Jedi Philosophy
Although many often covet the Jedi path, taking up the challenge of being a Jedi Knight is a hard and difficult life, requiring exclusive commitment and devotion on the sentient's part, as well as self-sacrifice, servitude, and rigid self-discipline. Consequently, the Jedi way of life was centered around three major philosophical and foundational core tenets, which governed the Jedi Knight's actions, behavior, and emotions, and in turn called upon the Jedi to exercise patience, humility, and benevolence; the Three Pillars of the Jedi. These Three Pillars covered three aspects of the Jedi path, encompassing the entirety of the Jedi's philosophical viewpoint and adherence.
The First Pillar, the Pillar of the Force, included the outlook on the aspects of the Unifying and Living Force, as well as the Light Side of the Force, and the dangers of the Dark Side of the Force. The Second Pillar, the Pillar of Knowledge, included the study of the Jedi Code, tenets, and archives, and emphasized that a Jedi could not fulfill their duties without diligent study and accumulation of knowledge and wisdom. The Third Pillar, the Pillar of Discipline, was the final of the Three Pillars, and included a Jedi's reflection on stringent self-defense and physical training.
The First Pillar
Pillar of the Force
For a Jedi to even begin down the Jedi Path, one must acknowledge and submit themselves to the will of the Force, allowing it to guide them and direct their lives and actions. This begins with understanding the nature of the Force and its ubiquitous relationship with all living things in the galaxy, binding them and in turn, allowing the Force to grant one purpose. In doing so, many Jedi often contemplate Jedi creeds, most especially the two most major Jedi aspects of the Force; the Unifying Force and the Living Force, studying the two viewpoints, their differences, and in whole, striving to understand the will of the Force. The Light Side of the Force was seen either as a sentient deity-esque entity or the essence of goodness manifested in sentient life, depending on whether the Jedi adhered to the Living Force or Unifying Force.
All Jedi were strict followers of the Light Side of the Force, and firmly shunned the practice of the Dark Side and its corrupting influence. Cultivated through joy, compassion, benevolence, mercy, love, self-sacrifice, hope and other positive emotions, a Jedi would pursue the Light Side for knowledge and wisdom, and with it, exercise generosity and healing. Harmony and solace were the forefront qualities a Lightsider would cultivate to meditate in the Light Side of the Force and resist the lure and temptation of the Dark Side. Although the Jedi were strong supporters of free will, they viewed themselves as servants of the will of the Force, although this stems from willful submission as opposed to tools of destiny. The Light Side of the Force was often simply referred to as The Force, due to the Jedi's belief that the Light was the natural side of the Force, and that the Dark Side was a corruption of it.
The Living Force was the more popular and most accepted aspect of the Force chosen by the Jedi, and decreed that because all life was connected to and by the Force, it was of the utmost importance that one would attune themselves to the Living Force, and ultimately heighten their sensitivity to all living beings around them. Adherents to the Living Force lived "in the moment", and while they did pay mind to the future and the far-felt consequences of their actions, relied heavily on their instincts, and gravitated their focus and energies on the present. The Living Force constituted that there existed both a good "Light" and evil "Dark" side to the Force, and thus a Jedi must be mindful at all time to elude temptation. Because of their deep connection to life around them and the connection of all life in the galaxy through the Force, followers of the Living Force are often able to retain their identities after physical death, and become Force Ghosts.
The Unifying Force was the less supported and popularized aspect of the Force in the Jedi Order, and was once summarized as binding the stars and planets in space and time. The Unifying Force held great emphasis on far-reaching effects, both in space, such as distance, and in the flow of time, such as future impacts. The concept of the Unifying Force saw the Force itself as a singular entity, virtually akin to a deity, that possessed neither a "Light" nor "Dark" side to it, instead that such good and evil stems from individuals. Because of their focus on patience, caution and future effects of their actions, followers of the Unifying Force forsook instinct and saw the "larger picture", opening their minds to many possible choices or paths, and focused on fulfilling ones destiny. Consequently, adherents to the Unifying Force were extremely sensitive and prone to Force Visions, which held great significance, and their omens of the future or past. Due to their adamant connection to the Force in that it bound all things, from the stars and planets to time itself, adherents to the Unifying Force could sometimes also reclaim their identities after physical death.
