Written for 365Jedi
There is a line in the movie National Treasure which summed up my views on “power” very well. It basically said, those with the ability to do something have the responsibility to do something. Jedi are about personal betterment. They understand that in order to truly help others you have to be in a position to do so. You have to have the ability to do so. One of the worst feelings is facing a situation in which you want to help so badly and find that you cannot. It can lead you to feel powerless and useless. And it is that feeling which is why many sought the Jedi Path in the first place. To gain control of their lives and be in a position to affect positive change.
As a Jedi trains they gain insight into themselves and the world around them. They become stronger. Not just on a physical level, but more importantly on a mental and emotional level. All areas of well-being become stronger. Spiritual, Social, and Financial as well. It is this strength of character that carries with it a sense of burden. It cannot be given away freely and as much as we would like to help everyone that is simply not possible. Also as a Jedi grows they learn the difference in what constitutes help versus charity. Neither should be shunned, but certainly it is important to recognize the difference and what is needed within the moment.
This is a simple very short and general reminder on the topic. The reason I mention it is because of the above thought in the picture. To quote Doctor Who, “A good man doesn’t need rules.” Jedi have many rules and I have found that to be an enlightening scene which all Jedi should be able to relate too.
As said, as we train we grow stronger. That carries with it responsibility. The more capable we become, the more outward responsibilities we have. But more than that, the stronger we become as individuals the important it becomes to ensure we adhere to the lifestyle we have chosen. To the rules and practices which help direct our power.
Many look at the Jedi and they want the lightsabers and Force Powers. Forgetting one important thing. Many groups in Star Wars, including the Sith, had those things. That is not what made the Jedi who they were. That is not what defined them. It was the direction of purpose. It was how they chose to live that made the Jedi who they were. It is no different for those that follow the Jedi Path in real life. It is our lifestyle, our ideology that makes us who we are. And the further we grow in our path, the more we must keep to the basics. Meditation, Reflection, and Service.