I would like to start this blog entry with a deep cut from the archives at JustJedi; the first of the 21 Maxims from Jediism:
I. Prowess To seek excellence in all endeavors expected of a Jedi Knight, martial and otherwise, seeking strength to be used in the service of justice, rather than in personal aggrandizement. A Jedi strives to excel physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, and can put these in motion instantly. This requires discipline, patience and perfect practice, for a Jedi is always mindful of what lies behind and what lies ahead, and prepares for the encounter with his destiny. A Jedi Knight engages in the battle to be victorious on whatever front he is faced with in the modern world. - David Dorey/Seph (Jediism, 2001)
Students, and those interested in the courses of Armonia Seminary, will have noticed the mention of Arts; scholarly art in “A Jedi’s Duty” to give a specific example. This is, as with other aspects of the courses, inspired by the Jedi Compass. The Arts are found under the title of prowess, and there are four arts, and for ease of readership I have included the relevant excerpt from the compass below:
Defence Art- A “Defence Art” is not necessarily physical in nature, it can be through speech, writing, diplomacy, art or several other options which lead to an active method of curing the world of oppression. Like many of the other disciplines, you may find that your defence Art is the same as another art (Physical, Scholarly, or Spiritual).
Physical Art- A Jedi should seek a physical art within their capabilities which keeps them them in shape and focuses on maintaining discipline of their body. Part of the physical art, which can be observed by all Jedi regardless of their mobility, is health. A Jedi should eat right and maintain their health to the best of their ability.
Scholarly Art- A Jedi should seek out skills that provide benefit to them and the people around them. The search for knowledge is fundamental to Jedi as one never stops learning, seeking knowledge or bettering their skills.
Spiritual Art- A spiritual art may be as simple as developing meditation but can go far beyond this. A Jedi may choose to develop a spiritual art aimed at connecting them with “the Force” through healing, seeking guidance, or simply developing their own self-awareness.
The arts are how we as individuals, and as Jedi; seek to better ourselves, contribute to our community, and hopefully better the world. Hopefully one can see the connection between the maxim from 2001, and the compass in 2015. The focus of the Jedi path has always been one of excellence; to hone skills that are of use to others and to one’s self.
Admittedly; this post has been partially inspired by realising one is some what of a last man standing. The last of a particular generation of Jedi Masters from a site called Real Jedi Knights. From when it’s original architects; Jesse Bendyn, and Mi-Zhe Fu were at it’s head. Jesse Bendyn has long left the Jedi community, and Mi-Zhe Fu has at last retired, and the training regime of Jedi Knights (As it is now known) looking to change significantly in the coming year. It has put one in a reflective mood, and in doing so I have taken a hard look at my choice of Arts; how do I help others through being a Jedi. I hope that in mapping my choice of Arts, and presenting the reasoning, that students, and readers in general will gain a better grasp of the Arts. Similarly; I feel a real-life example might better explore how all the arts are fundamentally integrated, as hinted at in the compass but not truly explained.
Defence Art: First Aid, Mental and Physical. I am a volunteer with St John Ambulance, and regularly go on duty as a First Aider to a variety of events. However, I am also trained in Mental Health First Aid, and have had many occasions to call on said skill to aid others in a multitude of other guises. You would be surprised how many people you can say hello to, and ask how they are earnestly, and find they need help.
Physical Art: Karate and Martial Arts. The amusing thing is that a decade ago this would have been my defence art. I used to work as a doorman and used to regularly teach self-defence to vulnerable groups. However, now my karate is merely a means to stay in shape, though I seek to constantly improve and learn more; it is my other passion in life beside music and psychology. However, it helps me significantly in my defence art, if in an in direct sense; much of what a first aider does requires some level of physical fitness. Similarly; it has helped in developing that sense of danger one needs when interesting any situation with high emotions and potential injuries. The reason behind the incident might still be present, and still be a danger.
I do still occasionally host self-defence courses, and try to do so at least once a year, so in that respect my physical art does overlap with what are isolated in the compass to defence or scholarly arts; in a literal reading of the compass definitions.
Scholarly Art: Psychology; I am a literal scholar of psychology. It is my day job, but also how I help my community. I attend volunteer meetings for several mental health groups to facilitate said meetings. I am a Blue Light Champion for St John; doing my best to raise awareness of the issues of mental health. I also offer pro-bono sessions for individuals who provide valuable services to the community but might lack the funding or ability to access assistance otherwise. I am a tutor and try my best to help students of psychology, and related disciplines, to become qualified so that the world has more helpers against these issues. Lastly; I am active with several mental health awareness groups trying to raise public awareness of issues.
However, my scholarly art also contributes to my physical art and defence art. A knowledge of sports psychology, and topics relating to combat sports has helped me in my development as a karateka but also in teaching the art to others. Similarly; it has assisted me in developing my casualty communication skills and recognising issues in the field such as capacity of casualties to offer consent or assist with identifying the problem.
Spiritual Art: This is where it gets most confusing for me. I honestly do not know if I have a spiritual art. I practice Body Scanning meditation from Mindfulness as I find it useful to focus the mind on training, and for the recovery process after training. One might conflate my study of Nagare and Ibuki with Qi-Gong, but the reality is that if you do not know how to breath, then you cannot fight. My study of Tai Chi is purely one of studying body dynamics, with out any real interest in Ki. I enjoy writing psalms and performing spiritual music; but I appreciate the art, rather than the message itself.
I have a student I have taught the fundamentals of ritual magick to, and in a past life I was an enthusiastic student of the occult. That skill set, and knowledge base has not abandoned me; but it is not a spiritual experience for me. I have sat in and helped with cases of exorcism; but I was very much the sceptic in the corner.
Now, why do I mention all this. Simply put; you can be a Jedi a long time and one art may just escape you time after time. For me, that is my spiritual art, however, I have never allowed this to get in the way of being a source of information and assistance for people suffering a spiritual crisis. I have always sought the knowledge, even if for me, it is just words on a piece of paper.
Ultimately; the lesson here is that arts are changeable things. What you are good at now, and use to help others, may in a decade’s time fallen to the way side. Yet, also, that time does not always solve a problem; you must keep trying at it. Time has not brought to me a spiritual art; I must work at spirituality as a knowledge base because that is the only cross road where by I can be of help to people.
Explore your skill set and find your arts. Look for the relationships between them all, and remember; it is an ongoing journey, and that you must reflect on your progress, or lack of progress, regularly.
Also; whatever you do, never take some one’s life story as a Jedi as gospel truth. We have had too many through the years shape their teachings through offering a personal gospel. I do not intend to join those ranks.