Mark Barwell: Blog

As a result of the increased violence and terrorist activity in the world, we are subject to an ever-increased amount of laws and regulations designed to limit the possibility of further attacks. Our correspondence is monitored, our streets scanned with a multitude of cameras, our civil liberties are restricted, all in the name of protection. To some this is a comfort, a sign that we are being cared for and losing some of our freedom is a small price to pay for an increased feeling of safety. However, to others this is an unacceptable infringement of the concept of liberty; can you really trust those that are keeping an eye on us? Are their motives benevolent or malevolent? To quote: “who watches the watchmen?”

The same is the case with our systems of faith. A religion that imposes a strict set of rules and code of conduct may to some be providing a guiding light, a comforting sense of direction through life. On the other hand, it may be seen to limit free-thinking and freedom of expression. Certain scholars have argued that the Old Testament, a central component of several major world religions, had been written, or altered, to reflect the wishes of the ruling elite at the time. Take for example, the story of the creation of humans. In some ancient versions, Adam and Lilith were created equal but she refused to lie beneath Adam (i.e. accept his dominance over her) and fled Eden as a result. Variations upon this story have her banished from Eden and turning into a sex-crazed mother of demons. Other (more recent) ones omit her from the story completely, focusing on Adam's subsequent partner, Eve, who was said to be born from him, and therefore demonstrating that females are subservient to males. Is this the word of God or the wish of man?

It all depends on your viewpoint and this is the crucial matter: YOU are the important person in your faith. We are all an essential part of the Force, with an equality that honours the divine within each person. Does your faith serve your purpose? Or does it serve others above you? Does it serve anyone at all? Only you can answer that, just as you are the one to determine your acceptance of the systems that you engage with. There are far too many places in the world where freedom of expression is not allowed, where persecution, prosecution and execution go hand-in-hand if the law of the land (usually claimed as the law of God) is not obeyed.

If you have the ability to choose your path, then honour it with very step you take. All too often, freedom is taken for granted and is only realised when it is taken away. So ask yourself what YOU need. Examine your community: your faith, your place of residence, your circle of friends, even a site such as this. Do the rules of that community serve your purpose or do you feel restricted by them? Do they offer you the chance to develop and learn within a safety net of monitored behaviour? Or do they limit your possibilities? Security or submission – the choice is yours.

Jediism - a 21st Century Paradigm

So what is Jediism? Perhaps it's better to begin by saying what Jediism is not. It's not a role-playing opportunity, it's not a joke, and it's not a delusional fantasy for those whose dream is to wield a lightsaber and talk like Alec Guinness. Jediism is an inter-faith initiative and syncretistic religion - meaning that it involves elements from more than one religious practice - that was inspired by the ideals and tenets of the fictional Jedi as portrayed in the Star Wars films, including concepts such as peace-keeping, humility, courage, wisdom and faith.

Delving deeper into the story of Star Wars, we see that George Lucas (writer, producer and some-time director of the Saga) based the central plot and characterisations on archetypal myths and figures that can be found in different forms throughout human history and he was very much influenced by the thoughts and writings of his friend Joseph Campbell, mythologist and comparative theologist. It's no coincidence that upon the release of Star Wars in 1977, many world religions claimed that the story mirrored the legends and parables of their own beliefs.

Shanti Feder, editor of Parabola Magazine (published by the Society for the Study of Myth and Tradition) wrote: "In classic mythology, the hero reluctantly leaves the homeland (in Luke [Skywalker]'s case, the planet Tatooine) on a quest that takes him over a supernatural threshold into a strange land. A helper/co-hero such as space jockey Han Solo lends a steady hand through a series of ordeals. Comic relief is provided by tricksters such as the Greek muse Thalia or C3PO and R2-D2. Ultimately, the hero must stand on his own, face the darkness and conquer it before returning to reality, stronger and wiser. "

One of the reasons for Jediism being treated as little more than a joke concerns the fact that it is influenced by the concepts behind a (reasonably recent) film series. Feder continues:

"There is the test-of-time thing to consider. A lot of people would hesitate to put the label of 'myth' on something relatively new like Star Wars. But, a myth is a myth, no matter what trappings we put on it. Give them light sabers instead of swords and it doesn't matter."

