Essay Questions

1.It can be said that there are 3 aspects of any discussion: thesis, antithesis and synthesis.

What are the meanings of the words thesis, antithesis and synthesis?
Thesis: proposition stated or put forward for consideration, especially one to be discussed and proved or to be maintained against objections: He vigorously defended his thesis on the causes of war.
2.
a subject for a composition or essay.
Antithesis:
1. opposition; contrast: the antithesis of right and wrong.
2. the direct opposite (usually followed by of or to ): Her behavior was the very antithesis of cowardly.

Synthesis:
1. the combining of the constituent elements of separate material or abstract entities into a single or unified entity ( opposed to analysis, ) the separating of any material or abstract entity into its constituent elements.
2. a complex whole formed by combining.
3. Chemistry . the forming or building of a more complex substance or compound from elements or simpler compounds.
4. Philosophy . the third stage of argument in Hegelian dialectic, which reconciles the mutually contradictory first two propositions, thesis and antithesis.

In summation, thesis is the point, antithesis the counterpoint, and synthesis the middle path between the two containing elements of both

What’s the importance of synthesis for a Jedi?
Well, a Jedi is first a diplomat and then a warrior if necessary and so in solving conflicts we must find the middle path. Furthermore, Buddha advises us to see life as it really is, not simply as it appears to be. Life is seldom seen in absolutes, but is seen differently based on point of view. Reconciling points of view is one of our jobs as Jedi.
Can you think of an example you’ve experienced or heard of where synthesis has been important?
Well, I have had several friendly debates in chat about dualism , education, failure and the like. I am very opinionated, but I always walked away with something new. I feel that is the point of any debate or discussion, that both parties walk away with a new perspective. The best example I can give is religion. When doing exercise 5 I started with monotheism. Believe it or not there are several different forms, each with their own tenants. I had to somehow synthesize the lot of them to keep from going insane.

Source: Dictionary.com

2. There are many different views about the nature of free will and whether we have any free will at all and each comes with different moral and social issues.

Do you believe in free will? Do you believe that we all have a destiny? Can we escape it/change it?
I believe in both. The idea of free will is a necessary illusion (perhaps only in the West). What would compel us to move if we did not believe we were masters of our own destiny. By the same token, we could say that the idea that we are a part of a grand design gives us motivation to act for a higher purpose.
Certainly we have a destiny which for me is best illustrated by the roads we travel. If I am traveling on a road that will take me to Sacramento, eventually I will get there. One could say I was destined to get there. On the other hand, if I change roads, and go to the road which leads to Las Vegas I have changed my destiny. Now as to whether it was MY idea or some higher power’s working that led to the change from Sacramento to Vegas I cannot truly say.
What moral and social issues do you think this view might cause?
Well this view definitely causes some religious backlash. I think in most religions you have to come down on one side or the other. On the other hand, theistic views form our opinion regarding whether we have free will or not and I can tell I have been influenced by them.
Does it matter whether we have free will or not?
I think as long as we continue to act ethically, the question of free will is moot. We will indeed reap the consequences of our actions whether pre-planned or not.

3.Your life is a collection of unique and personal experiences. Some of those will be good and some will be bad, but all of them you have had to face in some way to be here today.

What stands out in your life as a challenge? What has changed you? What’s something that’s made you what you are?
The greatest trial for me has been growing up with CP, not because of physical consequences, but others directly from family and society. I spent most of my childhood not knowing my mother, in the foster care system. I also spent most of my life hating myself for my perceived inadequacies. Sometimes I still feel this hatred boiling up inside me. It made me want to go above and beyond my limitations and created for me a sort of sour disposition.
Growing up I had an invisible rival named Michele. She was my parent’s way of inspiring me. Apparently, having Cerebral Palsy, I needed some extra motivation. Unfortunately, I was never good enough by their estimation. If I could do twenty steps, she could do forty. This has produced in me an obsessive spirit of competitiveness. Now, I do not know whether the desires I have to be excellent are pure or if they are motivated by my fear that I will not be good enough.
When I was sixteen years old I attended a Summer Camp. Heretofore, I had been attending Summer Camps for the disabled, but this time, because I spoke up, I was able to attend another one. Toward the end of my time there, we were all going on an obstacle course. Because I was the only disabled person, I believe it was assumed that I wouldn’t be able to complete it. I tried by myself and failed epicly, but I was determined because everyone else had done it and they were going to all play that I had done the entire thing. Nevertheless, I persuaded them to let me do it entirely with some help. For the longest time I would not accept obvious forms of adaptation, but when I saw how much people were inspire by my courage and perseverance, I learned that I can do things my own way and still make a difference.
Can you think of a trial or tribulation that has helped define you?
Well, as I said before, I have CP. My mother was using drugs while she was pregnant with me and left me in the hospital to be taken care of by the system. For so many years I hated her because she left me believing I was an orphan. I could not forgive her for some time. Then when I turned about 16 or 17, mother and I were driving to San Diego from Pomona and having a deep conversation about that. She explained to me that she thought that that course of action was best for me at the time. I cannot say I have forgiven her (because I felt such pain and suffering) but having done a similar thing, I can definitely sympathize.
How did you get through it? What did it change? Are you a better person because of it? Have you moved on from it..…?
I cannot say that I have gotten through it fully, but that conversation and the truths I have definitely taken steps in the right direction. It changed my perception of decisions and right and wrong and the motives for certain decisions . I am definitely a better person because of this, but I cannot say that I have completely moved on.