The Second Pillar
Pillar of Knowledge
The pursuit of knowledge for the sake of learning or to protect others was considered a fundamental of the Jedi path, as a Jedi must open their mind to knowledge and seek it constantly and continuously throughout their lives, regardless of whether they be a Padawan or a Master. To assist with the Jedi's philosophy of learning and teaching, the Jedi are very often encouraged to delve themselves into the fathomless and vast collection of history and knowledge accumulated by Jedi of the most ancient of times and current, called the Jedi Archives.
Jedi were tasked with attending formal classes and in addition, were also strongly encouraged to establish their own programs and sessions of personal study. In the New Jedi Order, significantly more so than in the Old Jedi Order, the Jedi Knights took a more on-hands stance on learning and teaching, preferring gaining wisdom and knowledge through real life experiences, which helped to keep the Jedi more connected with the sentients of the galaxy and their problems. Although their striving for knowledge and learning has remained identical throughout the history of the Jedi, many of the teachings of the Jedi would differ between ages and eras; such a difference exists between the New Jedi Order and the Old, and more closely echo the stances and practices of the Jedi during the Great Sith War.
Jedi, for example, are freely allowed to have families, marriages and relationships, and Jedi Masters were able to take on multiple apprentices. In addition, it is also fairly common for Jedi to compliment their arsenal with armor or blasters, with robes being a personal choice. Some Jedi even choose to dress casually. However, among the things that remain unchanging and central to the Jedi Order of any era is the Jedi Code, which only undergoes revisions or refinements. The Jedi Code was a creed of behavioral modes, established rules and guidelines, and codes of conduct for each and every Jedi representing the Order. Although the Jedi Code is an expansive collection of writings, the most common summarization is the five-lined mantra revised by Jedi Master Odan-Urr;
"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"
The first mantra emphasized that emotion was part of all life and living beings, with Jedi being no exception. However, the difference came with the Jedi's emotions being understood and explored so that they a Jedi can confront their innermost thoughts and feelings, and achieve peace; not denying them or suppressing them, but understanding and coping them. The second mantra does not relate that ignorance does not exist, but rather that one should constantly endeavor to seek knowledge and understanding, and that such wisdom can be achieved from anywhere and any place.
The third mantra is a stronger, more direct statement in relation to the first, and applies to times when a Jedi will inevitably feel extreme stress, strong emotion, great pain, and the like. While a Jedi may feel emotion and understand them, they must also be kept in check, lest a Jedi give way to brashness, recklessness, and passion, which could very well lead them to the Dark Side; thus even when feeling strong emotions, a Jedi must remain calm and prevent their minds and rationale from being clouded by unbridled passion.
The fourth mantra reflects the higher understanding a Jedi should possess in relation to the galaxy; where most sentients see the galaxy as chaotic and random, a Jedi sees the order and that all things are interconnected through the Force, and at the same time, perceive a balanced view of existence. The fifth and final mantra stresses that a Jedi must be neither in fear nor obsession of death, and remain aware that death is a cycle of life, not to be mourned, but accepted and even celebrated, as those who perish physically are one with the Force. This final mantra applied as much for the individual Jedi as it does for the Jedi's view of others. Sometime after the New Jedi Order had firmly established itself in the galaxy once more, the Jedi Code was again rewritten by Luke Skywalker, the Grand Master of his era, although it was later refined over the years;
"Jedi are the guardians of peace and justice throughout the galaxy.
Jedi use the Force only for the pursuit of knowledge, to defend, and to protect.
Jedi respect all life in the galaxy, in any form it may take.
Jedi to not rule others, but serve them for the welfare of the galaxy.
Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge, training, and self-discipline."
Although the old Jedi Code is no longer in use or recognized an the official Jedi Code alongside the new, it is still highly regarded as it is also equally respected by all Jedi, both as the forerunning creed of the Jedi, and as wise texts still relevant in the Order.
