Understanding the Jedi Code

(from SW Gamer Issue 1)

The disclosed information was taken from a Jedi Holocron of Master Windu.

     "Certainly a Jedi should know the Code, by word and by heart. But seemingly every Jedi is in some fashion negligent, from the lowest Padawan to the highest Master. Consequently, were someone to demand, "What is the true meaning of the Jedi Code?" the Jedi who promptly answered would be rare indeed..."

     So begins the famous commentary upon the Jedi Code by Master Odan-Urr, written almost four thousand years ago. His musings on the proper behavior of a Jedi have formed the foundation of today's Jedi Order.

     Odan-Urr's ancient wisdom has held true for centuries. Many are taught the Jedi Code, but few fully understand it. Fewer still live by it. Those who do are truly Jedi Masters. Full comprehension of the Code, then, is the key to unlocking the Force.

There is no emotion; there is peace.

There is no ignorance; there is knowledge.

There is no passion; there is serenity.

There is no death; there is the Force.

The Jedi Code

The Path Within the Code

     At the most basic level, the Jedi Code is a set of guidelines explaining for a Padawan what virtues to prize, and what flaws to avoid. Instructors ask their students that if they remember nothing else, to always keep these words in mind. The reason is simple:: in these four lines lie the instructions for how to become a Jedi Master.

     Consider the first rule: "There is no emotion; there is peace." It is plainly a contrast, distinguishing the confusion of emotional considerations from the clear thinking of peaceful meditation - obviously, a valuable quality. But what if that peace is rooted in simply being unaware of some factor that would otherwise cause a Jedi to feel an emotional reaction, then it is not so much peace as ignorance. This is why the Code contains the second rule: "There is no ignorance; there is knowledge."

     This teaches Jedi to strive for understanding of all situations - particularly before acting - to better avoid errors in judgment. But, again, knowing a thing well can lead one to become engrossed in it. Engrossment leads to clouding fo the mind. Thus, the thrid rule: "There is no passion; there is serenity." Knowing a thing objectively is knowing it as the Force knows it.

     Still, students commonly argue that the only true objectivity is nonexistence - death. For does one not affect a thing even by merely observing it? This is why there is the fouth rule: "There is no death; there is the Force." The Force knows all things objectively, it is serene, and it is not swayed by emotion.

     Thus , the Jedi Code teaches that before undertaking any action, the Jedi should consider the will of the Force. Master Odan-Urr said: "With these other considerations aside, all that remains is the Force." What he meant by this was that if a Jedi can act emotionlessly, knowledgeably, and serenely, then he is acting in accordance with the will of the Force. Therefore, if a Jedi acts in all things without emotion, ignorance, or passion, then that Jedi is truly a master of the Force.

Interpreting the Code

     While the Code is a straightforward map to mastery of the Force, it can sometimes be frustrating to put it into practice. The galaxy has changed a great deal since the Jedi Code was first defined, and a great deal more since Master Odan-Urr attempted to clarify it. Although the secret to the Code is considering it thoroughly before acting, the universe often does not afford a Jedi the time to do so, before forcing her to act.

     Still, a Jedi can think through a great many things in advance, so as to better prepare for when the rest of the universe is in a hurry. Over the millenia since the founding of the Order, Jedi Masters have recognized that there are eight conclusions a Jedi can reach before the situations are thrust upon him. A Jedi who understands these eight things will, when called upon to make a quick decision, already knows the will of the Force.

     Master Odan-Urr remarked upon some of these items, and the commentaries of other Jedi Masters over the centuries - including Master Yoda - have formed the basis for the current "expanded code" taught to Jedi Padawan all across the galaxy. Presented below are those eight conclusions.

Meditation

     Odan-Urr wrote: "Every Jedi should spend time meditating each day on the will of the Force. The reason is simple: If one has unwittingly acted contrary to the will of the Force, recognizing the mistake soon after might still give one time to make amends."

     What Master Odan-Urr left unsaid was that by regularly examining one's own motivations, a Jedi could be certain that he was not allowing emotion, ignorance, or passion to intrude upon his clarity. A Jedi who has no time to meditate may more easily become lost. More to the point, a Jedi who refuses to meditate may already know that her motivations are not pure, and is thus lying to herself. As Master Yoda once said: "The Jedi who heeds not the counsel of the Force, to the dark side listens."

Training

     Master Vodo said: "A Jedi's training in the Force never ends." A wise Jedi should strive to remember that there is always something more to learn about the Force. The Force reveals itself to those who have the desire and knowledge to see it, and heeding only the Force's will is much the same as looking at a bantha's toe and saying: "Now I understand banthas." To continue to grow, a Jedi should train each day.

Loyalty

     Jedi can exist in this universe because the Force exisists. But the Jedi Order needs more: it requires loyalty. It goes without saying that Jedi should be loyal to one another, and not squabble or fight. More importantly, though, each Jedi should be aware that he must act in accordance with the wishes of his Master, who in turn acts in accordance with the wishes of the Jedi Council. This is not a question of seniority, but rather of understanding the will of the Force, and in this regard, the members of the Jedi Council are the recognized experts.

