Manipulation and the Force...as Jedi

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4 years 6 months ago #343621 by Athena_Undomiel
As Jedi, we have the ability to Express ourselves and our stance very clearly. It is important that we recognize that maintaining our stance and enforcing our stance are two very different things. If you simply tell other people your stance but are unwilling to recognize their path, is that truly Jedi behavior?
If you push others to abandon their stance in order to cater to you, are you not manipulating the other person?
Where is the line between sharing, educating...and manipulating or bullying?
How do you reconcile the difference? What do you do to combat this manipulative behavior?
If you recognize it in others how do you maintain your stance in opposition to the manipulator?
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4 years 6 months ago - 4 years 6 months ago #343622 by Kohadre

Athena_Undomiel wrote: [As Jedi, we have the ability to Express ourselves and our stance very clearly.


Do we, although?

Although I identify within the gray path, I have also been called out as a "sith" multiple times within forum discussions over the years. My behavior at times has not been the best, and yes I acknowledge I've allowed my anger to get the better of me. The grey code however is neither entirely Jedi, nor entirely Sith; but instead a combination of aspects from both ideologies.

The point of the above being, that there are times when the utilization and expression are appropriate; such as specific membership using smear tactics to push responsibility off themselves or those within their circle.

I think the ability to express one's politics or "stance" has less to do with being a devout Jedi, and more to do with character development. From my experience, most character development comes through a combination of failure, trauma, and struggle; and the lessons gained therein.

It is important that we recognize that maintaining our stance and enforcing our stance are two very different things. If you simply tell other people your stance but are unwilling to recognize their path, is that truly Jedi behavior?



If we limit the forum in such a way that there is an absence of conflict, heated debate, or other conflicting opinion; what we will in turn have is an environment that stifles personal growth and development, despite intentions otherwise.

If you push others to abandon their stance in order to cater to you, are you not manipulating the other person?



It may be just one view of many; but as I understand it, debate is meant for this very purpose. Debate is the process of presenting your argument, counter argument, etc; with the goal to either cause your opponent to abandon their position, or undermine it to a point where their arguments are without merit.

Where is the line between sharing, educating...and manipulating or bullying?



I think this line is crossed when either party does not consent to, or otherwise initiate a request for such education/sharing of information. I think it's additionally crossed when smear tactics (mentioned above) are used to push blame to un-involved parties when those of their inner circle are banned/disciplined or otherwise removed from temple activity.

How do you reconcile the difference? What do you do to combat this manipulative behavior?



I feel the difference should be easy enough to recognize, based on the argument I made above. If moderation reaches out to a conflicted party and requests they take a recess, or otherwise temper their responses within the forum to a less confrontational format; and those members ignore said request and continue their infighting, I believe that is the time when it is appropriate for more "severe" discipline such as suspensions or expulsions to take place.

So long and thanks for all the fish
Last edit: 4 years 6 months ago by Kohadre. Reason: Readability/formatting
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4 years 6 months ago - 4 years 6 months ago #343624 by Athena_Undomiel
Thank you for the response! I agree with you on most points here and appreciate that you recognize that there is an implied decorum for basic personal respect as well as personal responsibility.
How many chances must one be given to comply to acceptable (and by this I mean respectful) forms of communication in a public forum? We are all human and I know that I myself have trouble managing my own temper, it happens.
Is anyone beyond redemption? Does there come a point when you simply have to identify someone's behavior as toxic on a consistent basis before you separate yourself from interactions entirely? Does one good interaction negate all previous and insulting behaviors? If someone apologizes for their behavior but then continues to exhibit those toxic behaviors, are they truly sorry or are they just placating the offended parties?

Your opinion of debate makes me wonder if the forum is the proper place a debate then? Maybe we set up a debate ground or hold those heated conversations in private?
Sharing ideas and paths and beliefs here in the Temple is the ground this place is built on, if someone comes in and all they do with their debating is stifle the ideas of others and the communication between other parties or create a hostile environment, is that not also stifling growth?

