Force Philosophy

What is the Force?
The Force is all that surrounds us. It is the essence of life, created by life itself. All life is filled with the Force and all that life creates as well contains the Force. It binds us, unites us and ties us together. The Force is a great mystery that drives many to seek to understand its depths. One should seek to fully understand the Force but accept that one will never fully grasp it to completeness. The Force is in all places and by being in all places it must exist in a state of balance and neutrality. The Force strives to maintain a constant, perfect balance. It is not dispassionate of joys but neither is it overeager in disappointments. Due to the innate neutrality of the Force, the Force is in a constant state of peace. To seek to understand the Force, one must strive to match its innate balance and the innate peace that it contains. Life itself is neither good nor evil, it simply is. Therefore, it reasons that the Force as well is not innately good nor evil, it simply is.
However, when pulled out of its natural state of peace the Force is twisted and it will be bent into a corrupting presence known as the Dark Side. Any deed or action taken to twist the Force away from its balance is an act of the Dark Side. Those who undertake such actions repeatedly fall to the results of such. The more an individual attempts to break the balance of the Force, the more they themselves lose their own sense of peace and balance. Thus a cycle emerges of falling deeper into the necessity to twist the Force away from its balance to the Dark Side, consuming the individual with those goals. The Dark Side bases its premise on forgoing the natural peace and embracing the raw emotions and extremes that the Force is not meant to exist in. Only actions to preserve or realign the Force, taken in the presence of peace, can be conducted safely when utilizing the Force. An act to restore peace and the balance of the Force cannot bring about more chaos and disharmony, to do such is reckless and as well of the Dark Side.
Those who call upon the raw emotion in order to break the peace brings severe repercussions from the Dark Side, which will consume the individual and control their destiny within the Force. One must not be emotional in action to preserve the balance of the Force. The stronger the emotion, the more powerful the action and the greater the disruption to the balance.
Emotion without action is acceptable, for emotion is natural. However, action without emotion is not acceptable for a dispassionate individual can still break the balance of the Force through reckless actions. Strong emotions skirt danger due to the temptation to contort the Force through the Dark Side, where as subtle emotions bring about a subtle, yet equally disasterous, twisting of the Force. Emotions must be carefully guarded for they build upon one another rapidly and draw one to the Dark Side.
Truth is in Balance, dishonesty and deception sew chaos. Therefore, Truth is of the Force. Truth, like the Force, is constantly in motion and is fluid, it reasons then that it must be vigilantly pursued. Wisdom and knowledge are truth and therefore those who seek to know the Force must therefore seek Wisdom and knowledge.
Where the Force it taken out of balance, chaos ensues. To allow chaos to exist when one is capable of stopping it, they are aiding the imbalance of the Force and therefore aiding the Dark Side. If the balance can be restored without causing further disruption to the balance of the Force, one is obligated to do such.
All things in life when left to their own devices will seek out balance. The joy of life is balanced with the sorrow of death. The illumination of Light is balanced with the consumption of darkness. It is only through the action of sentinent beings that the balance of the Force can be disturbed.
Natural law states for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. It is submitted that where the Force is concerned, such natural laws hold no weight in regards to these matters. When the balance has been broken a lesser response than the initial action taken to break the balance must be taken. This will allow the Force to ease itself back into its natural state. The more abrupt the recorrection, the more shocking the results. An equal response will cause ripples while a disproportionate response will cause waves. This is the greatest cause of strife within the Galaxy and within the individual, disproportionate responses to disruptions in the balance of the Force. It is the will of those consumed with the Dark Side to disrupt the Force as much as it can and therefore they dwell within the regions of inappropriate and large responses, either undertaken by themselves or in guiding others to cause these disruptions. The natural balance is constantly sought by the Force, and without any outside influence, it will return to the balance after a disruption. However, those affected by the Force, being all of life, may grow accustomed to a false balance as the Force takes time to readjust itself. It is during these times when sentinents, convinced by a false balance, begin to undertake as a society inappropriate actions that fly in defiance of the will of the Force to return to its peaceful, natural state. The longer an imbalance is allowed to persist, the greater the time needed to readjust it back to the natural state of the Force. Therefore, one must extend appropriate effort at all times to ensure the balance of the Force and when necessary, aid in returning it to its natural state for the sake of sentinents.
Whom uses the Force?
