(NOTE: Words ”Shadow” and ”Balance” are often semi-synonyms in this writing)
What separates us from light jedi?
Many things of course, but one of the most visible difference is, that we often are willing much more willing to perform any action necessary to achieve our goal without naïve moralization.
I am personally rather ’light’, and I mean that my goals and dreams are ’lighty’.
Actually, my goals would be very ’light’.
But why am I following the Shadow path then?
I believe in Balance. Balance is universal law.
Nature, Planet, Solar System, Galaxy and Universe are all in nice Balance and only thing distracting this Balance is Will, Will of the thinking beings.
Thinking beings, like we humans (there are other thinking beings also in this universe, spirits and who knows, humanoids!?) are eager to set up moral guidelines to prevent bad things happening in their societies, and basically that is good, it is attempt to preserve Balance. Still, we can see that every form of government has failed to bring Balance to the people.
Democracy which the Western World is ruled by is perhaps most balanced system this far, but has it really brought Balance in this Planet? Has it prevented pollution, crime, diseases? No … at least I will say no…
Light jedi are usually democratic, tolerant, friendly, hospitable, sacrificing…
sounds nice…and it is, but is their dream much more than utopia? Is the Rule of the Light answer to the problems of the World? We are not going to go any deeper into that here and now, for there are so much you already know and you can answer yourself to most of the questions.
Unlike I have been taught to do in previous episodes of my life, I am not forbidding myself pleasures, happiness, Balance, joy, benefit…just because I could use that time to aid someone else (isn’t that what light jedi do?). If I am so interested in myself, why haven’t I turned to the Dark?
Answer is simple, Dark is not able to bring Balance into the World or to one’s personal life…at least it didn’t brought it in MY life… I believe Balance, and letting yourself into the path of anger and hate is rather in disharmony with tender and peaceful, balanced flow of the Force. Besides, like I said, ”lighty” me is very eager to help others, but that help would be rather useless if I wouldn’t first take care of myself, wouldn’t it?
This same lightyme would like to see much changes in the World, but if I’d interfere this World’s business, I would most likely interfere in to the lives and Wills of the other people, who likely have some differences on their views of justice, right&wrong ’n stuff… besides, it would be impossible to bring any permanent change in the World … Universe is always transforming and Future too…
”Always in motion is the future” …
Rather I sit down,mindfully examine my surroundings, help where I can and when there is need for my actions. I put aside my personal wishes and dreams and beliefs and trust in the Everlasting, All powerful, Living Force, and the First Cause of the Universe. Less would only bring instability, more would bring disharmony.
This is brief explanation why I am following the Shadow path.
Rex Ammon
That, my friend, are almost my exact views on the Shadow Side. I wish to keep the Force in balance, and seek to maintain its consistency. Although one could describe me as generally a nice person, willing to help others before my self, I am unlike the Light Jedi in other ways. Through the Force I try to bring order, peace, and harmony. Until we meet again my friend, long days, pleasant nights.
Kentryx
I agree with most of that, though there is one thing. The light jedi do give of themselves to help others, but it does not mean that they are forced to give up everything, at least not judging from the light jedi that I've seen (I am one at another site which doesn't have a shadow side and divides based on actions and reasons).
Rogue Ace
Very interesting saying at the end of your post Jacen, and so True.
Rogue, I know many light jedi. They are basically doing 'good' work, but have you ever seen a light jedi who truly is what he/she aims/claims to be? I say, there are no mortal jedi, never was and never will be, who is 'perfect' to their own ideals.
We shadow claim not to be what we are not. Still, as I said many would consider me as a light, but I am really not light, I just AM. And whatever my goals may be, I WANT to be shadow. For example, the magick which I practice little bit (I am just an amateur) I respect and like very much the Light and Divine powers, but also, I choose to use Nature and Chaos as well, for they are all parts of this universe and one couldn't exist without other. And because we are made this way, Force is 'made' this way, this universe is what it is, so would it be wrong to use all the sources? NO (for me, I think)! For fundamentally all the sources are just the same Eternal Force
Unknown
Shadow is a realm different unto all its participants. Its each of our realities and understandings.
The Light Jedi are not only guided by a code of high moral ethics they also are strictly fastened to uniform system of thought.
The essence of the Shadow's, I would say, is enlightenment gained through Freedom. Freedom is discovered, true freedom mind you, upon the development of a sense of unity with all things in the Universe. Once unified there are no restraints, thus true Freedom. Nothing more enlightening then that, as far as all of this goes, its only my opinion.
Shinobi