zenmondo | The Establishment of a Jedi Religion

The Establishment of a Jedi Religion

Tadhg Christopher Bird

Rough Draft

July, 2005

I wanted to be a Jedi since I first heard the word, that spring afternoon in 1977. I was five years old, and Star Wars gave a mythological template through which I have seen the world, and the moral issues in my life for that past 28 years. Though not the only symbol set that lives in the mythological center of my mind, but probably the strongest, having been impressed upon me at the age of 5, and continually reinforced since then.

One may worry about basing one's religion on a work of fiction, yet one could argue that every religion is based thus. The followers of a religion will likely say the basis of their religion is based in TRUTH, this is not to say that a religion is based in FACT. Absolute historical accuracy is not needed for a scriptural truth. The fictions that may be contained in a holy work are what I would call a TRUE FICTION. As I have said before about many myths, “These things may have never happened, but they are ABSOLUTLY TRUE.”

A Jedi Religion would not be an overlay of an existing religion using the archetypal symbolism found in the Star Wars film, yest an embracing of the common principles of all the world's religions. Anyone should be able to find their beliefs reflected in the path of the Jedi.

A Jedi Religion would not be the parroting or exact emulation of the fictional Jedi Knights from the Star Wars films, instead it would be an adherence to the truth that the Jedi represent as a mythological symbol. It would be a belief in the Force. It would be a dedication to the principles of Truth, Justice, and Compassion.

THE FORCE

The Force was introduced to us by the true words of the fictional Obi-Wan Kenobi, “The Force is an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us, it penetrates us, it binds the galaxy together.” The implications of this can be discussed endlessly, so I will try to be succinct. The Force is the divine found in all things.

The Force has no face, so any face one would sincerely place upon it becomes the true face of the Force to them. This is why so many people from different world-views and religions see the familiar in the Force – they put it there – and it fits, perfectly. Because the Force, and the other archetypes found in the Star Wars films are so universal, insight into whatever your beliefs are is possible.

One can see the Force as a reality, a symbol, or a representation of something unknowable. The Force can be anything one holds sacred.

PHYSICAL EXPRESSION

The path of the Jedi, to be complete should have a physical application. A physical expression of the Jedi philosophy. The Jedi was not a monastic pursuit, removing themselves from society to better themselves. Rather, the Jedi participated in their society to make society the better for it. The Jedi were warriors and mediators. Those that follow the Jedi path should be able to mediate disputes and misunderstandings, -- physically if need be.

What Morihei Ueshiba, the creator of Aikido said about the role of the warrior, I think can apply to someone wanting to walk the path of a Jedi, “In real budo ["the Way of the Warrior"] there are no enemies. Real budo is the function of love. The Way of a Warrior is not to destroy and kill but to foster life, to continually create. Love is the divinity that can really protect us. Without love, nothing can flourish. Aikido is the manifestation of Love.”

There is not a need for the creation of a Jedi Art, and trying to emulate the swordplay seen in the Star Wars films would be foolhardy and dangerous. Instead, there are already in existence arts and philosophies that can be applied to the Jedi philosophy. Any existing martial art, if applied with truth, justice, and compassion (which can be read as “universal love”) will find itself transformed into a vehicle of peace.

My dream would be to see Jedi out in society, in a role much like the famous Guardian Angels in New York City. Not something to be undertaken lightly. I would hate to see self-proclaimed Jedi getting themselves hurt, or worse. Training and approval from a qualified instructor (Jedi or not) would be paramount if one was to put their skills into practice in society.

CONCLUSION

Am I to base my life's philosophies and actions on a piece of fiction? I find that I have done so for most of my life already. I find that many of the things I have learned in my life was motivated for me to be closer to my heroic ideal. This heroic ideal, colored by Jedi Knights and Superheros, alongside figures of myth and history, as well as contemporary figures.

It is unlikely that I will ever be seen as the likes of Obi Wan Kenobi, Superman, or Dr. King, but I think its the attempt at trying that is more important than reaching the summit.