The Third Pillar
Pillar of Discipline
As guardians of peace, the Jedi practiced many forms of self-discipline, from physical unarmed combat to strenuously mastering the art of the lightsaber. Unknown to many, the foundations of the Third Pillar began with rigid sessions of meditation and self-reflection, and even these only occurred when realization and mastery of the two former pillars were achieved. The Jedi were ironically recognized by their tool of choice, the lightsaber; a device that contained a beam of pure mass-less energy in an electromagnetic containment field. With these, the Jedi practiced many forms of self-defense, the most famous being the seven classical lightsaber forms and the three new lightsaber styles;
Form I was called Shii-Cho and the Determination Form and Way of the Sarlacc, and was the most basic of the styles, and was taught to Jedi Initiates. Shii-Cho was learned by all Jedi Initiates as it was the sole form which laid the foundation for the six successive forms that followed, from basic strikes, parries, to body attack zones. Form II was called Makashi and the Contention Form and Way of the Ysalamir, and was the highest refinement of lightsaber-on-lightsaber dueling, and emphasized unique and sophisticated strikes and defenses. Form III was called Soresu and the Resilience Form and Way of the Mynock, and was the most defensive of the seven forms in response to the galaxy's ever-growing advancement of blaster technology, and characterized tight and passive movements. Form IV was called Ataru and the Aggression Form and Way of the Hawk-Bat, and is by far the most dynamic of the forms, utilizing the bodily powers of the Force to enhance ones physiology to perform supernatural acrobatics.
Form V was a dual-variant form called Shien and Djem So, and known as the Perseverance Form and Way of the Krayt Dragon, was created as the more aggressive extension of Soresu and more power-oriented style of Makashi, focusing on strength and raw power. Form VI was called Niman and the Moderation Form and Way of the Rancor, and was an amalgamation of the five previous forms, creating a form of balance with no exploitable strengths or weaknesses. The final was Form VII, and also a dual form called Juyo and Vapaad, and known as the Ferocity Form and Way of the Vornskr, and was as much of a state of mind as it was a combative form, requiring extreme focus, kinetic movements and intensity of both mind and body. Unlike what outward appearances would assume, the seven forms represented not styles only, but more deeply, personal philosophies, which was distinct from the New Jedi Order's styles, which were pace-based and compatible with the forms.
Aurum was the first style, and was the intermediate ground between the latter two styles. Aurum focused on balancing power with speed, and was most often introduced to new Jedi as the initial style to train in as the other styles were based with Aurum as its foundation. Maintaining simple movements without sacrificing finesse, Aurum was a neutral style, equally effective in defensive situations as offensive. In methodology, Aurum's respectably balanced combative prowess and comparatively simplistic designs bear resemblances to the forms Shii-Cho and Niman. Caesitas was the second style, and consisted of short, rapid burst-like movement, and highly kinetic chained-strikes. Highly aggressive, Caesitas' opening stance is tight and close, and is extremely effective at defensive stances, particularly against blaster wielding foes and highly acrobatic movements.
Dependent on speed and fluid movements, Caesitas has a short range, as the lightsaber must always be kept close to the body, and uses many one-handed strikes. Because of this, Caesitas has the weakest raw offensive power in dueling other lightsaber wielders, and its defenses can be shattered by the more powerful strikes. The shorter range of Caesitas can also put an inexperienced wielder at a significant disadvantage against another lightsaber wielder. In methodology, Caesitas' rapid movements, acrobatics, and strong defensive stances against blasters bear resemblances to the forms Soresu, Ataru, and Shien. The final of these styles is Erythros, and is the strongest of the styles, focusing on unrivaled raw power and distinction to batter through an opponent's defenses, with inexperienced wielders willing to sacrifice speed for unmatched strength.
Erythros maintains a focus on powerful, often two-handed, kinetic movements, striking relentlessly and with a wide range. Highly damaging build-up swings and destructive blows characterizes the style, and the wide, sweeping movements make the style ineffective against blaster wielding opponents. While some masters of the style may compensate, many wielders are often at a disadvantage against faster duelists in melee combat. Defensive stances were very limited, as the opening stance for Erythros was with the blade held high for aggressive offensive combat. In methodology, with its focus on raw power, kinetic strength, precision, and sweeping range, Erythros bears resemblances to Djem So, Juyo and Makashi. For these reasons, many Jedi Knights were often trained in all three styles, to more evenly balance their capabilities and limit their potential disadvantages, and to maximize their own self-discipline.