Academia

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Relationships Among Jedi: Within the Order and Without by Mav Introduction The tie that binds all Jedi to the Order - and indeed, to one another - is the Code by which they function and live on a daily basis. This code of conduct outlines a great deal of Jedi etiquette and morality, but does not fully explain the intricacies of relations that Jedi have - with one another, their Masters, their apprentices, and those outside of the Jedi brotherhood. For this purpose, this thesis will seek to explain the nature of these relationships and the details involved on every level of training. The Padawan Learner Knowing others is wisdom. Knowing yourself is enlightenment." -Lao-Tzu It is perhaps fundamental that the Jedi student or Padawan be discussed first, as for our purposes, the apprentice stage is the first in an overview of Jedi training. Padawans are taken on no later than thirteen years of age by a Jedi Knight or Master (and it is essential not to confuse the term "Master" as spoken by an apprentice to his mentor, who may only hold the rank of Jedi Knight, and "Master" as in a Knight who has previously trained at minimum one Padawan to Knighthood). From then on, the student will be solely dependent on his Master, and his Master on him. They will live together, train together, and conduct missions together as the student learns one-on-one from his mentor. For the most part, Padawans have far less contact with other Jedi their age once they are taken on as an apprentice, as they spend the majority of their time with their own mentor. Likewise, contact to their birth family (a.k.a. family of origin) is extremely limited, if it occurs at all (this is rare). The Jedi Padawan spends most of his time traveling with his Master, and therefore has a wide variety of experience with peoples and aliens of all kinds. Proper etiquette and protocol play a large role in a Padawan's relations with his "superiors." They are required, for instance, to adhere to the customary uniformity of Jedi garb and hairstyle; human Padawans being most noted for the presence of a long, thin Padawan braid grown from behind the right ear. They are also required to follow their Master properly, as evidenced in Michael A. Stackpole's Dark Tide I: Onslaught (2000): "[Anakin] dropped into place a half step behind Luke, in his left....[he] had learned that was the proper position for a right-handed apprentice; that way, if he were to draw and ignite his lightsaber in a sloppy way, he wouldn't accidentally bisect his master" (page 224). As one can see, proper etiquette exercised on behalf of the apprentice not only shows respect and adherence to the Jedi tradition, but serves a rational, functional purpose, as many customs actually have throwbacks to safety precautions. By far the largest component in the Master-Padawan relationship is the connection they share with one another. The Master-Padawan bond, as it is most frequently called, is perhaps the most important relationship within the Jedi Order. It is the building block of respect and trust, the very channel for learning and growth; it is an indelible bond forged between the two that only strengthens as the pair progress. This connection is one made by the Force and can not be shared by any non-Jedi. The Master-Padawan bond takes shape in a wide variety of manners, the most intimate being a sense of shared telepathic ability between the two. Master and student can feel one another's presence more strongly than that of other beings, or other individual Jedi, and seem to be honed in to one another at a much deeper level. This communion of sorts is also formed out of the need for a harmonious working environment on missions where a single Master - Padawan pair can either bring discord or peace to a group of people: "The vows between a Padawan and his Master are meant to assist the training relationship. A Padawan takes vows of obedience and respect toward his master, and a vow of dedication to his training. A training Knight or Master takes vows of protection and respect toward his padawan, and also a vow of dedication to the padawan's training. Implicit in the vows is the fact that the Padawan and Master must form a personal bond together, and certainly must form a mental "training" bond, a communion of minds through which they will become one in the training effort. The Padawan, particularly the Senior Padawan, becomes the Knight or Master's backup on missions, and they do come to rely each on the other for support in all areas of life. Therefore the Senior Padawan also takes vows of support, dedicating themselves to their Master's work. It is natural and desired that Master and Padawan become close in order to work in harmony" (Appendix C, Jedi Training and Relationships).
