What would help the Temple Be A Better Place? Suggestions please...

In reference to the arguments- I find a lot of these are due to one major problem that this temple can not currently change....communication. This temple is online. while reading, you can't always interpret things like voice inflection. It's how things are interpreted that's causing a lot of the fuss, not the accual words that are written, or the intent behind them. Not always the case but a good percentage of the time that's what I see.

Reference to Star Wars posting- I personally don't care how anyone else sees me or my beliefs. I'm more than willing to share them with anyone who asks. I'm here for me and my spiritual needs, not anyone else's. ( that's what the clergy are for) If I were questioned publicly about my faith Id openly say I'm a Jedi. If they laugh I'll smile and explain, If they are curious I explain in more detail, If they ask about Star Wars, I'll say there great movies that sparked the idea for my faith. I'm here because I relate to the fictional Jedi. I strive to be more like them. That being said, I'm a grown up, and more than capable of separating the two. But a lot of things that make me a better person came from those movies. Things like lightsabers of course arnt real, but what they represent is very real. There are a lot of us who own robes. And I assure you it's not because we believe we're space warrior monks, or think there super warm, But it's what the robe represents that makes them important to us. I personally don't wear them daily or out in public nor do I see a need too. The temple home page explains that we don't worship George Lucas, or Star Wars. It's the very first thing you read. But those movies are a common ground to a lot of people, and if posting about them helps even one person better understand what I believe, in a way they can visualize, then not only do I think they should be allowed, but I'd encourage more of it. Just my opinion.

In reference to Senan being human- not sure...never met him in person. Lol

Zero_storm wrote: In reference to the arguments- I find a lot of these are due to one major problem that this temple can not currently change....communication. This temple is online. while reading, you can't always interpret things like voice inflection. It's how things are interpreted that's causing a lot of the fuss, not the accual words that are written, or the intent behind them. Not always the case but a good percentage of the time that's what I see.

Agreed. This is why more people should join the discord and get involved in verbal chats.

Agreed ari

Senan I still think your kindhearted. Please don't take that as a criticism. You're a good person.

Neaj Pa Bol: There needs to be some kind of pledge towards service at the higher levels of the organization: if its true: I concede it is: that a Jedi's life and intention is to serve the whole of humanity and not just their own ego... then it should be an oath to do so... its not so uncommon: I think you will find the Order of the Templars: of which I happen to be a member both medical and military: somewhere where apparently we emerged from: The deep workings of Lucas's mind... that the Jedi esp. knights within the ranks of the highest orders: would give their life defending not only liberty: freedom from oppression, their life to defend: the vulnerable the weak and the unable... that ones service would be molded around these principles: these are the foundations of knight hood... they should be honored as such. I am not saying we should all join the military and fight in combat in order to do this. Nor am I saying we should all become medical specialists to do so... I am simply stating that a commitment would be nice... If: Qui-Gon Jinn was alive: that he would recommend it: some-kind of course or training both online and with physical presence would be admirable: something comprehensive and geared towards not only the spiritual teachings of the age old jediism that lives within our souls, force and incarnations: but a physical one as well: that focuses on the mental capacity for resilience in the face of adversity: mental toughness in the face of difficulty and the rest of the psychological dispositions and characteristics of a Jedi knight... Raven would be happy to see it and to this day we have accomplished alot even training the elite green beret commanders and officers of the US army...

This may seem extreme but it could be fun also: to practice the age old arts of the Jedi mind trick, to tap the psychic ability latent in us all: validated now by studies conducted by the US Navy and specialist research branches within the US government... the Jedi have been highly esteemed as psychic warriors that could take on entire nations if they had to....

I am not saying that it needs to be this intense... rigorous: it can be causal , relaxed and friendly: esp. for the beginning stages: a spiritual journey of enlightenment and self realization, knowing, understanding: moral reasoning/ ethical consideration: on how one can commit to a life of service... PSI skills, mindfulness, breath work, nervous system control and integration of the whole human complex into one action is fun to me: even the healing arts: reiki, energy healing practices and all manner of other modalities are available: sound healing, crystal energy work, affirmation and such: journaling is only one of them... so is yoga, tai chi, qi gong and numerous other age old meditations of buddhist, esoteric and magical traditions can be: both collective: practiced within a group or individual: practiced solo: our ability for visualization marks us unique from most other forms of life as you know... then theirs general intelligence: this could be very practical as well: for the sakes of efficient and effective communication skills: emotional intelligence training, multiple intelligence evaluation; as we all know we are not just an IQ score: we are kinetic, spiritual, environmentally aware... some are musically inclined, others artistic or predisposed to higher frequencies of thought: comprehension of complex patterns, synthesis based cohesion, root cause comprehension: basically analytical skills. Most lack the capacity for clear and effective constructive criticism... basic communication patterns, styles and ability could be taught... as well as the power of the mind to well overcome just about anything...

We should learn about emotions... grieving, sadness and happiness as well: joy even... and how they affect us all every day all year round...

This singular act of inclusion could change transform and help a great deal of people... sensitive, loving seekers of enlightenment...whom struggle in the real world because their abilities, their intelligence, their gifts are not validated...

What we require in the long run: are well educated Jedi: that truly know what the force is: this is not a diverse opinion matter: electromagnetic frequency are around us all the time... some can feel it more than others... while the most advanced of us can tap it... kinetic ability is not unheard of: and chi is simply energy that can be used in a diverse manner of performance related capacity...

