AboutLauren Gilkey Expertise I consider myself an expert because not only have I watched the movies repeatedly, but I consider myself a "purist" in the sense that I've read the books, but I only accept certain books as belonging to the true story. For example, the books written after "Vision of the Future" by Zahn I do not count as authentic storyline. My areas of specific expertise are: Jedi history, Han Solo, and bounty hunters.
Question If someone were to describe themselves as being Jedi. What would you interpret from that. I have never watched any of the star wars series. So am confused
Answer Hi Heather,
You've asked a very big question. I am assuming that you have a friend or know of someone who describes themselves as a Jedi. To answer your question, I'll describe what a Jedi is as you would see one in the Star Wars films. Then, I'll describe what a modern, "real-life" version would be.
In the Star Wars films, Jedi are men and women who are known as the "peace keepers" (or, the Guardians of the Peace) of the galaxy (the Star Wars Universe). They are born with a special ability to sense, feel, and interact with the Force. The Force is described as being in all life, in all living matter. It is what you and I could think of as air, or molecules. It is in everything, surrounds, everything, and it is what fills the distance between you and the tree, the ground, the building, the rock, etc. It is in all life - plants, animals, humans, and aliens.
A Jedi is usually an inherited trait, although non-Jedi parents can give birth to Jedi children. Unique abilities and talents surround Jedi, which makes them easily recognizable. They can sense people before they enter the room. They can see the future, read emotions and motivations, they have un-human reflexes.
A Jedi's interaction with the Force allows them to do all of those things and more. The interaction is in allowing the Force to guide your actions. It is a "death to self" and an allowance of the Force to guide your every action. It allows the Jedi to move faster, jump incredible heights, fall into unconsciousness for long periods in intense cold and absence of oxygen to stay alive.
As Guardians of Peace, the Jedi are responsible for helping the government to keep order, protect the innocent, fight against rebellion, cruelty, hate, greed, etc. These Guardians are known as "Light" Jedi. They may be fighters, philosophers, healers, teachers, etc of the Jedi way.
There are "Dark" Jedi, more commonly known as the Sith. They use the "dark side of the Force" which gives them many of the same powers as Light Jedi. However, Dark Jedi inherit powers such as the ability to choke someone from a distance with an invisible grip. They can produce Force Lightening to slowly electrocute their enemies or victims. They are filled with anger, hatred, and fear. Powerful Sith usually exist in pairs: the master and the apprentice. One to rule, and the other to obey (until the apprentice is either killed or kills his master). It is in every aspect the opposite of a Light Jedi.
In the Star Wars world, the Sith and Jedi are in constant struggle. The Sith take as many victims and act as evil as possible. They create intrigue, mistrust, and confusion in the world. The Jedi's job is to stop the Sith as quickly as possible while preventing as much disaster as the Sith can muster in the process.
So what does this seemingly cosmic battle have to do with someone here and today? Obviously, there are no people with super human abilities who can make a fifty foot vertical leap on their own ability, or who can speak to each other telepathically over thousands of miles distance. However, the idea of a Jedi is not something that is impossible to mimic.
There are many people (especially in England and Australia) where people are dedicated to the Jedi lifestyle. They teach honor, respect, protection of the innocent and all lifeforms, diligence in life, and a quiet, controlled mind and will. They may practice meditation, study methods of peace and self-control. Incorporating Yoga and other meditation disciplines can be included into their studies. They may congregate in person or in online communities. They follow the Jedi structure of Jedi Master, Jedi, and Jedi Apprentice. Jedi Master is a title of honor that is given to someone who has thoroughly proven a Jedi lifestyle, usually for long periods of time.
I hope that this answers your questions. As the Jedi say,
May the Force be with you--
