Introduction

What Is Jediism

Jediism is a modern life path inspired by the mythology of Star Wars and its Jedi Knights. George Lucas created them from various aspects of Stoicism, Taoism, Shintoism, Buddhism, Christianity, mysticism, and many other general religious principles, as well as from a combination of different martial arts, codes of chivalry, and philosophies surrounding the Force. Jedi are a modern version of Shaolin monks, European knights, and samurai warriors. Jediism has become an inspiration and a way of life for many people around the world. Although Jediism is a new direction, it is just as real as the ancient religions and philosophies from which it draws. Because it has no central organisation and no fixed rules, it is highly individualistic and can be interpreted as a life path, a philosophy, a religion, or a combination of these. Real-world Jedi therefore often view Jediism as a path that motivates personal growth and complements their individual religion.

What Jediism Is Not

Jediism is not a game or cosplay. Various websites about Jediism may use more or less references to Star Wars, such as images or names, but it is equally possible to follow Jediism without knowing anything about Star Wars at all.

Main Principles of Jediism

Although Jediism is highly individualistic, the main elements among its diverse interpretations are self-development, adherence to the code, and belief in the Force.

I. Self-Development

The main principle of Jediism is to constantly grow in all areas of life and to use one’s abilities for the good of others, as defined by the code.

II. The Code

The Code is a set of rules defining how a Jedi should behave and how to live in harmony with Jediism. There are several versions of the code; the most general one can be summarised as controlling one’s emotions, never ceasing to grow in all areas of life, restraining from passions and vices, understanding that everything has its reason and purpose, and believing in life after death.

III. The Force

The Force is a higher purpose of life — the reason humans are here. For some, more natural names may be destiny, the universe, etc. The specific interpretation of the Force depends on the person, on own interpretation of Jediism, and if applicable, on religious beliefs. Generally, the Force is regarded as an omnipresent energy that can, to some degree, be sensed and used.

To make understanding easier, the Force is often described as consisting of three aspects: personal Force, which determines a person's energy (aura); living Force, which provides energy; and unifying Force, which gives everything meaning. The unifying aspect of the Force is often referred to in religions as God, Goddess, Gods, Chi, etc. The specific name is not important in Jediism, and therefore Jediism can be combined with various religions.

The Term “Jedi”

On this website we use the gender-neutral term “Jedi” (pronounced “jed-ee”) for someone who follows the path of Jediism.

Continue: The Force

The Force

The Force is something beyond human understanding and scientific knowledge, and therefore its naming within Jediism is not particularly important. Because of this, descriptions of what exactly the Force is are highly individual. The generally accepted definition divides the Force into three aspects: the unifying aspect, the living aspect, and the personal aspect of the Force.

I. The Unifying Aspect of the Force

This aspect represents the “meaning of the entire universe.” It is highly individual and dependent on one’s interpretation of Jediism and personal belief. It can therefore be referred to with words such as God, fate, the universe, Jesus Christ, or simply the Force. This is the aspect people pray to or through which they believe in life after death.

For a Jedi, this aspect is important because it defines the meaning of life. A Jedi can seek guidance from this principle and rely on it as the only unchanging constant in life. This aspect then forms and provides the living aspect of the Force.

II. The Living Aspect of the Force

The Living Aspect of the Force is the omnipresent energy that can be felt and, to some extent, controlled. This energy is created both by the unifying Force and by all living beings, as well as by the history and emotions of a given place. This is why it is literally possible to feel the energy of a location—sadness in a place where a tragedy occurred, or calm in untouched nature. The living aspect of the Force can be understood as a “gift” from the unifying aspect (depending on one’s interpretation).

For a Jedi, this aspect is important because this energy can be used for healing, for better perception of situations (whether of places or people), for strengthening oneself, etc. Some other paths use this energy for various “supernatural” activities, such as telekinesis. However, Jedi may use this energy only for the good of others; any other use goes against their beliefs.

III. The Personal Aspect of the Force

The Personal Aspect of the Force is formed by the energy of an individual person and is sometimes referred to as an aura, vibrational frequency, or personal space. This energy reflects the inner state of a person and is connected to the soul. To some extent, it is also controlled by will. Thanks to this energy, it is possible to sense and influence the living aspect of the Force, and by combining these two aspects, to use techniques such as healing, chakra cleansing, telepathy, etc.

Mastering the personal aspect of the Force is an important first step for a Jedi toward perceiving the other aspects of the Force. This begins with mastering oneself and one’s emotions—precisely what the Jedi Code teaches.

Note

The division of the Force into three aspects and their general naming is based on the now non-existent website thejediismway.

As already mentioned, this division exists to make the Force easier to understand as something that cannot truly be described with words. Each Jedi may understand the Force differently; what matters is the belief in “something” and the pursuit of a “good life,” as defined in the Code.

Continue: Code

The Code

The Code is a set of rules that define how to behave as a Jedi and how to live in harmony with Jediism. There are several versions of the Code; the one below includes all the principles and is the easiest to understand.

Emotion, yet peace.
Ignorance, yet knowledge.
Passion, yet serenity.
Chaos, yet harmony.
Death, yet the Force.

Emotion, yet peace

Emotions are the basis of human behavior and are completely natural. However, it is extremely important to control your emotions and not let them control you. The first step is the ability to be aware of your own emotions and to be able to name them. This is supported by various exercises in which emotional awareness gradually becomes natural, starting with simple situations and moving towards more demanding ones. The goal is to be able to keep your emotions in balance and not act based on them.

