Hegel and Yoda and Locke - Oh, my! More.
Parenting PadawansWhen I began to commit myself to the principles that I saw in the characters that represented the “Jedi” of fiction and movie, I did so because it seemed that those principles were noble and followed a path of mindful integrity. I did it because something was missing in my life and the world I saw around me and if I could take inspiration from those good ideas from the fictions and find a way to apply them in the real world, without retreating into a fiction myself, then this would be a good thing. And with that I would begin a path of real development. More.
Patience and the Art of Jedi MentorshipEntering into a Jedi apprenticeship is a tremendous commitment in patience for both parties, the teacher and the student. How so? Through this essay, we'll be exploring where the trait of patience is applied from the point of view of the mentor and the apprentice in terms of time and awareness. More.
On Trying to Work TogetherI thought I would share some thoughts that I’ve been mulling over for quite a while now – certainly some 4 or 5 months – about the Jedi community, especially if and how we could work together to solve problems in a way that is satisfying to everyone. More.
The Jedi CodeThe 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. More.
Understanding Chinese Health BallsThe production of Baoding Balls, also called Chinese health balls, began in Baoding, China approximately 2,000 years ago during the Ming Dynasty. They were originally called 'iron balls' because they were made from solid iron (Anonymous, 1996). They were originally used for martial arts training but were later used by the wealthy aristocracy of China to promote the development and balancing of chi. Other disciplines that complemented the use of Baoding balls included Qi Gong, reflexology, acupuncture, herbal elixirs, and moxibustion (Ragnar, 2005). More.
A Jedi Newbie's AdventureThe first day I came to the Jedi online forums was December 26th, 2006.
Like so many others that have come to the Jedi forums, I had just gone through a few changes in my life and was searching for...something more. I had always used the Jedi and their view of the Force to explain my sense of spirituality since seeing Star Wars at age 14 in 1977. More.
Now that I have it, what do I do with it?Everyday, someone enters into the store or local market, picks up some herbs thinking that they will use them for cooking, medicine, or incense, take them home, and watch them rot on the kitchen counter or in the refrigerator. The intentions are good, but the knowledge of what to do with the herbs is not present in order to follow through with the intentions. Before you go to the store or local market, or start your spring herb garden, it is necessary to understand how to process herbs in order to use them in the manner desired. More.
Wisdom of the Jedi: Part IMuch of the wisdom which we hold true and follow comes from the fiction. Many of us sought out the Jedi path because of the fiction. Even those that did not, still follow the fiction in part and use it as a basis for their view of the path. It is for this reason that I am undertaking a study of Jedi Wisdom as it is seen in the fiction. Not just its study, but also its interpretation in my point of view. More.
My Thoughts on OrganizationThroughout my lifetime, I have explored various religions in an attempt to find 'the one' that I felt comfortable with. It is kind of like trying to find the right pair of shoes. You buy a pair, walk in them for a time, then decide that they don't quite fit the way that you wanted them to fit. Over time, I began to feel that I would not find the religion or belief where I felt that I fit in. More.