On Relationships
The Old Republic Jedi had a strict rule on taking adepts into the order. They would not take adults or even adolescents. Instead, they only took younglings. This accomplished two very key things for the Old Republic Jedi. First, it created an environment of holistic Jedi preservation and training for the beginner. And second, it avoided any ties to family that might root unnecessary emotions.
One might think this is somewhat harsh – many families protested their young children being taken to the Jedi Order for training. And still yet many were delightfully open to losing their child. For in giving up their offspring, they contributed to the betterment of the galaxy in some way.
While I feel this is quite callous, there is merit to some of the reasoning behind the practice. Keeping oneself dedicated to the Jedi way and not distracted by love, family, or offspring is a very focused way to live. While some may claim this is a lonely way to live, it is a very Jedi way. For the Jedi do not find companionship in the few, we find it in the many. We do not love an individual or two above all, we love all others above any single person, including ourselves.
After the dark times and the period of the first empire, the practice of bringing in Jedi of any age was allowed in the New Jedi Order. Further, they allowed relations. Master Tionne once recorded:
‘Because Luke believed the galaxy needed a new generation of Jedi and knew firsthand that the Force was strong in certain families, he did not discourage marriage and procreation.’
It was this lenience that created some of the greatest Jedi in more recent history and which also restored the Jedi Order once more in the galaxy.
However, with many Jedi afloat in our present times, it is essential that we adhere to the old ways on this regard. We all have family, or had at one time. Even an orphan Jedi will learn to recall his parents and their heritage. And we should not forget them or ignore the love they may have shared with us. But we must move on and train our minds, our hearts, and our souls to love all life in the galaxy. Dedicating one’s own heart to any other individual takes away from that all-encompassing love.
I realize in writing this that I will possibly upset certain folks I have met in my days who have taken on the partnership or bonding with another person. While I disagree, they are still my friends and I do believe they can still serve the Jedi Order. However, I would never fully consent to that type of relationship and I know that most Jedi will serve the order better without this type of union.
Are we to be without love, family, or friendship? Absolutely not. Aside from family we must not forget, and aside from the love of all living beings, friendships are necessary bonds that Jedi must have for a multitude of reasons. Friends can listen to our stories, share their own experiences, help us learn together, ensure political or financial ties in certain circumstances, and help the order obtain crucial information on galactic goings-on. We enjoy their company and mourn their loss, but both sides know that this life is only temporary and the will of the Force and safety of the galaxy matter most.
It is a fine line, then, between friendship, family, and intimate love. But it is a line we must not cross as True Jedi. We must dedicate ourselves to the will of the Force and be guided by that focus, shared not with another single being, but with those whom we serve daily – the people of the galaxy.
One might think this is somewhat harsh – many families protested their young children being taken to the Jedi Order for training. And still yet many were delightfully open to losing their child. For in giving up their offspring, they contributed to the betterment of the galaxy in some way.
While I feel this is quite callous, there is merit to some of the reasoning behind the practice. Keeping oneself dedicated to the Jedi way and not distracted by love, family, or offspring is a very focused way to live. While some may claim this is a lonely way to live, it is a very Jedi way. For the Jedi do not find companionship in the few, we find it in the many. We do not love an individual or two above all, we love all others above any single person, including ourselves.
After the dark times and the period of the first empire, the practice of bringing in Jedi of any age was allowed in the New Jedi Order. Further, they allowed relations. Master Tionne once recorded:
‘Because Luke believed the galaxy needed a new generation of Jedi and knew firsthand that the Force was strong in certain families, he did not discourage marriage and procreation.’
It was this lenience that created some of the greatest Jedi in more recent history and which also restored the Jedi Order once more in the galaxy.
However, with many Jedi afloat in our present times, it is essential that we adhere to the old ways on this regard. We all have family, or had at one time. Even an orphan Jedi will learn to recall his parents and their heritage. And we should not forget them or ignore the love they may have shared with us. But we must move on and train our minds, our hearts, and our souls to love all life in the galaxy. Dedicating one’s own heart to any other individual takes away from that all-encompassing love.
I realize in writing this that I will possibly upset certain folks I have met in my days who have taken on the partnership or bonding with another person. While I disagree, they are still my friends and I do believe they can still serve the Jedi Order. However, I would never fully consent to that type of relationship and I know that most Jedi will serve the order better without this type of union.
Are we to be without love, family, or friendship? Absolutely not. Aside from family we must not forget, and aside from the love of all living beings, friendships are necessary bonds that Jedi must have for a multitude of reasons. Friends can listen to our stories, share their own experiences, help us learn together, ensure political or financial ties in certain circumstances, and help the order obtain crucial information on galactic goings-on. We enjoy their company and mourn their loss, but both sides know that this life is only temporary and the will of the Force and safety of the galaxy matter most.
It is a fine line, then, between friendship, family, and intimate love. But it is a line we must not cross as True Jedi. We must dedicate ourselves to the will of the Force and be guided by that focus, shared not with another single being, but with those whom we serve daily – the people of the galaxy.