MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU
This Star Wars day consider studying some Jedi philosophy along with the memes. The natural starting point is the Jedi Code, a short mantra that was the foundation of Jedi emotional control and a key element of the Knighthood for thousands of years.
The Jedi Code
There is no emotion, there is peace.
There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.
There is no passion, there is serenity.
(There is no chaos, there is harmony.)(*)
There is no death, there is the Force.
—The Jedi Code (Based on the meditations of Odan-Urr)
For bonus points dig into the Sith code to consider what distinguishes them and which you agree with more.
The Sith Code
Peace is a lie, there is only passion.
Through passion, I gain strength.
Through strength, I gain power.
Through power, I gain victory.
Through victory, my chains are broken.
The Force shall free me.
—The Sith Code (as written by Sorzus Syn and taught by Darth Bane)
Book recommendations for true Star Wars nerds (both have excellent Audible.com versions):
Darth Bane Trilogy – The story of the founder of the modern “rule of two” Sith tradition who killed all the other Sith lords ~1000 years before Anakin Skywalker was born.
Darth Plagueis – The shocking and fascinating life of Darth Sidious’ own Sith master, a high-powered banker in the Old Republic who used his position in conjunction with Palpatine’s to fund the destabilizing “war” with the separatists that ultimately toppled the Republic.
Both of these books (well all 4 since the Bane books are a trilogy) are centered on Sith Lords rather than Jedi, but they are still probably the best way to understand what motivates the Jedi and their religion. Jedi define themselves in relation to the Sith just as Christians define God in relation to Satan, and it seems that the Sith are more willing to think honestly and frankly about the true nature of the force than the Jedi are.
Read books about Jedi for action, heroism and blind faith. Read books about the Sith for ethical enquiry, contemplation and historical analysis of the Republic and it’s super-powered rulers.
Code of the Architects
Between Knowledge and Passion there is wisdom
Between Chaos and harmony there is peace
Between Rage and Serenity there is power
Through the Force We Forge our Destiny
The code of a new group of force users who’s current task is to maintain the balance in the force and between the Sith and Jedi. Keeping the collateral damage done by these two groups to a minimum. Their ultimate goal is to build a better future for the galaxy as a whole and as individuals to gain ascension though the force.