After all, the structure and practices of Wicca are fairly recent when compared to older traditions such as Druidry and Taoism, but that doesn't make them any less relevant or pertinent to those who follow that path. Jediism can be described as a belief system based on older spiritual tenets and the same can arguably be applied to a great deal of different faiths: Scientology, Wicca, even Christianity!

This is one of the core ideals of Jediism - that all spiritualities have a commonality and that these can be embraced instead of the focus being on the differences between us. Initiatives such as the Alliance for a New Humanity or the Universal Life Church echo this sentiment and call for a unifying spirit of brother- and sister-hood amongst the religions and faiths of the world while still allowing each one to maintain their individuality.

Even within the Jedi community there are many different churches and orders, each with their own structures and methods. Some insist on the wearing of hooded robes in public and this has been the source of some negativity in the media towards Jediism. Others focus on the philosophical ideals of world religions. Whatever the flavour, there is a central premise that is guided by the inspiration of the fictional Jedi and this is encapsulated in the following, known as the Orthodox 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 Chaos: There is Harmony.

There is no Death; There is the Force.

The Force is seen as "what everything comes from, what everything currently exists within, and what everything returns to. It is the energy behind the existence of everything known or unknown to humanity, a unified field theory" and can be reconciled with the concepts of Qi, Prana or even some interpretations of the Christian Holy Spirit. As such, Jedi are encouraged to develop their connection to this energy through practices such as meditation, energy healing (Reiki, etc), astral projection and journeying, and martial arts such as Aikido, Tai Chi or Ju-Jitsu.

Many Jedi orders allow the individual to continue to practise their own beliefs within the context of Jediism. I speak from experience of the Temple of the Jedi Order, for example, which received its charter as an International Church of Jediism in 2005 and allows members to train in aspects of Jediism, the opportunity to work towards a qualification in theology, and to undergo clerical training to become ordained ministers. As a Church, the Order is looked after by people in the roles of Ministers, Deacons, Priests and Bishops and its syncretistic nature is expressed through 5 Rites: Abrahamic (Christian, Jewish, etc), Pagan, Buddist, Humanist and Pure Land (followers of Jediism without additional belief systems). The Order advocates learning from each Rite and it is considered to be enriched by this solidarity of faith. Our communality lies in our celebration of the Force and practice of the doctrine. Other than that we celebrate and live together our differences.

Progression within each order usually follows the pattern set by the fictional Jedi - members are taken on as Apprentices and undergo a period of study and training before being considered for Knighthood. Knights who have taken apprentices who themselves reach Knighthood and then go on to train apprentices are considered to be Masters. Thus members are encouraged to support the growth and learning of the whole community.

As Jedi, we naturally encounter prejudice and scorn and are seen by many as "geeks obsessed with Star Wars". It's true that many of us appreciate those films and see them as parables for life lessons. Many of us also own lightsaber hilts that serve a ceremonial and representational purpose. But there's so much more to Jediism than that and I hope that this article has begun to shed some light on the topic and possibly dissolve some animosity. After all, many of us pagans know only too well the sting of abuse hurled by those who do not take the time to understand or empathise.

My own path to Jediism began with research into the Census phenomenon and led me to the Temple of the Jedi Order and its teachings. Having been active in my local pagan community but disillusioned with certain aspects, I was searching for a way to express my eclectic pagan path alongside people of all faiths, in a supportive and mutually respectful environment. But don't just take my word for it. Here are a couple of examples from other Jedi about what it means to them:

"How it feels to be a Jedi...spiritually home. I feel more relaxed. I feel more at peace. I'm not so concerned for my future. The really great thing in Jediism is that we all can have our opinion and I can happily live mine (Pure Land), while a Pagan Jedi can live theirs, and a Abrahamic Jedi can have theirs and we all get along!"

