hope to remain apart from it. But a Jedi need not embrace conflict. As Master Yoda teaches: " If a weapon you show, ' A warrior am I' you say.' " So, to avoid unnecessary fighting, a Jedi should not advertise his skill.
But when is it necessary to fight? The Force will show a Jedi when he has no other options, and a wise Jedi trusts the Force in this regard.
When fighting, is it necessary to use one's lightsaber? The answer is no. A lightsaber is an intimidating weapon it is not a tool for intimidation. This is what Odan-Urr meant. Do not use a lightsaber to create fear in an opponent. Use it to end the fight as quickly and mercifully as possible. If this means destroying a foe, so be it. But if a Jedic an end a fight without killing an opponent, so much the better. The best Jedi can avert injury altogether, with only a word.
In the past, some Jedi have taken this to mean that they should carry a second, less deadly weapon. There is no such thing: If a weapon cannot kill, itis not truly a weapon. While a blaster can let a Jedi attack from a distance, it is not as effective --- and more in keeping with the Jedi Code to use the Force instead.
Dependence
" Do not come to rely on the Force to detriment of your other senses and abilities. " ~Master Odan-Urr
While not part of Odan-Urr's Jedi Code commentary, this bit of wisdom from the Jedi Master is oftena dded to any instruction using his words and methods. It warns Jedi students to develop their other talents and abilities, to not rely solely on the Force.
To use the Force to accomplish every mundane task is to trivialize it. Using the Force isn't the only solution to every problem: sometimes it isn't even the best solution. That's where a Jedi's other skills and talents come in. Jedi trainingc onsists of many excerises: mastering the Force is only a part of that training. The student also learns to run, jump, climb, fight, swim and think. These excercises could be made easier by using the Force, but this would be to the detriment of the Jedi's overall experience. A Jedi needs to learn his capabilites without the Force so that he could truly know himself and also understand what those without the Force are capable of accomplishing.
Using the Force because it's convenient, even when other methods might be more sensible, falls dangerously close to the dark side. It's only one step removed from using the Force to achieve personal wealth and power, that's definetely a corruption of the Force.
Rules for Jedi Behavior
Being a Jedi is all about being a hero, which is the core of the Star Wars Roleplaying Game. A Jedi is a at her best when she is brave, selfless, and responsible, and puts the will of the Force before her own personal wants and needs. A Jedi also serves as an icon of socially acceptable behavior and positive influence. Being a Jedi is about much more than defeating the enemy and overcomnig the darkside. The Jedi must earn the acceptance of the common citizens, of the galaxy and uphold the tenets of the Jedi Order as well.
Following the Code
"A Jedi Master always said this to each of his students before their first lesson; " Cross an unfamiliar river without first discerning its depths and shallows, and you will drown in its currents without reaching your goal." Being a Jedi is no different. Identify the pitfalls and learn the proper path, or you fail the Order and sacrifice yourself to no good purpose."
~Master Odan-Urr
Self-Discipline
-Conquer Arrogance
-Conquer Overconfidence
-Conquer Defeatism
-Conquer Stubborness
-Conquer Recklessness
-Conquer Curiosity
-Conquer Aggression
-Conquer External Loyalties
-Conquer Materialism
Responsibility
-Practice Honesty
-Honor Your Promises
-Honor Your Padawan
-Honor Your Master
-Honor the Jedi Council
-Honor the Jedi Order
-Honor the Law
-Honor Life
Public Service
-Duty to the Republic
-Render Aid
-Defend the Weak
-Provide Support
[SW RPG, Power of the Jedi pgs.30-31]
The Jedi Code
Jedi are the guardians of peace 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 ruling over them for the good of the galaxy.
Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training.
--- From the Jedi Code
The philosophy known as the Jedi code was created to keep young Jedi students from being drawn to the dark side. It was taught by the Jedi council to hundreds of thousands of Jedi throughout the ages; Obi-Wan Kenobi and Master Yoda taught parts of it to Luke Skywalker: and Luke Skywalker passon what he learned to his students at the Jedi Academy.
