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The Jedi Religion Jediism is not the same as that which is portrayed within the Star Wars Saga by George Lucas and Lucasfilm LTD. George Lucas' Jedi™ are fictional characters that exist within a literary and cinematic universe. The Jedi™ discussed within this paper refer to factual people within this world that live or lived their lives according to Jediism, of which we recognize and work together as a community to both cultivate and celebrate. Jedi™ Apprentices, Knights, Commanders, Scholars, Masters, Scribes and High Councilors embrace Jediism as a real living, breathing religion, and sincerely strive to seek out and emulate real life examples of Jediism in the long rich history of mankind. Jediism bases less of its focus on myth and fiction, and more upon those real life examples of Jediism. The history of the path of Jediism traverses thought which is well over 5,000 years old. It shares many themes embraced in Hinduism, Confucionism, Buddhism, Gnosticism, Stoicism, Catholicism, Taoism, Shinto, Modern Mysticism, the Way of the Shaolin Monks, the Knight's Code of Chivalry and the Samurai Warriors. We recognize that many times the answers to mankind's problems comes from within the purified hearts of genuine seekers of truth. Theology, philosophy and religious doctrine can facilitate this process, but we believe that it would be a futile exercise for any belief system to claim to hold all the answers to all the serious questions posed to seekers of truth in the 21st century. Jediism may help facilitate this process, yet we also acknowledge that it is up to the true believer who applies the universal truths inherent within Jediism to find the answers they seek. " We are a caring and supportive spiritual community that helps individuals worldwide to attain and sustain a one-to-one relationship with the Light of their own true Inner Self and therefore reconnect to their own True Divine Nature to which we refer to as Jedi. We teach a path of soul liberation through inner mastery and outer accomplishment as sons and daughters of the Light and of freedom. We celebrate and embrace the teachings of Jediism and the truths of the world's major religions. Our community is built upon the rock of truth, divine love and the light of inner illumination. We promote service to others based on the understanding that we are all one, and welcome all to worship with us in a spirit of peace and unity. " ( www.jedisum.com ) Jediism's mission, in short, is to reaffirm and restore the knowledge of the True Inner Self (which we refer to as Jedi) and invite all to a personal faith in the Light, which encompasses the Light Side of the Force celebrated by numerous religious and philosophical beliefs that span over five thousand years of human history. We desire to build up an international worldwide community of Jediism and to draw true Jedi Knights together into a spirit of common unity. Our goal is encouragement and as guidance for believers while reaching beyond the Jedi Temple to those who are seeking to know the truth that sets one free. Jediism is for those seeking answers and practical steps to living life to the fullest as the Light intended through personal Jediism faith that sets one free. The path of the true Jedi Knights is followed by a Code of Jediism, on the path of community illumination and personal enlightenment for all. Its's intention is to make a difference by helping people rediscover the real values that inspire illumined action and create an atmosphere of enlightenment and peace, internally and simultaneously in our international community. " 21 Maxims of the Jediism Code I. Prowess To seek excellence in all endeavors expected of a Jedi Knight, martial and otherwise, seeking strength to be used in the service of justice, rather than in personal aggrandizement. A Jedi strives to excel physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, and can put these in motion instantly. II. 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. III. Loyalty Be known for unwavering commitment to the people and ideals you choose to live by. There are many places where compromise is expected; loyalty is not amongst them. Jedi can exist in this universe because the Force exists. But the Jedi Order needs more: it requires loyalty. IV. Defense The ideal Jedi Knight is sworn by oath to defend the Light.. Seek always to defend your nation, your family, and those to whom you believe worthy of loyalty. V. Courage Being a Jedi Knight often means choosing the more difficult path, the personally expensive one. Be prepared to make personal sacrifices in service of the precepts and people you value. At the same time, a Jedi Knight should seek wisdom to see that stupidity and courage are cousins VI. Faith A Jedi Knight must have faith in his beliefs, for faith roots him and gives hope against the despair that human failings create. A Jedi's strength flows from the Force. A Jedi's faith is in the Light, and to the One from which it emanates, as his guidance, as his path, as his friend, and as his destiny. VII. Humility Value first the contributions of others; do not boast of own accomplishments, let others do this for a jedi. VIII. Fearlessness Fear leads to the Darkside. Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, and hate leads to suffering. There is so much superstition and hypocrisy around that one is afraid even to do the right thing. But if one gives way to fear, even truth will have to be suppressed. The golden rule is to act fearlessly upon what one believes to be right.
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