With the parameters of the existence established one must now begin to examine the possible relationships that exist between sentient lives and the presence itself. As stated previously, the presence of a Dark aspect that consumes the lives of those who utilize it and dwell within it clearly establishes it as one of the possible relationships. Their sole purpose is to bring disharmony and to break the natural balance that should exist. But what of those who do not practice such aspects? The rest fall into differing categories as well. The first of them are those who simply exist with a connection and ability to communicate and co-exist with the presence. They are aware and carry on their lives be it through positive or negative actions and consequences with little affect of, or effect upon, the presence. The analogy is thus. One does not need to have the presence in order to commit a crime or perform an altruistic deed. Doing such, may well affect the balance of the presence but does not necessarily dictate the life of the one taking the action. 
So what of those who choose to continually perform altruistic acts? Do they run the risk of disrupting the balance? It is submitted they do. Some things in the interactions of life demand a balance to be maintained, even if it is within the power and capability of one to change it for what is presented a ‘positive’ aspect, it is in fact still a reckless course of actions to alter the balance. So how does one determine if a course needs intervention or if it is simply meant to be? It is by maintaining the presence of innate peace that one is able to identify when the balance has been broken. There is no concept as too many good deeds, only inappropriate good deeds. It is good to aid someone in trouble, but it is not ‘good’ if that aid breaks a law or leads to chaos and disruption of balance.
With this in mind we must now examine the duties of those who are sworn to service. It is their duty and life purpose, to preserve the balance and when necessary intervene to set it straight. Again, determination on when this is necessary is conducted through meditation within the natural balance and an understanding of it through time, knowledge, wisdom, and experience. These who conduct such lifestyles as to maintain the balance are called Jedi. A Jedi will use the presence to guide their actions in order to direct a correction of the balance, or if necessary, to eliminate a presence that is steadily presenting a breaking of the balance.
Now, there are those who would claim that the Dark brings balance but they would be in error. Balance exists in natural occurrences without any influence from Dark or other factors. Should all things be considered, all life exists in a peaceful balance. Outside influences are what cause this balance to be disrupted.
So, in summation there are essentially three bases for which one associates with the presence. The Dark who seek to break the natural balance, the natural life whom have no desire to influence the balance in any way, and the Jedi who seek to preserve the peaceful balance and offset the disruptions to it brought by the Dark. In addendum, those who live the natural life may well break the balance through their actions without intent to do such. In those cases, it is still the responsibility of the Jedi to bring the presence back into balance and their main duty to confront and eliminate practitioners of the Dark Side.
What is a Jedi?
A Jedi is a servant of the living Force who has dedicated their life and abilities to maintain the balance of the Force. A Jedi seeks knowledge, wisdom and truth. A Jedi does not take action in mind, word, or deed that will cause the Dark Side or imbalance to strengthen. As no being is perfect, should a Jedi do such they will work to rectify their actions in such a way to set things as they were in balance without further disrupting the balance. A Jedi is a Jedi first, foremost, and only. There can be no conflict within a Jedi's life. It is for this reason that while one is a Jedi they hold no other position. A Jedi cannot be beholden to any task that may even remotely risk conflict with their obligations to the Jedi.
A Jedi continually follows the Two Duties. In order to follow the two duties, a Jedi must be in a state of training and meditation, seeking wisdom and knowledge in order to address situations that arise in proper methods. If a Jedi loses their balance with the Force the ripples of their actions are large and reverberate mightily in the Force.
What are the duties of a Jedi?
The primary duty of a Jedi is to defend the natural, constant balance of peace that exists in the presence of the Force. No other duty will take priority over this. In taking any action, a Jedi must maintain peace. If by not taking action a Jedi allows peace to be maintained, they must then not take action. There will always be windows of opportunity present where a given action may disrupt the peace. The question thusly becomes if an action will disrupt the peace, should the action be taken. In all situations, the response is no. An action should not be taken if it will further disrupt the peace. However, if the natural peace present in the Force has already been broken or disrupted, and an action taken cannot worsten this, action must be taken for it is the duty of a Jedi to maintain the peace. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully weigh and develop preperations to intervene when necessary, as quickly as possible to limit disturbances to the peace.