Though the Master-Padawan bond is of undeniable importance, Padawans must hold other members of the Order in just as high esteem. Knights and Masters alike are to be given courtesy and respect at all times. Attentiveness and responsiveness are key in relations between a Padawan and his higher-ranked peers. An apprentice is expected to answer when questioned; speak intelligibly; and be ever watchful to learn from the Knights and Masters around him. However, Knights and Masters should also always be learning from the apprentices, and often Padawans form a sort of bond - though not nearly as far-reaching in scope, or as strong - with Knights / Masters other than their own mentor. An apprentice's relationship with the Jedi Council is intended to be an educational one, as the Council oversee and convene on matters of individual training of all Jedi. They exist not just to evaluate character and performance, but also to lend words of wisdom: "Strength of character is a challenge to be overcome by a Padawan, for it may be a mask for careless will lacking center or purpose. What seems bright in youth tarnishes in maturity, and crumbles in age. A Jedi is allowed no such weakness" (Mace Windu, as cited in Rogue Planet, Greg Bear, 2000, page 44). Often overlooked is the issue of the potential for romantic involvement among those below the rank of Knight. Contrary to popular belief, Jedi Padawans are in fact allowed to be involved in romantic relationships: "A Padawan may not enter into a romantic or sexual relationship with anyone other than another Padawan. Senior Padawans may enter into same with their peers, a Knight, or a Master, though it is not customary (though not unheard of) to enter into a relationship with their own Master" (Appendix C, Jedi Traditions and Relationships.) The limitations placed on Padawan relations may be due to a number of factors, including but not limited to the fact that a) apprentices are still committed solely to their training above all else; b) relations limited to other Padawans only reinforce the values and teachings the Jedi ingrain on their youth, and c) relationships with non-Jedi would remove the Padawan from the physical realm of the Jedi Temple, where he should be studying and concerned with his training. However, Padawan Learners are expected to view all those outside the Order with respect and genuine concern. Students are taught from the initiate level that all beings are equal and deserve fair treatment, judgment, and a voice. In the course of their study, apprentices will come in close contact with countless species and cultures. This leaves no room for prejudicial tendencies or biases. A well-trained Padawan becomes extremely objective rather than subjective and treats all non-Jedi as equals. It should also be noted that Jedi trainees are expected to not see non-Jedi as "below" themselves or less worthy. Derogatory terms and phrases such as "flat lines" (referring to those with no Force ability or low midichlorian counts) are not to be tolerated. In essence, the Padawan who is ready to move on to Knighthood is the one who has humbled himself enough that he sees himself no more important than the average Force-blind. Interestingly enough, while the Jedi desire to give their youth a strong interpersonal background and good relational skills, communication or contact with the Padawan's birth family (family of origin) is extremely limited, if allowed at all. Such contact is rare, and parents are aware when their child becomes accepted into the Order that they essentially have a new family now. While this may seem cruel, most Padawans do not regret or even think much about this issue. The relations they have with others in the Order more than fulfill their needs, and the bond they take on with their own Master is far stronger than an average parent-child relationship due to the Force bond they share.