Ignorance, yet knowledge

A central point of Jediism is never-ending self-development in all possible areas – both mental (general knowledge, self-control, psychology) and physical (self-defense, first aid, physical fitness). Knowledge also means openness to different opinions, including very careful, honest and objective determination of truth (which can be difficult). Listening to the Force and controlling one’s emotions is important in such cases.

Passion, yet serenity

Passion is a stronger and nearly uncontrollable type of emotion. Obsession, hatred, fury – these are all extreme manifestations of passion. Managing your passions is another step toward self-control, which begins with awareness of your emotions (starting with the weaker ones). The goal is to never relax your self-control and to always strive to find inner calm.

Chaos, yet harmony

Life, at least during certain periods, can feel chaotic. The feeling that everything happens randomly and that there is no higher power or justice in the world is sometimes natural. A Jedi, however, must strive to believe that everything that happens has a purpose and meaning. To try to see harmony and order even in seemingly random or unjust situations. Inner calm, peace, and knowledge are the steps that lead to this harmony.

Death, yet the Force

The final principle is the belief in an afterlife. The specific form of this life is individual and depends on one’s personal faith. What matters is not to see death as the end. The ideal goal is not to fear death and to believe in some form of “post-mortem justice.” It is also important to emphasize that a Jedi must protect every life at all costs and must never seek out death under any circumstances.

Other Version of the Code

The following “idealistic” version is often referred to as the original:

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.

For a Jedi, it is not important which version they use, as long as the meaning described above is preserved.

Continue: Jedi

Jedi

Never-ending self-development, faith in the Force, and adherence to the Code are the core principles of Jediism, but what else defines each Jedi? How does a Jedi behave, and how can the path of Jediism be applied in modern life? Answers to these questions may vary depending on one’s interpretation of Jediism, but in general, Jedi should strive to master the following traits.

Note: Clicking on the trait will display its description.

I. Relationship to Oneself

  • Living in the Present Moment
    A Jedi must strive to live in the present moment and not cling to the past or worry about the future. The present moment is the only thing a person truly has and can act upon. Reasonable planning and learning from past mistakes are, of course, still essential.
  • Self-Knowledge
    A Jedi must know themselves – their weaknesses and strengths, motivations, and blind spots. Without self-knowledge, long-term self-control, humility, and true growth are not possible.
  • Self-Control
    A Jedi must constantly work on self-control. This applies both to interactions with other people and to other aspects of life such as diet, passions, and habits. In communication with others, it is important to avoid escalated or physical conflicts and to respect differing opinions.
  • Patience
    Without patience, neither a person nor a Jedi can get very far. The path of Jediism is long and slow, and it bears fruit only after a considerable time. Training patience is useful for almost every area of life.
  • Discipline
    A Jedi is capable of doing what is not pleasant but is right. They maintain regular training of the body, mind, and character.
  • Humility
    A Jedi must be humble before the power of the Force and thus before every person. They do not place themselves above others, take nothing for granted, and are grateful for everything they have in the present – knowing that tomorrow it may not be the same.

II. Character and Values

  • Justice
    A Jedi always stands for what is right and fair. A Jedi should judge others objectively, because from the perspective of the Force, all are equal. A Jedi always seeks a just path.
  • Ethics and Morality
    A Jedi must follow the principles of proper conduct, as well as the laws and customs of the given country. Most important, however, is to act rightly in the eyes of the Force.
  • Honor and Conscience
    A Jedi must be honorable, and others should look up to them with respect and admiration. A Jedi’s behavior should reflect a clear conscience, which is the same in the eyes of the Jedi and in the eyes of the Force.
  • Responsibility
    A Jedi takes responsibility for their actions, words, and their consequences. They do not seek excuses, but learn from mistakes and make amends.
  • Modesty
    A Jedi should be modest in all respects—not only in material matters. Work, housing, friends, a partner, and more. This does not mean complete deprivation, but rather balance between lack and excess.

III. Relationship to Others

  • Respect
    A Jedi must be respectful toward all living beings. This includes oneself. Respect allows for an easier and more honest way of dealing with life and with others.
  • Compassion
    Compassion for all beings, expressed through everyday actions, consideration for people, animals, and the planet, and through efforts to minimize suffering and the negative impact of one’s own life.
  • Love
    Unlike in the films, real Jedi should be able to love. Love can serve as a powerful source of strength and support when a Jedi needs it most.
  • Openness
    A Jedi must be open to other opinions and religions and understand that different cultures may have their own truth. This also applies to openness in love and various kinds of relationships.
  • Charity
    The main purpose of Jediism is to help others whenever possible—though not at the expense of oneself. If a Jedi does not have enough time for themselves, it is difficult to help others effectively and sustainably.

IV. Relationship to the World and the Force

  • Wisdom
    A Jedi strives to discern when to act and when not to act, when to help directly and when to step back. Wisdom means understanding context, not just rules.
  • Skills
    A Jedi must be proficient in all aspects, both physical and mental. This means learning and training anything that may one day be useful and being prepared to apply it even in difficult situations.
  • Bravery and Courage
    A Jedi is brave through the ability to manage their own fear. Fear is natural and useful, and a Jedi acknowledges it but must not allow it to negatively influence them.
  • Sustainability
    A Jedi should strive to minimize suffering and the impact they leave on this world. This includes topics such as ecology, local and home growing, ethics regarding animals, and minimizing the consumption of animal products.

Continue: Links

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