The Jedi Code, that inseparable definition of what it is to be a Jedi, that pure concept, that undeniable definition, that is completely the wrong attitude to take. That’s right, I'm going to start this lesson off by telling you right now, nothing is flawless. The Jedi code is a GOOD FOUNDATION for everything else you’re going to do. Yet, it is just a foundation and has its own limitations. One does not live on the foundation of their house without walls or a roof. One does not set up office on the foundation of a building without floors above it. One does not simply lay down the foundation of any philosophy and say “Aha, I've got it”. The Jedi code is an ideal, not of just the perfect "Jedi", but of the perfect self - a self that is infallible - which is unrealistic to attain. Imperfections make us unique and no one will follow the code 24/7. However, by keeping the code in our hearts, learning the lessons it gives us, and applying it as a measuring tool, it becomes an incredibly valuable utility to use.
There is no emotion, there is only peace.
This is the first line of the Jedi code and a powerful line it is. It references a Zen state of being in which one separates their self from their emotions. In this, one becomes a casual observer and exerts control over their emotions rather than being involved and in the heat of the moment. I will say right now that every Jedi lives in the moment: No Jedi is restrained to the moment. This is the first lesson of the Jedi code. To be within the moment, one must be at peace, yet, to be totally in the moment, one is within emotion. The wise Jedi separates them self from their emotions in stressful situations, using the emotion as a gauge, even as a tool in some rare instances, but never as the guiding line of action. However, this is not the every day state; Don't restrain yourself from having fun, so long as it is relatively safe. Enjoy your life, help others, and have family and friends. Emotions are a gift you should be thankful to have, but, like the sharp sword given as a gift, they can cut their user when used recklessly. Being at peace is a matter of being able to, at a moment’s notice, separate the self from the self and see the emotions as simply something just outside of our true selves.
There is no passion, there is only serenity.
I present this line second to make a point and you may see it presented differently elsewhere. There is a difference between emotions and passions. Passions are that driving force that moves us. For some it is music, others art, others their job or their family. Whatever it is, though, it is that which gives that person reason, purpose, and even joy. However, passion now appears to be forbidden, but this is not the case, however, for without passion one would not get up to do the daily exercises they should be doing. Oh, yes, there will be much exercise but more on that in future articles. Instead, one must take careful inventory of their passion. One must be in a state of serenity, a state of awareness, blissful, and yet in control as a result. We must be constantly aware of the passion as a separate part of ourselves, our serene selves, and thereby be able to call upon it and set it aside. An artist whose passion consumes him might save a valuable painting in a fire instead of the life of a human being. This is a mistake, for, in serenity, one could see that, while the painting can always be created anew by new hands, the person’s life is a one time thing, unique and special, and can never be recreated. Passion blinds when it is the controlling factor, but a wise Jedi realizes that passion also fuels. When we run into any situation to help another, it is our passion that over-rides on some level, guided by our serenity, our self-preservation, and beneficial instincts.
There is no ignorance, there is only knowledge.
The most knowledgeable people will tell you this statement is a lie if it is taken as a fact in and of its self. However, it is a concept of action yet again. Much of the Jedi code is a concept of action. This line is no less important, though often looked over, than the others. It is in fact one of the most important lines of the code. One could say that almost the entire Jedi code hinges on this one line. The reason for this line’s importance is simple, though. When one acts in ignorance, they make mistakes. When one acts in true knowledge, they make fewer mistakes. The first two lines of the code spring from this one line in that we know the dangers of allowing emotion and passion to cloud the mind and, in knowing that, we know the power of peace and serenity in dispelling the danger of the ignorance we would otherwise have. This goes further. A Jedi does not act rashly or harshly, even though we often do wind up doing that as people. Remember, while no Jedi is flawless, we all strive toward this knowledge. Some say that knowledge is power, but knowledge is more than facts, figures, numbers, or even the ability to make use of those things. Knowledge is seeing the whole of a picture and requires a certain level of wisdom - the ability to make sense of that picture - to function well. A Jedi seeks out knowledge of all conflicts before intervention, except in those situations were seeking out knowledge will delay action to a point of causing further harm. A Jedi also relies on a combination of the Force and their senses and feelings to guide their actions as a form of knowledge, comfortable in the knowing that where the Force puts them is where they need to be.
There is no death, there is only the Force.
This line seems so obvious, but it is as valuable as the last line surely is and equally important. It is the part of what makes a Jedi a Jedi and not just a well meaning person. The Force is the same power that has been referred to in years past as Chi, Ki, and Mana. It is the basis for the Tao and, yet, it is a word with limitations like all other words. The Force moves through, changes, and shapes all things. It is not a deity, but yet it has its own will, moving to promote life throughout the world. Death is the ultimate in illusions, the greatest lie. It is a lie that we begin to believe at an early age. When we ask our parents if we will die someday, they tell us yes. That’s a lie at the greatest level. I tell you right now you will never die; you will however change your journey many times. You might continue this path we call life, basking in the warmth of the Force for many years to come. You might leave this path to rejoin the Force completely, to become purely thought. You may set upon reaching a place of infinite possibilities or very well go to a place of perfect rightness. The Force is vast and there are many possible truths as to what happens when our time as physical beings ceases to be. None of them are true and, yet, all of them are. They are much like color; if you see the color blue and are told it is green at a young age, you will continue to believe that for the rest of your mortal time. It is a concept because, simply put, none of us have ventured on and come back completely to relate the tale in a way that we, sitting in these bodies, taking in this air, could truly comprehend. What we do know is, from previous experience, from vast amounts of testimonial, from an undeniable feeling in our core, we do go on. The Force does not impose a death sentence upon us, only a change. When the tires wear out on the car, we get new tires. When the engine wears out, we get a new car. This is the way of things. Nothing is meant to last for all times sake, yet, even in that there is comfort for nothing is truly destroyed, only changed.
That is the Jedi code, at its core a powerful influence, a good guide line, and a terrible task master. Take it heavily upon your mind for now, but keep your spirits light and your heart filled with joy, fellow Jedi, because it is a great tool. Do not, however, allow it to replace you. Instead, use it as you would any other tool - let it help you be better, do more, and achieve greater things in this life.
May the Force be with you.