The Jedi Knight "Nothing is impossible to a willing mind." - Books of Han Dynasty The Knight, whether newly Knighted or long from training, has perhaps the widest and least defined patterns of relationships. Single Jedi working alone on diplomatic missions encounter a large variety of peoples and aliens and, uninhibited by the presence of a young Padawan learner, often serve the most dangerous and vital missions for the Republic. A Knight is expected to not only hold to the ideals of equality and open-mindedness that were instilled on them in their training, but to expand on relations with others - learn to be empathetic while not sympathetic, to listen and to find value in those around them. A Jedi taking on his first apprentice is in a unique situation. He is neither a Master to other Jedi or to the Council, though he is in fact Master to his own apprentice. He is experienced but has not completed the training of a Padawan yet, which adds insight and experience through the years of their bond. Knights are not required to take a Padawan immediately upon joining the ranks of Knights, although they are highly encouraged by the Council to come to the Temple each year and appraise the initiates that are available to be taken on. The taking on of one's first apprentice is a major commitment, and both Knight and Padawan are required to take vows of dedication to one another and to the training routine. Knights are cautioned not to take apprentices out of emotion, but rather to listen to the Force to guide them as to the proper individual to take on. Depending on the age a Padawan is taken at, a Knight may have his first Padawan for several years; thus, he must fulfill the role of "parent" as he, himself, is growing and learning as a Knight. It has also been said that the Master-Padawan bond is the strongest between the Knight and his first apprentice. A Jedi Knight may form a variety of other bonds with those around him: "Heart mates: The simplist of bondings, this is a bond between friends and/or lovers. Easy to make and to break, a heartbond is common between a Jedi and a non-Jedi. Bond mates: A deeper bond between two people that melds their mind, heart, and soul in a bond that can be broken if needed. However, if broken sharply, such as a death that is unexpected, it can have detrimental effects on the surviving partner that requires a mental healing from outside help. If broken by both partners this bond will dissolve to a certain degree, but some small remnant will always remain. Also called a soulbond. Life mates: The deepest bond that is possible it is also very rare. This bond merges mind, heart and soul of both partners in a fashion that is impossible to break. Any attempt to break a life bonding will result in the death of both partners. Likewise, if one partner in a lifebond dies the other does not survive by more than a few moments" (from a personal letter between Master Kwai and an unknown recipient; found in the Journals of the Grey). There is some debate as to the relationship between a Knight and the Master who trained him. Some say that once the Padawan's braid is severed symbolically, so is the connection between Master and apprentice. However, such a severance, be it instant or gradual, would be incredibly harmful/damaging to both psyches and is simply not likely to occur. The general consensus seems to be that the Master-Padawan bond remains intact and will always, to some extent, function as it did while the Knight was an apprentice. This having been assumed, it is therefore imperative to realize that a Jedi Knight will maintain feeling and emotion for his Master long after his own training has ended. Some Knights even seem to feel an increase in this bond after they take on their own apprentice. The Knight's most functional relationship is that with the Jedi Council. Here, he finds strength and solace in the twelve members that are his guides and yet also his authority figures. Defying the Council brings disappointment, whereas having good working communications with them brings satisfaction, an opportunity for advancement, and most of all, lasting friendship. This relationship is not a conditional one, though headstrong Knights are prone to see more flaw with the Councilors than balanced Jedi are. For the most part, the relationship remains a strong one although as the Knight progresses, he spends less time with the Council and more time away on missions; therefore, contact with the Council becomes more about work and duty. However, public or private discussion with the Council may center on more personal issues, as the Masters still look after the Knights in a sometimes pseudo-parental capacity. The Jedi Master "Patience: the essential quality of man" - Kwai-Koo-Tsu The Jedi Master's situation is a precarious one, and yet ironically the Master must be more certain of his path than any other. Each relationship he has carries with it some significant weight of responsibility. He must be able to carry this load not as a burden, but willingly... by choice. This is because a Master is the pinnacle of mastery over the Force - the epitome of the Jedi to society, his peers, his fellow Jedi, and the countless initiates who look up to him in admiration and for guidance. Masters attain their rank upon the Knighting of their first Padawan. However, as previously discussed, that bond is not completely severed upon the ceremony. They remain in good standing with their Padawan(s) and continue to lend advice and assistance when needed. It is not all that uncommon for Knights to return to their Masters seeking guidance or even extra training. Their telepathic ability may wane, but more often than not remains intact for the duration of their lifespan - and beyond the natural life as well. It is not unheard of for a Master to appear to his apprentice through the Force, either audibly, visibly, or both, after his own death (A New Hope; The Empire Strikes Back; Return of the Jedi; Heir to the Empire, Zahn). Masters who take on a second successive Padawan must exercise extreme caution in choosing the apprentice they will share their next bond with. The decision must be certain and not colored by past successes, expectations or failures - otherwise, training could be wrought with false hopes and prove disasterous for both Master and Padawan: "[Qui-Gon] smiled. He had to admit, [Obi-Wan]...was meant for different things. But whether his path would intersect with [his own], he still didn't know. Until he did, he would not choose. The boy would have to be strong to dispel the shadow of the one who had come before. And [he] had cast a long, deep shadow" (Jedi Apprentice #1: The Rising Force, Jude Watson, 1999, page 168 ). There are no set guidelines, however, governing the minute details of how a Master must train his student and what kind of relationship they must have. The Master-Padawan bond is a strong one, but it is also much stronger in a select few than it is for the majority. These are the pairs that more commonly share what resembles a life bond, as mentioned above. Masters are also expected to have good relations with Knights of the Order and lend guidance and assistance to them whenever needed. They often forge strong friendships among the Knights, and sometimes romantic relationships. Masters who are not on the Council of twelve do not seek to be on it, but rather follow its guidance. The true Master meant to be a Councilor knows that if it is to be, the Force will allow it to be so. Sometimes Masters are assigned to work together on missions of great importance, especially two apprentice-less Masters undertaking a high-risk operation. These Jedi may form a bond of their own, a mere shadow of the Master-Padawan communion of the psyche, that allows them to function more wholly - to move as a team and not as two individuals. Finally, it should also be mentioned that it is of vital importance for Masters especially to see themselves as a part of a greater whole. This feeling of brotherhood with all members of the Order only serves to strengthen their empathy with others of their kind and also to increase their ability to relate to those around them: "In the time of Qui-Gon, ten thousand Jedi Knights in service to the Republic carried on the struggle each day of their lives in a hundred thousand different world spread across a galaxy so vast it could barely be comprehended" (Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Terry Brooks, 1999, page 27)." As can be extrapolated from the above quote, it is much easier for Masters to comprehend the incomprehensible when they can find the threads of the ties that bind all Jedi together. Unity, as it might be labeled, is a great strength, and also aids in the Master's dealings with those outside the Jedi Order. Masters should see all life forms as significant in their own right, and while they may or may not have less contact with the outside depending on their station, discipline, and current work detail, they do serve as an example of how a Jedi must act with those outside the Order to his peers, and especially to Knights and Padawans "below" him. The Force Although not mentioned in the original request of this thesis, this is perhaps the most important relationship to explain. A Jedi's relationship with the Force is key in his ability to relate to other Jedi and those outside the Order. The Force comes from all life in and ebb and flow, a vast ocean of feeling and depth. Yoda explained in The Empire Strikes Back, "...life creates it, makes it grow. It surrounds us... and binds us. Luminous beings are we... not this crude matter." Indeed, the Jedi who is most centered is in balance with the Force, and has an equal relationship with its living and unifying potentials. The Force is non-judgmental; it is non-conditional; it is always there for the Jedi when they reach out to it. A Jedi whose psyche is open to the flow and guidance of the Force is more effective in teaching, in learning, and in battle. He is open to others' feelings and can gauge the proper time and circumstance of when to act and when to be patient. The Force is indeed a topic too wide to be covered completely in even its own thesis, but it is imperative to understand the functional role it plays in Jedi's relationships with and understanding of others - and in truth, themselves. For as Qui-Gon said to Obi-Wan, "remember, Padawan, that most beings are essentially unknowable. There are mysteries at the heart that can surprise even those who think they know themselves" (Jedi Quest, Jude Watson, 2001, page 16). Being at one with the Force can only bring a Jedi closer to the mysteries of the heart and to those around them, and closer to personal enlightenment and enrichment, as well. Afterward There is no one thesis, book, or document that contains all one would desire to know about the Jedi and their Way. Indeed, this academic endeavor is itself a mere glimpse into Jedi relationships within and without the Jedi Order. While the points contained in the above may be valued in their succinct truthfulness, one must understand that the best way to gain the most valid insight is to experience for themselves the nature of the Jedi and how they train; for an active body and mind are the quintessence of the Jedi: "Technical knowledge is not enough. One must transcend techniques so that the art becomes an artless art, growing out of the unconscious" (Joe Hyams, Zen in the Martial Arts, 1979).