Integrity

     A Jedi's responsibility to the Force is to be honest to himself. This does not mean that he must be forthright with everyone else, however.

     Master Odan-Urr lamented the misperceptions of those who believed that Jedi should be morally superior: "Many feel that a Jedi should be scrupulously honest, never taking advantage, and never withholding information. This is nonsense."

     From a certain point of view, a Jedi is not being dishonest if he allows people to believe what they wish to believe. A Jedi can and should offer advice to those who need it, but it is not incumbent upon the Jedi to convince anyone to follow his advice.

     In service to the Force, a Jedi may employ deception, subterfuge, misdirection, and even fraud, if he does so with a righteous aim. Altough most sentient creatures have distaste for such practices, the Force is without such emotions.

     Don't confuse this with "moral flexibility." A Jedi does what needs to be done. But also remember that a Jedi is not above the law.

Morality

     The most dangerous quotation ever uttered by a Jedi Master is: "A Jedi is not a creature of morals." These words have unfortunately been translated, often by Jedi, to mean that a Jedi can do no wrong.

     It actually means that Jedi are not enforcers of morality. While Jedi can bring or restore order and justice, they cannot themselves sit in judgement of others. There are two reasons for this.

     First, the galaxy is a vast place, full of cultures that no one Jedi can completely understand. One famous story tells how a Jedi learned that a companion had been devoured by the cannibalistic Colicoids. When asked why the Jedi later bargained with the very same creatures for starship components, she responded: "Because eating the flesh of sentient creatures is not forbidden by the Jedi Code - but to the Colidcoids, not eating the flesh of sentients is a sign of insanity."

     This Jedi recognized that punishing the Colicoids for acting according to their nature would be acting out of emotion and ignorance. Similary not procuring a badly needed engine part would have been punishing herself, out of guilt.

     The second reason is that judgement leads to vengeance, and vengeance leads to the dark side. This is easy to understand, though not so easy to practice. Should a known murderer be allowed to go free? Should a man intent on murder be killed? To answer either question, a Jedi must first know the will of the Force. Neither decision can be made hastily, except where lives are threatened.

Discretion

     Though Master Odan-Urr believed in justice, he also understood that it was sometimes necessary for a Jedi to practice discretion: "The galaxy will live in tranquility if certain matters are a bit overlooked or left unheard." Some have seen this as sign of Jedi partisanship. Others, particularly law enforcement agencies, believe that Jedi ignore small crimes, in order to apprehend greater criminals. Obviously, neither of these is true.

     The truth is that Jedi Knights are suffered throughout the galaxy - despite our facility with the Force. This is because we do not actively interfere with the lives of the common people. Jedi stand for order and justice, and these qualities do not begin with the misdeeds of the few.

     The goal of the Jedi should be to create and preserve an atmosphere in which justice can flourish, rather than to try to create justice herself. Master Yoda has often said that, should the Republic ever challenge the Jedi Order's right to exist, the support of the common citizen will see us through: "If fear us they do, help us they will not. If hate us they do, hunt us they will."

Bravery

     Master Odan-Urr once said: "To be brave in battle proves nothing. Bravery itself proves nothing. A Jedi should be prepared to put aside fear, regret, and uncertainty and either fight, run, surrender, or die."

     A common mistake among younger Jedi is that bravery is the opposite of fear, and since fear leads to the dark side, bravery is armor against the dark side. Not so. If a Jedi is mindful of the will of the Force, he will know whether it is best to stand his ground, or flee, or even to offer truce. Remember that bravery itself is an emotion, and a Jedi should be at peace - even in the midst of war.

Fighting

    Sadly, we live in a galaxy where conflict is a fact of life for far too many beings for us to remain apart from it. But we need not embrace conflict. Master Odan-Urr said: "If a Jedi ignites his lightsaber, he must be ready to take a life. If he is not so prepared, he must keep his weapon at his side." And as Master Yoda teaches: "If a weapon you show, 'A warrior am I!' you say. And who is best must all other warriors know of you." So, avoid unnecessary fighting, a Jedi should not advertise his skill.

     But when is it necessary to fight? The Force will show a Jedi when he has no other options, and a wise Jedi trusts the Force in this regard.

     When fighting, is it necessary to use one's lightsaber? The answer is no. A lightsaber is an intimidating weapon - but it is not a tool for intimidation. This is what Odan-Urr meant. Do not use a lightsaber to create fear in an opponent. Use it to end the fight as quickly and mercifully as possible. If this means destroying the opponent, so be it. But if a Jedi can end a fight without killing an opponent, so much the better. The best Jedi can avert injury altogether, with only a word.

     In the past, some Jedi have taken this to mean that they should carry a second, less deadly weapon. There is no such thing. If a weapon cannot kill, it is not truly a weapon. While a blaster can let a Jedi attack at a distance, it is just as effective - and more in keeping with the Jedi Code - to use the Force instead. This is why all the greatest Jedi carry only a single lightsaber as their weapon, a tool uniquely attuned for use with the Force.