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Lecture IV

Conduct befitting of a Jedi
Lightside@forceacademy.com

As of late, I have had the opportunity to read through several more messages that have been posted on our message board, and there are two things that I would like to address. The first is in reference mainly to new users. The second is for everyone...even for some Jedi that have been around for quite a while. First, there is a certain code of conduct that is followed in this academy. It is not a written code of conduct, because there has never really been the need to bring this up. This is just a reminder to everyone...keep your posts respectful, intellegent, and serious. You may inject a bit of humor into it, but remember that everyone here is serious about learning. Write posts that are *about* something, so that everyone may benefit.

Second is a growing impatience with other trains of thought that I have noticed. I have noted that in some cases, people claiming to follow the Light side of the force wish to "pick a fight" with a Sith, etc. This is not the way of the Jedi. Remember that a fight is the last thing a Jedi wants...they would rather rationally talk things out. One of the examples that I would like to point out as a good working model of respect is the posts on the Shadow Side board between myself and my fellow Master Justin Tallant. Many of you have followed our discussions/debates in that forum, and I believe that it has actually been benificial to the board. One prevalent theme that keeps showing up in our posts is respect. There are many things that I do not agree with Justin on, and I know that there are many things with which he does not agree, that I believe. We both make sure to be fair and open, however, and always have a strong amount of respect for one another, because we know that through our debates, we both just might learn something. So because of this example, I ask you to ask yourself something. Consider the posts that you have made, and think upon how you have treated members of other beliefs. Is it befitting the way of the Jedi, or do you dishonor yourself by going against the same ideals you believe yourself to have? If you look inside of yourself, and you have any doubts...then this is the time to change the way you treat others.

Freedom through restraint
Lightside@forceacademy.com

A Jedi has a particular ally on his or her side...moral value. Some may feel that this has a definite restriction on the different aspects of the Force that a Light Side Jedi may use, and they are correct in their beliefs...to an extent. A Light Side Jedi is restricted in that he or she must always do the morally just thing in a given situation. It is our belief that in every situation, there is a solution with a positive outcome. As Light Side Jedi, that is a strong example of our optimistic point of view. What of situations where there is no truly positive outcome, where the loose ends do not tie up perfectly? It is at this point that a Jedi has two responsibilities. The first responsibility entails finding a strong solution to the problem, using Light Side means. The second responsibility is a "Plan B" sort of action...utilize the most morally just of your options, to obtain the best solution possible. Sometimes, this may not be an incredibly positive solution. But rest well in the knowledge that you have attempted to do your best. This brings up the point of "Do, or do not. There is no try." This does not lock in an absolutely positive solution. This simply means that you are to DO the best you can, not TRY to do the best you can. This means that you are to DO what is right, not TRY to do what is right. And, last but not least, you are to DO what you have set out to accomplish. You are not to TRY for a lesser solution. Once you have set your eyes on a path that you have judged to be the most humane, the most positive, you are to follow that path, wherever it may lead you. Again and again, the point is stressed that we are to use Light Side techniques in the belief that no matter how they are used, any use of Dark Side techniques leads to a Dark end result.

A Jedi finds peace in helping others. We are without conflict within ourselves because we believe in our cause. We have no decisions to make regarding which is the right path to choose...the right path is the path that is right. It is through our idealism, through helping others, that we find out roots in the force, and find something to believe in. We exist to improve upon things...and to bring light to an otherwise dark world.

JediKnightG
PradseLost@aol.com