The secondary duty of a Jedi is to confront the Dark Side. The primary duty and the secondary duty walk in cohesion with one another and serve one another implicitedly. The primary task can only be accomplished with the absense of the Dark Side, therefore it reasons that the elimination of the Dark Side must be of high priority to the Jedi. The Dark is not to be allowed to fester or exist. Allowing such permits the balance of peace to be disrupted and continually broken, therefore violating the primary task of the Jedi. To stop the Dark, any ends may be utilized as long as it does not violate the primary duty of maintaining the peace and not furthering disruption of it. Any means to stopping the Dark Side must not disrupt the peace further, nor may it lead to the strengthening of the Dark Side. For example, one cannot use the Dark Side, to stop the Dark Side, for this accoomlishes nothing but serving the Dark Side and strengthening it.
These are the Two Duties, or the Duo Officium, of the Jedi and must be the focus of all Jedi.
These are the duties of a Jedi. Any other duty or task must fall under these two obligations otherwise it is a personal pursuit of interest to the individual and outside of the realm of the Jedi Order. This reasons, every action must be checked against the duties before taken to verify their accoradance, else it must be accepted that the individual is not acting in the interests of the Jedi but rather their own interests. Continually acting on interests outside of the Jedi requires an individual to submit they no longer support the ideals of the Jedi and their duties and must recuse themself from the formal Jedi Order.
Concerning those outside of the Jedi Order who have not fallen to the Dark Side.
The numbers of sentinents in the Galaxy who are sensitive to the minstrations of the Force are large in number. It therefore stands that not all can be Jedi. As established prior, this does not make them of the Dark Side or evil, that is determined by their actions not their affiliations. A Jedi is no more good or closer to the Force for simply being a Jedi, they merely have sworn to uphold certain truths and duties. So what is to be done with those who are sensitive yet do not seek to become Jedi?
In the Second Duty it is stated that a Jedi must confront the Dark Side, in doing so the balance of the Force must be preserved. Therefore, since Truth is part of the balance of the Force those who are not Jedi must be presented the Truth of the force in order to grant wisdom and knowledge to combat the temptations of the Dark Side. If one is not aware of the Truth, while they are still accountable for their deeds, they must be viewed as children who have made an error but not done it with malintent but rather ignorance. Once the Truth of the Force has been presented an individual then is making a choice with their actions. There are obviously two choices, to live a life that maintains balance in the Force, or to live one that continually disrupts the balance of the Force.
As no individual is aware of all things it is always important to seek counsel with the Force and others who have known its works for some time. Within the Jedi Order, these are known as the Jedi Masters. It is advised that any who are taught the ways of the Force commune regularly with Jedi Masters and other elders of the Force to see the course before them. While the Jedi are not the final authority of the Force their years of experience do often present the benefits of wisdom. As being a Jedi requires pursuit of Truth and wisdom, it reasons that their understanding would be greater than one who does not spend such time in pursuits.
If an individual chooses to forgo the duties of the Jedi but wishes to continue pursuit of maintaining the peace through other means, this should be encouraged. While doing such however it is to be advised that they avoid direct confrontation of those matters the Jedi are designated for (The Second Duty) and focus upon the best methods to provide for the maintaining of the balance of peace. It is advised that these individuals do not gain the full training of the Jedi Martials as it would lead to the temptation to attempt to conduct the obligations of the Second Duty. However, it is advised to offer training sufficient for the individual to conduct the First Duty. Having training and education from the Jedi does not make one a Jedi. They are allies and associates, friends and neighbors, but unless all duties are set aside in order to follow only the Jedi Way, they are not Jedi.
Others may shift between their intentions within the Force. Some may desire to maintain the balance, others may seek to disrupt the balance in small ways. Both must be monitored closely and with care. When an individual disrupts the balance of the Force, knowing full well through training and education what they are doing, it must be addressed. Although not as dangerous as a full act of the Dark Side, it still is dangerous as it lays the foundational ground work for larger disruptions. If when confronted, an individual who has been inconsistant with their life in the Force refuses to see their course and correct it, then it is necessary to address the individual following the available and standard legal practices. It is in this method that the Jedi and Republic work hand in hand most often to address such situations. This also applies to those who are not sensitive to the Force yet still cause disruptions to the balance.
Of the Sith and the Dark Side.