At its heart, the Jedi Code provides simple instructions for living in touch with the Force. A Jedi never uses the Force to gain wealth or personal power. Instead, a Jedi uses the Force to find knowledge and enlightenment. Anger, fear, aggression, and other negative emotions lead to the dark side, so Jedi are taught to act only when they are at peace with the Force.
Jedi are encouraged to find nonviolent solutions whenever possible. They should act from wisdom, using persuasion and counsel instead of Force powers and violence. When all else fails, or to save a life, a Jedi must sometimes resort to battle in order to resolve a particularly dangerous situation. Though combat may sometimes be the answer, it should never be the first option a Jedi explores.
Because of their connection to the Force, the Jedi sense its flow and draw upon its energy. While doing so, a Jedi sometimes perceives disturbances in the Force. These disturbances can be explained by the presence of powerful Force-users in the area, or intense emotions that cry out in the Force, such as when the life of the planet Alderaan was extinguished by the Death Star. There are even times when such disturbances result in feelings of urgency or premonitions that spur a Jedi to a place or situation where she is needed.
The Path within the Code
At its most basic level, the Jedi Code is a set of guidelines explaining what virtues to prize and what flaws to avoid. Jedi instructors ask their students to always keep these works in mind. The reason is simple: The Code provides instructions on how to become a Jedi Master.
Consider the first rule: "There is no emotion; there is peace. " It is plainly a contrast distinguishing the confusion of emotional considerations from the clear thinking of peaceful meditation obviously, a valuable quality.
But if that peace is rooted in simply being unaware of some factor that would otherwise cause a Jedi to feel an emotion reaction, then it is not so much peace as ignorance. This is why the Code contains the second rule: " There is no ignorance; there is knowledge."
This teaches Jedi to strive to understand all situations --- particularly before acting --- to avoid errors in judgement. But knowing a thing well can lead one to become engrossed in it. An obsessive focus leads to clouding of the mind. Thus, the third rule: "There is no passion; there is serenity." Knowing a thing objectively is knowing it as the Force knows it.
Still, students commonly argue that the only true objectivity is nonexistence --- death. For does one not affect a thing even by merely observing it? This is why there is the fourth rule: "There is no death; there is the Force." The Force knows all things objectively; it is serene, and it is not swayed by emotion.
Thus, the Jedi Code teaches that before undertaking any action, the Jedi should consider the will of the Force. Master Odan-Urr said: "With these other considerations aside, all that remains is the Force. " If a Jedi can act emotionlessly, knowledgeably, and serenly, then he or she is acting in accordance with the will of the Force.
Therefore, if a Jedi acts in all things without emotion, ignorance, or passion, then that Jedi is truly a master of the Force.
Interpreting the Code
While the Code is a straightforward map to mastery of the Force, it can sometimes be frustrating when put into practice. The galaxy has changed a great deal since the Jedi Code was first defined, and a great deal more since Master Odan-Urr attempted to clarify it. Although the secret to the Code is considering it thoroughly before acting, the universe often does not afford a Jedi the time to do so.
Still, a Jedi can think through a great many things in advance, to better maintain the principles of the Code when the rest of the universe is in a hurry. Over the millennia since the founding of the Order, Jedi Masters have recognized that there are ninc concepts a Jedi should embrace before situations are thrust upon him. A Jedi who understands these nine concepts will, when called upon to make a quick decision, already know the will of the Force.
Meditation
"Every Jedi should spend time meditating each day on the will of the Force. The reason for this is simple: If one has unwittingly acted contrary to the will of the Force, recognizing the mistake soon after may still gie one time to make amends." ~Master Odan-Urr
What Master Odan-Urr left unsaid was that by regularly examining one's own motivations, a Jedi could be certain that she was not allowing emotion, ignorance, or passion to entrude upon her clarity. A Jedi who has no time to meditate may more easily become lost. More to the point, a Jedi who refuses to meditate may already know that her motivations are not pure, and is thus lying to herself. As Master Yoda once said: "The Jedi who heeds not the counsel of the Force, to the dark side listens. "
Training
"A Jedi's training in the Force never ends." ~Master Vodo Siosk-Baas
A wise Jedi should strive to remember that there is always something more to learn about the Force. The Force reveals itself to those who have the desire, and knowledge to see it, and merely heeding the Force's will is much the same as looking at a bantha's toe and saying: " Now I understand banthas. " To continue to grow, a Jedi should train each day.
