The Vows

13 June 2012
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The Vow of Respect: A Jedi must posses the deepest respect for all things, living and inanimate. As a servant of life a Jedi must possess the deepest respect for all things, themselves included. Respect enables a Jedi to deal with both life and people in a fair and honest manner, which strengthens the bonds between people and fosters peace and tranquility.

Well, the sort of respect that is advocated here is that which is innate. There can be another sort of respect, or reverence for those who came before you.
The Vow of Humility: A Jedi is no better or more important than anyone else. A Jedi must always be mindful of their attitudes and self image that they do not become boastful or prideful in either their abilities or beliefs. Humility enables the Jedi to approach others and life in a receptive manner and allows a Jedi to accomplish their goals unobtrusively. The humble person is easier to accept and far less threatening than the braggart.
I think humility is befitting of all peoples, but more so those who have been entrusted with great power.

The Vow of Contemplation: A Jedi must possess a clear mind and approach life and situations from an objective perspective. Emotion, while not bad, can influence the perceptions and judgment of a Jedi and care must be taken to insure that the position of the Jedi is unbiased. To this end meditation is a highly recommended practice that can both clear the mind as well as teaching patience. Meditation is a key in the life of the Jedi and it affords the Jedi the opportunity to commune with the Force and leads them to a greater self-understanding.
We can only ensure that we are unbiased through careful seeking of knowledge and understanding of both sides of an argument. This is the vow of contemplation.

The Vow of Moderation: Balance is key to the life of the Jedi and moderation in all things contributes to this balance. Too little of a thing can lead to deprivation and covetousness. And yet too much can lead to greed and waste. A Jedi must strive to attain only what they need and desire within the bounds of reason. Too little or too much of a thing can be equally destructive and both leach at the peace and contentment of the Jedi.
Like Buddha we must make a constant effort to seek the Middle Path in all things, not going toward any extreme, even in those things which are good.

The Vow of Attachment: Attachment is vital to the life of the Jedi. The Jedi must know life and be intrinsically tied to it in order to better serve the will of the Force. Jedi must possess ties to the people around them and are encouraged to love. Love is a strong connection to the basis of humanity and can serve as a strong foundation of strength and encouragement when a Jedi needs them most.
This attachment must not be of an obsessive sort, but must be present for all things not regarding anything more favorably than anything else.

The Vow of Industry: A Jedi must not be idle. Laziness, procrastination, and indecision are all pathways to the dark side. Not through action but rather inaction, which can be equally destructive. A Jedi is endowed with talents and gifts that are intended for the betterment of the Jedi and the world that surrounds them.
Waiting may produce idleness, but we must always find ourselves busy doing something while we wait.

The Vow of Restraint: A Jedi must learn restraint and must strenuously practice it in all their dealings with others. As conscious conduits of the Fore the Jedi must restrain themselves in their dealings with others. As people Jedi possess passions and opinions and the Jedi must take care not to force these views upon others. A Jedi must realize that their thoughts, feelings, and even intentions leave impressions upon the Force that echo outwards and touch the world and people that surround them. Above all, a Jedi must learn physical restraint. Conflict is a necessary and inevitable aspect of life and yet a Jedi must take care to minimize this conflict. Physical violence must be regarded as only a final and most desperate alternative when all attempts at reason and negotiation have failed.
Most religions teach this in some form. Above all, we must think before we act.

The Vow of Defense: A Jedi is sworn to defense: the defense of themselves, of others, and of ideals. A Jedi is not born to suffer or to sit idly by when others are threatened. The mandate of the Jedi is to defend those that can not defend themselves and to protect the sanctity of life even, if necessary, at the expense of their own.
This vow is important because we are the hands and feet of the Force; we carry out its will. What we do makes a mark on the lives of others, so we must be careful to defend those who cannot defend themselves.

The Vow of Chastity: A Jedi must avoid the temptations and destruction of the flesh, which can cloud the mind and pollute the soul. This refers to the random propagation and unchecked desires of the human animal which, when left to its own designs, can erode the purest of hearts and obliterate the most noble of creatures. The bonds of deep affection between man and wife and even simply between man and woman are not discouraged as they are physical ties that reinforce the connections between the Jedi and their loved ones and between the Jedi and their own mortality.
The opposite of Chastity is giving into passions. Of course this vow considers physical chastity, but we must be careful in all things not to be given to passion.

The Vow of Obedience: A Jedi is to be obedient. Obedient to the laws under which they live, the customs under which they are raised, and to the conscience that directs and steers a Jedi’s thoughts and actions. Furthermore, a Jedi is to obey their instincts and intuitions. For these are a Jedi’s clearest indicators of the will of the Force.
Obedience to man can only go so far. In the end it must be our own intuition that guides us.

The Vow of Cleanliness: A Jedi is to be clean in both body and mind. A clean body and the respect for one's appearance is a clear indicator of one'ss mind and the cleanliness of both allows a Jedi to be more receptive to the Force. A cluttered and contaminated vessel does not allow for the smooth transition and flow of its contents and, as such, it must be cleansed. A Jedi can be viewed in the same light... Through the care and maintenance of themselves the Jedi prepare themselves to be conduits for the Force and enable themselves to be directed by its will.
Cleanliness allows for easier movement mentally and physically and cleanliness on the outside is an indication of the spiritual state.

The Vow of Charity: A Jedi must be giving of themselves. As servants of the Force a Jedi must be willing to give of themselves, their time, and efforts. The Jedi are servants of life and can not contribute to life without effort and dedication. The Jedi are encouraged to help when necessary, to supply when there is need, and hope when there is none.
When necessary is key here. Giving of oneself simply because of an obligation is not the best way, but we must be aware of the things going on around us to see the greatest need.