"We don't teach others what to think or believe - what we teach or try to teach is the ability to educate oneself - to develop free thinking, independence from dogma and mind control that has and continues to exist in many forms over many years. We believe however it is perfectly acceptable to question what we're told without the need to resort to confrontation."

Everything that I read about the ideals and spirit of Jediism spoke to me on a very personal and spiritual level and this cannot be more accurately defined (at least for myself) than with the 16 Basic Teachings. Putting aside any preconceptions, prejudices or expectations, I wonder if they will resonate with you as well:

16 Basic Teachings of the Jedi

1. As Jedi, we are in touch with the Living Force flowing through and around us, as well as being spiritually aware of the Force. Jedi are trained to become sensitive to the Force's energy, fluctuations, and disturbances.

2. Jedi live and focus on the present; we must neither dwell on the past nor be overly concerned about the future. As the mind wanders, focusing on the present is a task not easily attained, for the mind is not content with the eternal present moment. As Jedi, we must release our stress and ease our minds.

3. Jedi must maintain a clear mind; this is achieved through meditation and contemplation. Our minds can become cluttered and infected by forces and attitudes that we encounter every day, and must be purged of these unnecessary elements on a daily basis.

4. As Jedi, we are mindful of our thoughts... we focus our thoughts on the positive. The positive energy of the force is healthy for the mind, body and spirit.

5. As Jedi, we trust and use our feelings. We are intuitive, more so than others and with this heightened intuition we become more spiritually evolved as our minds become more harmonious with the Force and it's influences.

6. Jedi are patient. Patience is elusive but can be consciously developed over time.

7. Jedi are mindful of the negative emotions which lead to the Dark Side: Anger, Fear, Aggression, and Hate. If we sense these emotions manifesting within ourselves, we must meditate on the Jedi Code and focus on purging these destructive emotions.

8. Jedi understand that physical training is as important as training the mind and the spirit. We understand that all aspects of training are necessary to maintain the Jedi way of life and to perform the duties of a Jedi.

9. Jedi protect the peace. We are warriors of peace, and are not ones to use force to resolve a conflict; it is through peace, understanding and harmony that conflicts resolve.

10. Jedi believe in destiny and trust in the will of the Living Force. We accept the fact that what seems to be random events are not random at all, but the design of the Living Force of Creation. Each living creature has a purpose, understanding that purpose comes with a deep awareness of the Force. Even things that happen which seem negative have a purpose, though that purpose is not easy to see.

11. Jedi must let go of obsessive attachment, both material and personal. The obsession over possessions creates the fear of loosing those possessions, which can lead to the Dark Side.

12. Jedi believe in eternal life. We do not become obsessed in mourning those who pass. Grieve as you will but take heart, for the soul and spirit continue in the netherworld of the Living Force.

13. Jedi use the Force only when it is necessary. We do not apply our abilities or powers to boast or be prideful. We use the Force for knowledge, and exercise wisdom and humility in doing so, for humility is a trait all Jedi must embody.

14. We as Jedi believe that love and compassion are central to our lives. We must love each other as we love ourselves; by doing this, we envelope all life in the positive energy of the Force.

15. Jedi are guardians of peace and justice. We believe in finding peaceful solutions to problems, gifted as we are we remain negotiators of the utmost ability. We never negotiate out of fear, but never fear to negotiate. We embrace justice, protecting and preserving the fundamental rights of all living creatures. Empathy and compassion are vital to us; it allows us to comprehend the wounds caused by injustice.

Mark Barwell D.D. O.C.P.

Mark is a shamanic practitioner, Reiki Master/Teacher of both Western and Japanese styles, and a student of Oriental philosophy and bodywork. He is also the Cardinal Bishop of the Pagan Rite of the Temple of the Jedi Order:  www.templeofthejediorder.org