It's About the Path, Jedi

I've been rather critical of the Jedi in the last couple of years.

When I say this, though, it seems to not have any real meaning. I'm not critical of Jedi - that is, those who are actually Jedi. Those actually following the Jedi path, experiencing it. Perhaps I should word it differently...."I've been rather critical of those seeking to be Jedi in the last couple of years." Then again, that sentence doesn't hold much meaning either. That is...do we actually seek to be Jedi anymore? Do we seek to walk the path...live the path? Breathe the path?

Most of us aren't living, aren't breathing. Most are entertaining themselves in believing they are doing that. It's more, nowadays, about catering to certain inner circles, or society. Forget catering to the Force - that's an old, dead thing. We don't rely on such things anymore...besides...it's all about me and what I want, and what I think I need to experience. Sacrifice? Self-denial? What's this about a hard life? You mean you actually...have to walk the path? How boring.

As people hoping to live a Jedi lifestyle, it seems we are so far from understanding what a Jedi lifestyle is. We want it to be fun, exciting...an act in a three-part play. Ah, the romance of it all. We want to explore all of the wonderful, aspiring things...things which makes us feel...warm and fuzzy inside. What I call, "fluff." Make us believe like we are doing something when we actually aren't. In effect, it seems...we do not seek that which provides real comfort. The source itself - the Force. Not a force we make up...but the Force. Yes, the.

The Jedi path is a path of not only self-denial, but of loosing the self. It is a path of letting go, not taking in. It is a path of humility, peacemaking, temperance. Sorry I disappointed some of you out there. Who ever said the path was an easy path anyway? Are we so busy attempting to advocate the community...when we do not even take the time to find our calling, our sacrifice, our lesson? How can we listen to the Force...when we can't even take the time to live within it? My...how it bothers me...

What bothers me more then this, though, is that some who believe they are Jedi...are actually following a path by their deeds alone...and are quick to label it as "The" Jedi path. And if this wasn't enough, some are quick to force us to follow it with them!

I see a path...with hardly any footprints. Not many actually doing the walking - that is...walking the actual path, not walking hither and yon. I see so many doing things on the side just to...enjoy themselves...with this or that...donating their time only because, at the moment...it feels good. Helping people simply because they get satisfaction from it for the time being. But when that satisfaction turns to discontent...where are we then? Are we willing to give when we feel tired...or when we are depressed...or when things are not looking good for us?

This, my peers, is when the path is walked. The path is not merely walking anywhere. It is about walking the path, the Jedi path, when you don't necessarily want to do it. The key...is doing it anyway.

Make some footprints. Take some time...to live...as a Jedi. Yes, it may not be popular, it may not be fun...it may not be easy...but it is the path. And that's all that matters.

...Jedi Relan Volkum

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