As ancient as the Jedi, the Sith are an aged cult who have been consumed by the Dark Side and readily serve it. Masters of manipulation, corruption, and rot these seek to bring the Force into continual imbalance through word and deed. It is through bringing the Force into imbalance that the Dark Side strengthens and through it, they do as well since they are slaves to the Dark Side. As the Master grows so does the servant. A Sith serves their emotions and in turn are beholden to them. Raw emotion of powerful kinds are the driving force of the Sith. So indepth into the Dark Side they have become that there is little hope of a rekindling of the internal balance for them.
The Sith and the Jedi serve as polar opposites to the Force. It is due to this they are in near constant confrontation with one another.
where a Jedi embraces life, a Sith celebrates death.
Where a Jedi seeks Truth, a Sith spreads deception.
Where a Jedi believes in Democracy, a Sith desires domination.
where a Jedi knows knowledge, a Sith sews confusion.
Where a Jedi spreads peace, a Sith rampages chaos.
Due to the Second Duty it is the obligation of the Jedi to actively confront the Sith at every opportunity presented through direct confrontation or disruption of the Sith's plans. Any who aid the Sith are to be viewed as well as associates and are subject to the same confrontations and disruptions. As with all things, all must be maintained in balance as accorded through the Duo Officium.
What is the path of a Jedi?
All Jedi are found and discovered, none present themselves. A Jedi must understand the obligations upon their shoulders and therefore must accept the consequences of their actions. One who presents themselves as a Jedi believes in their heart they are capable of being one. Egotism leads to placing oneself above others which begins a path to the Dark Side. Instead, one who is found is not seeking glory or honor, but rather responds to the necessity to serve. 
Once found, a Jedi is brought to the home of the Jedi and there they begin to learn. A Padawan learner, or apprentice, learns the meanings of the force. The philosophy of the Jedi, the basic arts of defense and protection, and the role the Jedi serves in the galaxy. As the Padawan grows with wisdom and understanding, they are sent out into the Galaxy under the supervision of a Knight. Often times the Knight who discovered the Padawan. There they continue their growth and learning. Questions asked are answered. When a Knight feels there is nothing more they can teach their Padawan relating to the Force, the Padawan is brought back before the Jedi Council and it is decided if they are ready to complete their trials. If so, the Padawan is sent on their trials to see if they are truly ready to take the title of Jedi Knight.
A Padawan's training is in all things of the Jedi. Philosophy, Law, The Duties, and martial skills. A Jedi Padawan is not, however, a full Jedi. Such position is reserved for Knights and Masters. As such they are not granted the immunity under the law of a full Jedi. As such they are responsible for their actions fully as all Jedi are. A Padawan often will recieve a training Lightsaber to learn with, but only when it is determined the Padawan is ready for such heavy obligation.
When a Padawan has completed their trials, they become a Jedi Knight. A Knight is the arms and hands of the Balance of the Force in the galaxy. Knights often seek out their own callings to serve. Some are gifted with diplomacy and serve in those facets, others are strong in the martials and serve in heavy conflict. But all Knights are Jedi and therefore are to conduct themselves as Jedi in following their Duties. A Knight is immune from Republic Legalities but if stripped of the title of Knight by the Council they become subject to prosecution for actions. A Knight is expected to know much of the Force and the Jedi.
As a Knight progresses in wisdom knowledge and training, the opportunity to become a Master may present itself. A Jedi Master has embraced the way of the Jedi fully and lives in the depths of the Force. While not immune from the temptations of the Dark Side it is expected the Master will set the example for the Order. Often a Jedi Master will lead a situation that requires multiple Jedi, serve as an advice giver to those in need, and be considered a Bastion of the Balance of the Force. A Jedi Master is known throughout the Jedi due to the small number who serve in this position.
The Jedi Council is made up of Jedi Masters. A voting body that makes decisions for the Jedi. To serve upon the Jedi Council is of the highest obligation and requires utmost dedication to the Jedi Ways.
The Voice of the Council is the Jedi Master who speaks for the Jedi Council. A first amongst equals who often cooperates within the Republic Government to serve as advisor and voice of the Jedi to such bodies. To the outsider it is often believed that the Voice of the Council is the leader of the Jedi but it is not such within the Order.
What is the Jedi Order?
The Jedi Order is the body of the Jedi that establishes the conduct Jedi will follow. The Order is what unifies the Jedi from being individuals to being a body. The Order is led by the Jedi Council but any who hold the title of Jedi are of the Jedi Order and expected to adhere to the Order's positions. If a Jedi does not, then they are no longer of the Jedi or the Jedi Order. It is the Jedi Order which is recognized by the Government as the body of the Jedi. The government expects the Order to take care of those within it, and the Order dilligently does so.
