We all know that the Jedi Knights are fictional characters in the Star Wars™ universe. But even though they were fictional characters, the Order of the Jedi Knights were based upon many aspects, philosophies, ideals, and training regimens of many current and ancient disciplines. As modern Jedi Knights, we look to build upon and continue those disciplines in an effort to better ourselves and the lives of those we interact with. We look to train just as the fictional Jedi did, using their methodology when possible.
The Force, as known to us in the Star Wars™ universe, is fictional as well. Many believe that George Lucas' inspiration for the Force were the many different religions, disciplines, and philosophies of our world, and that the Force is a mixture of all of them. But the modern Jedi Knights believe that the Force is actually the bare essentials of all of those different religions, disciplines, and philosophies. The modern Jedi Knights believe that if you strip away all of the excess and go to the pure, basic essence of spirituality you will find the Force. The Force has been known to us for thousands of years and through many different civilizations and languages. The Japanese referred to the Force as Ki. The Chinese referred to the Force as Qi (Chi). Many other cultures had their own names for the Force as well, such as Mana, Prana, Mother Nature, Aether, Etheric, Seid, Vitalism, Odic Force, Orgone, and Vril, just to name a few. Some may even refer to the Force as "the Hand of God" or "the blessing of Allah". Individuals who refer to themselves as Jedi Knights know it simply as the Force. The Force is not a religion to the modern Jedi Knight unless they choose it to be, but rather a discipline, philosophy, or lifestyle. It simply is what the Jedi needs it to be, nothing more and nothing less.
The lightsaber is a fictional weapon of the Star Wars™ universe, also. Impossible to create in the universe as we currently understand it, the lightsaber by itself is just a "laser sword", George Lucas' first name for his prolific weapon of the Jedi Knight and also the name a young Anakin used when he met Qui-Gon Jinn. While we don't have access to a lightsaber, we can still train in the fundamentals of the sword just as the fictional Jedi Knights did, along with the other martial arts disciplines they used.
The modern Jedi Knights strive to live life as the fictional Jedi Knights of the Star Wars™ universe. The modern Jedi Knights get inspiration from the movies, just as people drew inspiration from the ancient epic tales of Odysseus, Hercules, and Perseus, among many others. Modern Jedi Knights look to lead lives that are enlightened, fulfilling, and enjoyable while being accountable for their words and deeds and protecting those who cannot protect themselves. The modern Jedi Knights train to be warriors, just as the fictional Jedi did, by training in meditation, hand to hand combat, light weapons, and any other tool they believe to be required. But modern Jedi Knights also train in other aspects as well, such as mediation, poetry, calligraphy, and many other arts. Just as a tripod needs its three legs to be steady, the Jedi needs training of the three aspects of themselves: mind, body, and spirit. It is with the combination of all these distinct but related aspects that the modern Jedi Knight can be a well-rounded, compassionate, knowledgeable, balanced warrior.
Click on a link and find the path that you need to walk to begin your training. May the Force truly be with you!
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