Loyalty
A Jedi can exist in this Universe because the Force exists. But the Jedi Order needs more: It requires loyalty. It goes without saying that Jedi should be loyal to one another. They should not squabble or fight. More important, though, each Jedi should be aware that he must act in accordanc with the wishes of the Jedi Council. This is not a question of seniority, but rather of understanding the will of the Force, and in this regard, the members of the Jedi council are the recognized experts.
Integrity
A Jedi's responsibility to the Force is to be honest with himself. So long as the Jedi does not act in his own interest and observes the Code, he is obeying the will of the Force.
Master Odan-Urr lamented the misperceptions of those who believed that Jedi should be morally superior: " Many feel that a Jedi should be scrupulously honest, never taking advantage and never withholding information. This is nonsense. "
A Jedi can and should offer advice to those who need it. From a certain point of view, a Jedi is not being dishonest if he allows people to believe what they wish to believe. It is not incumbent upon the Jedi to convince anyone to follow his advice.
When a Jedi is serving the Force, he may employ deception, subterfuge, misdirection, and even fraud, if he does so with a righteous aim. Although sentient beings have a distaste for such practices, the Force is without such emotions.
Do not confuse this with "moral flexibility." A Jedi does what needs to be done. But also remember a Jedi is not above the law.
Morality
The most dangerous --- and debated --- words ever uttered by a Jedi Master are: " A Jedi is not a creature of morals. " This statement has unfortunately been translated, often by Jedi, to mean what that a Jedi can do no wrong.
What it actually means is that Jedi are not enforcers of morality. While Jedi can bring or restore order and justice, they cannot themselves sit in judgement of others. There are two reasons for this.
First, the galaxy is a vast place, full of cultures that no one Jedi can completely understand. One famous story tells of how a Jedi learned that a companion had been devoured by the carnivorous Colicoids. When asked why the JEdi later bargained with the very same beings for starship components she responded: " Because eating the flesh of sentient beings is not forbidden by the Jedi Code --- but to the Colicoids, not eating the flesh of sentient beings is considered a sign of insanity. "
This Jedi recognized that punishing the Colicoids for following their nature would be acting out of emotion and ignorance. Similarly, not procuring a badly neded engine part would have been punishing herself out fo guilt.
Discretion
Though Master Odan-Urr believed in justice, he also understood that it was sometimes necessary for a Jedi to practice discretion. Some have seen this as a sign of Jedi partisanship. Others, particularly law enforcement agencies, believe that Jedi ignore small crimes in order to apprehend greater criminals. Obviously, neither of these assertions is true.
The truth is that Jedi Knights are suffered throughout the galaxy --- despite their facility with the Force. It is because they do not actively interfere witht he lives of the common people. Jedi stand for the order and justice, and these qualities do not begin with the misdeeds of the few. The goal of the Jedi should be to create and preserve an atmosphere where justice can flourish, rather than try to create justice themselves.
Master Yoda often said that, should the republic ever challenge the Jedi Order's right to exist, the support of the common citizen would see them through: " If fear us they do, help us they will not. IF hate us they do, hunt us they will. "
Bravery
" To be brave in battle proves nothing. Bravery itself proves nothing. A Jedi should be prepared to put aside fear, regret, and uncertainty and either fight, run, surrender, or die." ~Master Odan-Urr
Younger Jedi commonly and mistakenly define bravery as the opposite of fear. Since fear leads to the dark side, they reason, bravery is armor against the dark side. This isn't so, if a Jedi is mindful of the will of the Force, he will know whether it is best to stand his ground, or flee, or even to offer a truce. Remember that bravery itself is an emotion, and a Jedi should be at peace --- even in the midst of war.