What becomes of a Jedi who ceases to want to be one or falls to the Dark Side?
Should a Jedi desire to no longer be a Jedi in the methods necessary they are removed from the Jedi Order. This seperation is conducted in civil ways and with the expectations of continual cooperation. Just because one does not wish to be a Jedi does not mean they embrace the Dark Side. Relationships blessed by the Force may draw people out of the Jedi into new roles of maintaining balance. Those who leave the Jedi simply become considered as the educated force sensitives and are treated as such.
If a Jedi falls to the Dark Side, they are treated as any who have fallen would be. They are confronted and prevented from disrupting the force. If able to be brought back into balance, that is pursued. If they cannot be brought back it is addressed in the methods that are necessary to maintain the balance.
What is the relationship to the Republic?
To understand the relationship to the government one must understand the origins of said relationship. A symbiotic partnership was established between the two in order to further the balance of peace and understanding throughout the systems. To know peace, the government sought the council of the Jedi. The Jedi and government worked together to create a system of rules and regulations to maintain the peace and ensure it for the people. It was the duty of the government to make the rules that were just and equitable for all involved and the duty of the Jedi to enforce these rules. The governing rules represented the interests of preserving peace and opposing the Dark, therefore the rules supported the Jedi, the Jedi enforced the rules, the Jedi supported the government and the government legitimized the rules. The symbiotic relationship was in accordance with the Force.
Over millennia however, the rules and the relationship between the Jedi and the Government has changed. No longer was the Jedi capable of enforcing the rules on its own accord, thusly an expansion of the government into the roles of the Jedi occurred. Individuals who rejected the ideals of the Jedi manipulated the government into legislating against the protection of the natural peace and against confronting the Dark. At the same time, the Jedi began to withhold its wisdom and information from the Government out of concern of the actions of the Government. Distrust and disharmony had a foothold which has led to a steady deterioration in the relationship between the partners.
Age old millennial rights held by the Jedi now come into question by the Government as it feels capable to handle the challenges set before it. Has the government outgrown the use of the Jedi? It is submitted that it has not. In the same the Jedi has not outgrown the use of the Government as the relationship is still important, but changing. The Jedi and the Government are like parents set to guide the children with kindness, enforcing rules not to punish but to protect and guiding them until they are ready to walk upon their own. A divorce between the parents will be disaster upon the children of the Galaxy.
However, with any partnership and relationship work must be undertaken and trust must be maintained. If lost, that trust must be rebuilt. It is the obligation of the Jedi to support the government until such a time as the government no longer allows the Jedi to follow their first two duties. At the time in which the Government restricts the two duties of the Jedi, then the divorce is necessary to preserve the necessary balance of peace. It is not necessary for the Jedi to support all decisions of the Government, nor is it necessary for the Government to support all decisions of the Jedi. It is however, necessary for both to agree to cooperate with understanding.
Requests made by the Government to the Jedi must be undertaken as long as they do not conflict with performing the Two Duties. Requests by the Jedi to the Government must be undertaken as long as it does not cause the Government to conflict itself. It is advised to the Government to heed the words of the Jedi for their concerns are always for peace and the people if they are truly of the Jedi. It is not the same to be said for the Government as self interest is most times the predominant factor in political aspects. It is for this reason none of the Jedi may engage in politics at any time. Communication and sharing of information, insight, and wisdom is acceptable. Politicking, campaigning, and misinformation leads to distrust, chaos, and eventually the Dark Side and therefore will be avoided.
Does a Jedi go to War?
Yes. A Jedi is in fact at constant confrontation with the Dark Side and the Sith. However, it is important to note, none in the Jedi may violate the Two Duties. The Jedi therefore will not instigate a situation if it will disrupt the peace. Nor however will the Order allow the Dark Side to exist. Against those who are not of the Dark Side, the Jedi is reactionary in actions and relies on Defense to maintain the peace. Only in confronting the Dark Side may one of the Jedi initiate confrontation but must be wary of doing so as to not violate the Primary Duty. If doing so violates the Primary Duty then they are reckless and using the Dark Side, thusly breaking the Secondary Duty as well.
Category:The Force
Category:Jedi Order