While at Tenebrae Surgunt, I was challenged to look at each line of the "No/Is" Jedi Code and develop an interpretation. Below, you'll see my exploration of "There is no Emotion, there is Peace"
TS Assignment: What is peace? How does a Jedi live in peace?
Peace is an illusion and at once the essence of all. True peace demands an ideal, the end of change, a permanence. This does not occur in human beings nor in the universe, conflict, internally and externally is part of existence. Yet at the same time, on a sub atomic level, atoms and other phenomena must work in harmony otherwise reality could not work. Even on an observable level we see this same need for balance, a need for peace. Even among predators and prey there is a form of harmony when the system is balanced, they keep an order so that they don’t place inconsistent or untenable demands on their environment. Even though superficially they are in constant conflict, they ensure each other’s continued existence.
A Jedi thus faces a complex task in seeking peace, they must achieve it with in to achieve it without. In the films the Jedi are trained since children in managing internal conflict and have tangible supernatural power of the Force as a centering point of calmness, and they were trained ambassadors and were hired as such by the Republic as peace keepers.
Real Jedi of today’s world lack such luxuries or conveniences. I shall attempt to explore the idea by two areas, emotions and external behaviours. Emotions are a difficult idea to discuss or understand. Psychology would hold there are no negative emotions and that all emotions deserve to be and should be expressed or explored. Yet at the same time psychology would hold that cognition run by extreme emotions are dangerous and destructive. Such thought forms dominated by emotion are central to disorders such as depression.
Thus, the perfect answer is to acknowledge our emotions while not allowing them to lead us to disruptive behaviour. The best way to do this is through acknowledging and identifying our own psychological defence mechanisms which are inherently a part of our emotional context and how they affect our behaviours. To reference the most recent and widely accepted model of defence mechanisms; Vaillant’s categorisation of defence mechanisms, mature and emotional healthy adults utilise seven mechanisms:
1. Altruism: Constructive service to others that brings pleasure and personal satisfaction.
2. Anticipation: Realistic planning for future discomfort.
3. Humour: Overt expression of ideas and feelings (especially those that are unpleasant to focus on or too terrible to talk about) that gives pleasure to others. The thoughts retain a portion of their innate distress, but they are "skirted round" by witticism.
4. Identification: The unconscious modelling of one's self upon another person's character and behaviour.
5. Introjection: Identifying with some idea or object so deeply that it becomes a part of that person.
6. Sublimation: Transformation of negative emotions or instincts into positive actions, behaviour, or emotion.
7. Thought suppression: The conscious process of pushing thoughts into the preconscious; the conscious decision to delay paying attention to an emotion or need to cope with the present reality; making it possible to later access uncomfortable or distressing emotions while accepting them.
These same mechanisms would in turn ideally be utilised by a real Jedi. A Jedi must aim to be healthy emotionally so that in turn their behaviour reflects this. A Jedi’s emotions and thoughts are as one, not in discord with one leading the other. When they are in discord a Jedi will sensibly step back and sort their emotional state before taking part in further actions. However, the practice of active suppression is unhealthy, an ignorance of one’s emotional state will eventually lead to discord. Yet as an unconscious method it is invaluable.
In behaviour it is more difficult to suggest how a Jedi ought to act. However, a Jedi has invaluable tools in their hands to understand how. The Law of the Land, their own ethical compass and Jedi morality. A Jedi must always be respectful of the law, unless it is in violation of human rights or insults the idea of the sanctity of life. When their actions may cross into interaction with the law they must be mindful of this reality and act accordingly. When it comes to ethical concerns their actions should be in line with the moral decision.
On another level, how does a Jedi help achieve peace in their community? Probably through the principle of understanding natural laws. A Jedi is an enabler and facilitator, not an active changing element of his or her community. A Jedi must maintain balance by helping people help themselves against disruptive elements. If a Jedi constantly interferes directly they will cause dependence, and this will be disruptive, they will ruin whatever peace they may have achieved the first time they can’t step in directly. Thus, a Jedi in their actions maintains peace by helping to create an environment of self-dependence among their community.