It may not be happening in a galaxy far away, but it’s that time in my neck of the woods when Padawans lop off their braid and step into the world of adult responsibility. Okay, no one I know is finishing Jedi Academy. I’m guessing you don’t know any Jedi graduates, either. Many are donning cap and gown to receive their diploma in more traditional commencement ceremonies, though.
While I doubt any of them have crafted a lightsaber as a final demonstration of their skill (though that would be a geeky triumph they could take with them to college and career), many Jedi lessons could serve as the backbone for a successful life. To those students, eagerly stepping forth into a new day, I give these words of wisdom.
The core of the Jedi philosophy rests upon just a handful of phrases.
“Emotion, yet peace.
Ignorance, yet knowledge.
Passion, yet serenity.
Chaos, yet harmony.
Death, yet the Force.”
(Original Jedi mantra via http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Jedi_Code)
While each statement appears to pair two opposing concepts, taken together they provide a roadmap for a life of honor, growth, and balance.
“Emotion, yet peace.”
As young people, I know you feel the churning of emotions on a daily basis. Emotions create the bedrock of our relationships, and help us navigate the complicated road toward moral choices. Yet they can easily overwhelm your more rational side, if you let them. Instead, allow yourself to feel, then seek the balance of peace and calm before you make any decisions. In this way you’ll avoid the consequences of making a choice in the heat of emotion, while still letting those emotions guide your heart.
“Ignorance, yet knowledge.”
No matter how old you are as you leave here today, remember that you are NEVER “too old to begin the training”. The only way to truly learn is to face your ignorance. Let go of what you think you know, because overconfidence in your knowledge means that others will leap ahead of you. Admit when you don’t know and seek out a mentor to help you continue on the path. True wisdom comes from constantly trying to fill the ignorance within you.
“Passion, yet serenity.”
Your passion can be a blessing or a curse. Passion for your chosen field can motivate you to learn and create each day. It can keep you going in the face of setback and failure. Don’t forget to seek the balance of serenity, though. It will see you through the times when those around you don’t share your vision for the future. Serenity is also the balance that will allow you to pull back when your passion could cause harm. Anakin was passionate, but lacked the balance to see his true self clearly. Mind what you can learn from him, and avoid his dark fate you shall.
“Chaos, yet harmony.”
The universe boils with chaos. Battling energies, stormy skies, and even just the enormous diversity of the human race all seem determined to tear us apart at the seams. It is from that boundless energy of chaos, though, that life springs forth. Celebrate the differences you find around you. Not everyone in your circle of friends and colleagues should look or sound like you. Seek out voices that do not echo your own deeply held beliefs. Seek to be provoked, questioned, challenged. Seek the chaos, and let it lead you to lift your voice to join the harmony of the universe.
“Death, yet the Force.”
It seems like a serious bummer to end on this note, doesn’t it? Yet we must live our lives with the knowledge that each day is a miracle. Your life is beautiful, and meaningful, in part because it is finite. Just like the Jedi know that they will end their days united with the Force, you can live your life with simple goals. Create beauty. Touch lives. Make discoveries. Change the universe in big or small ways, but be sure that you leave your world a better place than you found it.
As you step into your future, remember that you are also stepping into THE future. Your choices will shape it. Your passions will build it. Your alliances will help to speed humanity along a path. Balance emotion with peace. Find knowledge through ignorance. Seek serenity in the midst of passion. Create harmony in chaos. Leave an enduring mark on the world. May the Force be with you, always.