Fighting
"If a Jedi ignites his lightsaber, he must be ready to take a life. If he is not so prepared, he must keep his weapon at his side." ~ Master Odan-Urr
Conflict is a fact of life in the galaxy for far too many beings, and no Jedi can hope to remain apart from it. But a Jedi need not embrace conflict. As Master Yoda teaches: " If a weapon you show, ' A warrior am I' you say.' " So, to avoid unnecessary fighting, a Jedi should not advertise his skill.
But when is it necessary to fight? The Force will show a Jedi when he has no other options, and a wise Jedi trusts the Force in this regard.
When fighting, is it necessary to use one's lightsaber? The answer is no. A lightsaber is an intimidating weapon it is not a tool for intimidation. This is what Odan-Urr meant. Do not use a lightsaber to create fear in an opponent. Use it to end the fight as quickly and mercifully as possible. If this means destroying a foe, so be it. But if a Jedic an end a fight without killing an opponent, so much the better. The best Jedi can avert injury altogether, with only a word.
In the past, some Jedi have taken this to mean that they should carry a second, less deadly weapon. There is no such thing: If a weapon cannot kill, itis not truly a weapon. While a blaster can let a Jedi attack from a distance, it is not as effective --- and more in keeping with the Jedi Code to use the Force instead.
Dependence
" Do not come to rely on the Force to detriment of your other senses and abilities. " ~Master Odan-Urr
While not part of Odan-Urr's Jedi Code commentary, this bit of wisdom from the Jedi Master is oftena dded to any instruction using his words and methods. It warns Jedi students to develop their other talents and abilities, to not rely solely on the Force.
To use the Force to accomplish every mundane task is to trivialize it. Using the Force isn't the only solution to every problem: sometimes it isn't even the best solution. That's where a Jedi's other skills and talents come in. Jedi trainingc onsists of many excerises: mastering the Force is only a part of that training. The student also learns to run, jump, climb, fight, swim and think. These excercises could be made easier by using the Force, but this would be to the detriment of the Jedi's overall experience. A Jedi needs to learn his capabilites without the Force so that he could truly know himself and also understand what those without the Force are capable of accomplishing.
Using the Force because it's convenient, even when other methods might be more sensible, falls dangerously close to the dark side. It's only one step removed from using the Force to achieve personal wealth and power, that's definetely a corruption of the Force.
Rules for Jedi Behavior
Being a Jedi is all about being a hero, which is the core of the Star Wars Roleplaying Game. A Jedi is a at her best when she is brave, selfless, and responsible, and puts the will of the Force before her own personal wants and needs. A Jedi also serves as an icon of socially acceptable behavior and positive influence. Being a Jedi is about much more than defeating the enemy and overcomnig the darkside. The Jedi must earn the acceptance of the common citizens, of the galaxy and uphold the tenets of the Jedi Order as well.
Following the Code
"A Jedi Master always said this to each of his students before their first lesson; " Cross an unfamiliar river without first discerning its depths and shallows, and you will drown in its currents without reaching your goal." Being a Jedi is no different. Identify the pitfalls and learn the proper path, or you fail the Order and sacrifice yourself to no good purpose."
~Master Odan-Urr
Self-Discipline
-Conquer Arrogance
-Conquer Overconfidence
-Conquer Defeatism
-Conquer Stubborness
-Conquer Recklessness
-Conquer Curiosity
-Conquer Aggression
-Conquer External Loyalties
-Conquer Materialism
Responsibility
-Practice Honesty
-Honor Your Promises
-Honor Your Padawan
-Honor Your Master
-Honor the Jedi Council
-Honor the Jedi Order
-Honor the Law
-Honor Life
Public Service
-Duty to the Republic
-Render Aid
-Defend the Weak
-Provide Support
[SW RPG, Power of the Jedi pgs.30-31]
