Kate Solusar’s Holocron

This is something I posted over at another site, The Jediism Way.  The first section of text, in italics, explains what the purpose of this assignment is and what is expected in response.  My response, in normal text, follows, although it has been modified for this holocron entry.

What you need to do is post in here what a Jedi is to you and why you are a Jedi. We are not looking for a multi-page essay but just answer these two questions in your own words. The only thing it must meet is the bare bones minimum of what a Jedi is which is:

“Jedi are a noble order of protectors, guardians of peace and justice, unified by their belief and observance of the Force. They are individuals who actively work to improve their own life and the lives of those around them every day.”

I realized that I really wanted to take some time for reflection and meditation before responding to these questions for myself.

So I thought I would start with the version of the Code I use as a mantra, a signpost and guide:

There is no emotion; there is only peace.
There is no ignorance; there is only knowledge.
There is no passion; there is only serenity.
There is no chaos; there is only harmony.
There is no death; there is only the Force.

An alternate version, which expresses these ideas in an even more concise and practical way, follows here.

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

When I completed basic academy training at my home site, Ashla Knights, I made the following promises. When I made these promises, they form the core of my personal practice of the Jedi way.

I promised:

To uphold and live by the Jedi Code.
To respect all life and help protect those weaker than myself.
To use the Force only for good, never in anger, hate or fear.
To improve myself so I may be an example to others.
To provide guidance to those who seek it, while not seeking to lead or rule them.

I promised to be faithful to these words and strive to do so, in word and deed every day of my life.

Now for the practical part of living out these words:

I strive to continue to study, train, and improve mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically, to strengthen all four of these pillars, without neglecting any of them. In my personal life, I seek to be a center of calm and peace for my family, to faithfully fulfill the daily duties of my life’s station at this time without complaint, without stinting, because it is part of my discipline and practice to do so. Before all, I strive for self-mastery of all those pitfalls of the journey mentioned in the Jedi Code. I strive to give without counting the cost, to do the right thing, whether noticed or unnoticed. I strive to practice humility by being willing to serve, not to be served, to give up being right in order to achieve what is best for the greater good, to give up seeking status and power and prestige where practicable and possible (which for me, has meant forgoing seeking governmental office) because I believe that to be incompatible with the path I choose to walk. For now, being a Jedi means living a hidden life, where my actions and deeds speak for my beliefs and me more than my words.

In the online communities I call home, I strive to practice what I say I believe and what I teach, by word and example. I seek to be diplomatic, respectful, and willing to try to step into another’s shoes, especially when I disagree with them. I strive to bring people together for our common purpose, to improve our lives and make a difference in the lives of those around us, especially those in need of our help.

This is what I believe and strive to live.