4.There are numerous Jedi in the world and each has their own views on Jediism.

If someone was to come up to you in the street and ask you ‘What IS the Jedi path? What IS Jediism?’ how would you respond?
I could say all the right words (Jediism is combination of the medieval knight, the shaolin monk and a host of religions depending your point of view. But, I have met so many different people in chat and on the forum, that I really cannot fully describe it . I would say that they should check it out and see for themselves.
What would be the first, most important, few things you would tell them and make sure they knew?
I would tell them that Jediism is an individual journey. Sure there are codes and creeds that vaguely explain our beliefs, but to live them and how one does so is an individual thing.

What IS the Jedi Path and Jediism to you?
Jediism for me is all about knowledge. I came here because I was enthralled by the Initiate Lessons. I am always and have always been thirsty for knowledge. The more I know the more I know I don’t know and the sweeter the journey becomes. My path is one of knowledge. Getting to know myself and accept what I find.

5.There are many different, and personal, views of The Force.

What is The Force to you?
Well the Force is the connection between all things existing in the universe whether animate or inanimate. It is this connection which gives things power to carry out a purpose.
What connection, if any, do you feel you have to It?
I feel I have a small connection to it. It could definitely use some work. This small connection is a direct result of my theistic beliefs. At times it seems greater and at times it seems to not be present.

6.When you see the word Force, you’ll undoubtedly think of Jediism.

What comes to your mind, in relation to Jediism, when you hear the word Force?
Well, I used to think of Star Wars and then I expanded my view to think of God’s power which resides in each of us. Now I have come to understand the words: “It surrounds us, it penetrates us, it binds all things together. The Force need not be restricted to only living things. We must also establish a connection with all facets of the universe. 

7.Many people believe that a healthy Body breeds a healthy mind.

How much importance do you place on keeping your body, as well as your mind, in shape?
Truthfully, I wish I kept my body in better shape and as soon as I find some physical activity which is fun that I can do, I will use it to keep my body in shape. I would really like to take up some form of martial arts.

Does one take precedence over the other?
I think there needs to be a healthy balance between the two, so no.
How do you think keeping your body in shape might help you on your Jedi path?
Well there have been a lot of studies proving that regular physical activity produces better mental acuity, and since my path is one of knowledge, I think physical activity will be important.

8. The word cult gets thrown around a lot in a negative light.


What does the word actually mean?
1. a particular system of religious worship, especially with reference to its rites and ceremonies.
2.an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, especially as manifested by a body of admirers: the physical fitness cult.
3. the object of such devotion.
4. a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.
5. Sociology . a group having a sacred ideology and a set of rites centering around their sacred symbols.

Does Jediism, in your view, fit into the definition of ‘cult’? if so by how much?
Yes, but only in the same sense that every other religion is a cult as well. The fourth definition best defines Jediism to me. But, we don’t really worship the Force. Sure we believe in it, but we use it more than worship it.
Source: Dictionary.com 

9. We teach that it is important for a Jedi to let go of the past and to not dwell on it; we need to remember that things gone by can no longer be changed.

What do you think this means?
I think it is important to learn from the past, but not to dwell on it or live in it or let it affect your life to such a degree that you cannot focus on the present or live therein.

How and where does this teaching tie into acceptance, acknowledgement and forgiveness?
Recalling what I discussed earlier about accepting what happened to me and accepting myself, acceptance is the first step toward acknowledgement and forgiveness. I have to realize that I am ok as I am right now physically and mentally in order to be able to accept what is next for me. I mean I cannot continue to blame people for what happened because it does nothing to change it. When I wake up tomorrow I will be the same person. This realization can help me forgive those who hurt me.
Why do you think this might be important for a Jedi?
Well any sort of obsession can lead to the Dark Side. Dwelling on the past can be seen as an obsession and must be avoided.

10. The sword has been used symbolically throughout history.

What has its symbolism throughout history been?
From Wikipedia “The sword is said to be the emblem of military honor and should incite the bearer to a just and generous pursuit of honor and virtue. It is symbolic of liberty and strength. In the Middle Ages, the sword was often used as a symbol of the word of God. The names given to many swords in mythology, literature, and history reflect the high prestige of the weapon and the wealth of the owner.”
How does this relate to Jedi, Jediism and the fictional lightsaber?
Well the sword symbolizes how we are supposed to be on our path. The knights code says “ A knight is sworn to valor, his heart knows only virtue.” Furthermore, his image is supposed to bring peace. So the Jedi is to live in this manner. Seeking valor and virtue and keeping peace and being a peacemaker. This often does not require Force in the physical sense, but at the proper time, when all avenues have been used, then force may be necessary.