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These are just my thoughts on
how to be a better person by living as a Jedi would, which is the
closest we can come to being a Jedi.
The Jedi Code: 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.
Ok, before we all get in a tizzy. Yes, I know that
Jedi Knights do not exist. They are mythological characters from a
galaxy far, far away. But the concept, the idea of Jedi Knights is
not that far, far away (and maybe not such a bad idea). In this
galaxy, on this planet (a long time ago) we had warriors who,
although they could not levitate items, confuse the weak minded or
shoot lightning bolts from their fingers, did travel around
enforcing law's, righting wrongs and protecting the weak and the
innocent (usually by way of the blade, no not a
Lightsaber).
Actually there were two different groups that
did this. The Medieval Knights and the Samurai. Both lived by a code
of ethics and morals that would stun most people today. They did
what they were supposed to do and did not question it. They were
loyal, faithful, morally strong and would die for their cause of
just and right. For God and for their Country.
Short of our
Armed Forces, we have nobody that comes near living up to these
standards today . That is why it is up to us to rise up and once
again fill the void and be the protectors of good and right. If you
live your life everyday, following the path of right and good, you
can't go wrong. It isn't that hard to be nice to people. We know
what is wrong, hurtful, immoral just as we know what is right,
helpful and good. The choice is yours to make. Easy or Difficult,
Wrong or Right, Good or Bad. We must make these decisions often.
It's not just a choice you make one day "Hey, I think I'll be a good
person" but a choice you must make everyday, everytime you are put
up to a task you must decide if you will do it right or wrong. Will
you give it 100% or will you just do enough to get by. Being helpful
in the community, mentoring kids, being a scouting leader,
report a woman or child being battered or abused. Stop looking the
other way! There are many ways that you can be a good person,
influence someone else and maybe make the world a better place to
live. Study up on some far eastern philosphy or attend church and
make peace with yourself first, then start to move that peace out
and spread it.
If you see a wrong, try and correct it. Now, I'm not
talking about everbody becoming a vigilante, or walking around with
a baseball bat trying to push your idea of right on others, but if
what you see is wrong (morally or legally) than do something about
it. Don't wait for someone else to deal with it, get off your butt
and make a difference. Once again, I'm not suggesting that you get
your butt kicked in a fight with some 300 pound oaf because he
parked in the handicap parking when it's obvious that the only
handicap he has is the inability to open beer cans with his fat
pudgy fingers, but leave him a note reminding him how impolite he is
or report him to someone with the authority to do something about
it. Just do something other than feel angry. Getting angry
does nothing except increase your blood pressure and make you
miserable.
What you can do to lead a Life Like a Jedi:
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Teach patience to others and to yourself.
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Get along with all people and all living
things.
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Don't judge someone because of how they
look.
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Find a good thing every day! (It's easy to get
frustrated every day, try and find something positive each day to
remember)
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Start the day with a good attitude.
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If you see a wrong, right it if you can. If you
can't find someone who can.
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Don't lie to others.
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Don't steal from others.
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Don't dislike things that you don't understand.
Make sure you fully understand someone or something before you
pass judgement.
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Open your heart not to just those who are close to
you, but to all humanity. Be slow to judge and quick to
forgive, show patience, empathy and love.
Seek Justice, Have Courage, Be Merciful,
Show Generosity, Be Faithful, Be Noble, Keep Hope
Alive
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Justice: Seek always the path of
Right, unencumbered by bias or personal interest. Recognize that
the sword of justice can be a terrible thing, so it must be
tempered by humanity and mercy. If the right you see rings true,
agrees with others, and you seek it out without bending to the
temptation of expediency, then you will earn renown beyond
measure.
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Courage More than bravado or bluster,
a Jedi Knight must have the courage of the heart
necessary to undertake tasks which are difficult, tedious or
unglamorous, and to graciously accept the sacrifices
involved.
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Mercy Words and attitudes can be painful
weapons in the modern world, which is why a Jedi exercises mercy
in his or her dealings with others, creating a sense of peace and
community, rather than engendering hostility and
antagonism.
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Generosity Sharing what’s valuable in
life means not just giving away material goods, but also time,
attention, wisdom and energy — the things that create a strong,
rich and diverse community.
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Faith “Faith” means trust and integrity,
and a Jedi is always faithful to his or her promises, no
matter how big or small they may be.
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Nobility Although this word is sometimes
confused with “entitlement” or “snobbishness,” it conveys the
importance of upholding one’s convictions at all times, especially
when no one else is watching.
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Hope More than just a safety net in
times of tragedy, hope is present every day in a modern Jedi’s
positive outlook and cheerful demeanor, and inspires people all
around.
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