So after stumbling upon The Jedi Path (mentioned a few posts ago) I came across another book called The Jedi Manual Basic – Introduction to Jedi Knighthood.
Again, a certain sense of dread came over me but after a very quick read I again discovered that I have much to offer the Jedi community and that my sense of dread was misplaced. I was glad that I picked up the Kindle version for $2.99 instead of paying the face value plus shipping as this book was somewhat disappointing. The book had great potential but, instead of providing in-depth analysis and information on a multitude of subjects, simply read more like an outline or a set of cards you would look at while giving a speech. There were some interesting nuggets but instead of expanding upon those little rocks of information a link to a website was provided instead (and for those with the actual paperback version, the links were VERY long and would be easy to mistype). There is nothing in the book that can’t be picked up for free on this website and at some of the other Jedi websites as well. It was very basic, just as the title says, so maybe there is some hope that additional books will be published in the near future.
In the end, I give this 1.5 out of 4 stars. However, if you are ordering something from Amazon.com and need that little item to fill your cart so you can get free shipping I would keep this book in the back of your head and use it when you need to.
In case you are still interested, this is the information provided by Amazon.com:
Training to be a Jedi Knight includes the following paths. Each path leads to the final path, the goal of a Jedi Knight. A Jedi can choose to focus on one or more of these at any given time. A Jedi is a master if they achieve mastery in one or more of the 12 paths.
The 12 Paths of a Jedi Knight
· Training and practice in meditation
· Training and practice in martial arts (specifically)
· Training and practice in the healing arts
· Training and practice in psychic awareness and social graces
· Training and practice in mediation, diplomacy, and peacemaking
· Training and practice in the Jedi philosophy and religion
· Training and practice in teaching, coaching, and mentoring
· Training and practice in practical skills for defending and protecting others
· Training and practice in gentle and objective deliberation, persuasion, and debate
· Training and practice in literary and theatrical arts
· Training and practice in working with energy and the supernatural
· Sustained pursuit of knowledge and wisdom and attaining a good measure thereofThe goal: To use one or more of these masteries to better serve others.
Modern day examples of higher profile Jedi Knights are the police and firefighters who rescued people after the 9/11 disaster at the World Trade Center in New York City, disaster relief workers who left their homes and families and traveled to New Orleans to help those whose lives were devastated by Hurricane Katrina, doctors who travel to developing countries to give healing aid to so many who have little or nothing, religious leaders like the Dalai Lama, and Hollywood stars like Angelina Jolie who use their stardom and resources to help others and make the world a better place. (added by author)