I would suggest borrowing some positive psychology games, methods and tests: knowing our own aversions, character strengths and weaknesses, capacity for emotional levels of happiness right to eudima can help us better understand the future of reflective and self processing psychology where we are all our own therapists... as well as opening up space for dialogue and communication around sexuality... maybe Tantra could help... or embodied practices of a gestalt nature... non violent communication could be taught: as well as loving kindness when entering the realms of correct and proper spiritual relationship: as this is a topic that greatly effects us all and make or break a true Jedi... learning to be conscious of the dynamic waves of tension and relaxation in our own bodies is only the beginning... learning to polarize and creating dynamic harmony between genders as not only brothers and sisters, committed partners, but lovers and eventually man and wife...

Dedication, commitment and willingness to learn need to be the bedrocks of a organization that seeks to bring service to the world, enlightenment to its members: in terms of understanding out true power, our place in society and well our capacity for change... transformation and ability to tackle the problems and issues apparent in the 21st century and beyond...

JEDIONE777 wrote: This may seem extreme but it could be fun also: to practice the age old arts of the Jedi mind trick, to tap the psychic ability latent in us all: validated now by studies conducted by the US Navy and specialist research branches within the US government... the Jedi have been highly esteemed as psychic warriors that could take on entire nations if they had to....

How about you make a youtube series on how to do this? If the science is there, as you claim, then make it a reality rather than expect others to make it for you. Be the change you want to see.

JEDIONE777 wrote: The deep workings of Lucas's mind... that the Jedi esp. knights within the ranks of the highest orders: would give their life defending not only liberty: freedom from oppression, their life to defend: the vulnerable the weak and the unable... that ones service would be molded around these principles: these are the foundations of knight hood... they should be honored as such. I am not saying we should all join the military and fight in combat in order to do this. Nor am I saying we should all become medical specialists to do so... I am simply stating that a commitment would be nice...

Are you saying that we're not committed unless we're willing to lay down our lives for this? Fat lotta good we'll do for the world if we're all dead...

"I want a world of brave and courageous people. Indeed, those who work hard and are agnostics are more acceptable, for a time, than lazy spiritual hypocrites."[29]
"The fear of death is born with man, though this is the only thing that he knows is certain to happen to him. Attachment to material things makes man cling to life. When you chant the Name of the Divine, when you are one with the divine, you accept death. While you are attached to life and afraid of death, you die with that fear and that weight clinging to you. If you have attained liberation you are free from death (you accept the inevitable). You die without fear and by remembering the Name of God, your soul leaves the body free of that fear and attachment. If you are reborn, your soul is still free from that fear. If you die in "unity", you are free from rebirth, unless you will it.
1 December 1982: BABAJI

JEDIONE777 - We actually do take an oath upon becoming TOTJO Knights here.

“I, ____________, (please state your name)
... born on _____________, (please state your date of birth)
... profess before all and without reservation,
… that I choose to devote myself to the Jedi path.
I vow to uphold the Jedi teachings, ...
… to fulfil the duties and responsibilities of a Knight, ...
… and to cultivate understanding of the Force.

We also recite the Knight's Code during our Knighting Ceremonies and Knight Meetings as reminders of our duty to serve.

The Knights Code
A Knight is sworn to valor.
His heart knows only virtue;
His blade defends the helpless;
His word speaks only truth;
His Shield shelters the forsaken;
His courage gives hope to the despairing;
His justice undoes the wicked;
His image brings peace;
His code breaks the darkness;
His legend brings light.

These are merely words to some, but others take these extremely seriously and commit time and effort every day to meeting these lofty standards. You speak of a pledge to serve, but more important is the actual service. You can suggest how we might improve as Jedi, but it would be much more beneficial to us if you could show us through your own actions and be the example for us to follow. I'm not saying you don't practice the Jedi way. I'm saying that we don't know each other well enough for me to determine if your words are just that, words, or actually speak of your actions.

It is easy to speak of fear and death when you're not currently in mortal danger, but as someone with stage four cancer that is likely terminal, I can tell you that inspiring quotes from religious texts sound great, but do not make us impervious to fearing our own demise. Death is an inevitable reality, but that doesn't always make it less scary. Forgive my cynicism, but we have a lot of armchair philosophers around here who like to use lofty quotes and big words, but do very little in the way of actually effecting change for the better in their own world. I do what little I can every day, and in this way I make my world better. We don't always need grand gestures or death defying feats of courage in order to be good Jedi.

I did not say we do... please read my writing carefully before making inferences... and consider what I am saying. It also helps to actually point by point: find similarities in outlook or things you agree with... I agree with being an example... I try to do my best with these things... I don't understand them either sometimes... thank you for listening... and the all diving part: yes that may very well happen if we do not stick up for one another and nourish and support one another the world over... isolationism has never been the Jedi's way: neither has extreme neutrality accept maybe from the grey faction... whom actually will and did fight for freedom... in the stories/archives fictional aspect of this story/ legend... what ever you wish to call it: the path as you always seem to refer to: is not set in stone: but as I mentioned has certain trials and tribulations... its not only for those whom wish to overcome their fear of the unknown or even death: to reach the great beyond... but to develop the skills necessary to survive in a world full of fear, greed and malice... I try and find the good in everything in every argument... maybe you should try doing the same before accusing me of having a death wish...

JEDIONE777 wrote: yes that may very well happen if we do not stick up for one another and nourish and support one another the world over... isolationism has never been the Jedi's way...

Hehe, never been part of their way? Tell that to Obi Wan, Yoda, Luke, ect ect. ;P

But I do get your point. But being prepared to die and laying down ones life are different things. I've been near death three times in my life. If my moment comes, it comes. But I'm not gonna be lying it down for anything unless I see due cause (eg. The systematic hunting down of Jedi... which, if we're being honest with ourselves, won't happen).