I enjoy speaking with you.
*side note* I am wondering, with the syncretic principle behind the doctrine here, how do you claim to be " a Grey Jedi"? If the path allows anyone to accept the parts of any faith to make their belief whole then why label yourself more than necessary? Light and Dark exist simultaneously, why label yourself? Feel free to PM me this, if you want. Its personal, I understand.
Last edit: 4 years 6 months ago by Athena_Undomiel.
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4 years 6 months ago - 4 years 6 months ago #343627 by Carlos.Martinez3

Kohadre wrote:

Athena_Undomiel wrote: [As Jedi, we have the ability to Express ourselves and our stance very clearly.


Do we, although?

Although I identify within the gray path, I have also been called out as a "sith" multiple times within forum discussions over the years. My behavior at times has not been the best, and yes I acknowledge I've allowed my anger to get the better of me. The grey code however is neither entirely Jedi, nor entirely Sith; but instead a combination of aspects from both ideologies.

The point of the above being, that there are times when the utilization and expression are appropriate; such as specific membership using smear tactics to push responsibility off themselves or those within their circle.

I think the ability to express one's politics or "stance" has less to do with being a devout Jedi, and more to do with character development. From my experience, most character development comes through a combination of failure, trauma, and struggle; and the lessons gained therein.

It is important that we recognize that maintaining our stance and enforcing our stance are two very different things. If you simply tell other people your stance but are unwilling to recognize their path, is that truly Jedi behavior?



If we limit the forum in such a way that there is an absence of conflict, heated debate, or other conflicting opinion; what we will in turn have is an environment that stifles personal growth and development, despite intentions otherwise.

If you push others to abandon their stance in order to cater to you, are you not manipulating the other person?



It may be just one view of many; but as I understand it, debate is meant for this very purpose. Debate is the process of presenting your argument, counter argument, etc; with the goal to either cause your opponent to abandon their position, or undermine it to a point where their arguments are without merit.

Where is the line between sharing, educating...and manipulating or bullying?



I think this line is crossed when either party does not consent to, or otherwise initiate a request for such education/sharing of information. I think it's additionally crossed when smear tactics (mentioned above) are used to push blame to un-involved parties when those of their inner circle are banned/disciplined or otherwise removed from temple activity.

How do you reconcile the difference? What do you do to combat this manipulative behavior?



I feel the difference should be easy enough to recognize, based on the argument I made above. If moderation reaches out to a conflicted party and requests they take a recess, or otherwise temper their responses within the forum to a less confrontational format; and those members ignore said request and continue their infighting, I believe that is the time when it is appropriate for more "severe" discipline such as suspensions or expulsions to take place.


@kohadre - I like it when you post bro. Your posts are like gears that I can’t turn in my own path but not for the lack of trying. Thank you


Do we have the ability to express ourselves as Modern day Jeddist. ? We do. That is a freedom no one talks about and I don’t know why. We as humans can identify as anything we like. There are 3 baby’s born in 3 different parts of the world. By their location their body will be different. Yet the same consciousness lives in each of them and they learn to communicate - differently yes but they begin life the same way. It’s the location that forms them each differently. Same clay - different forms.. same stuff but three different hues. Life is like this every day . Every day ... 350,000 to 400,000 people are born daily on average. every day something different some how some way , some how the same. How we identify is our choice. We - get to fill in the blank. Watch - Kohadre - I’m Carlos I’m a husband father friend and all around great chef and can make ya eggs 1001 different ways - *waves hi!

Hi kohadre ! This is pastor Carlos , good to see you !

Hi kohadre - what’s good brother Knight! Glad to see ya again.

How I identify with you - can - be my choice. It is at times smiley face-
So we can identify any way we want as human beings (Jedi too) any way we choose. What keeps us from doing that? What keeps us from taking that freedom? One of the greatest things about my own modern day jediism is this little secret - equally - in character alone - what I have so can you - and what you have so can I. What we see we can have and what we create we can express. It’s during expression we can create new things. This is a wonderful flow that can be like a river full of life or a stag stinky pond.


On the debate - personally - I don’t think I want to ever share with the intent to undermine any ones positions. I don’t think that’s what I would call it. I’ve come to a place truthfully , and truthfully difficult - where I limit my competition. It’s a old school zen thing but I often remind myself often - there’s no competition.
I have a lesson called “the no contest -contest. “ The idea is pretty simple - removing greed is tough and recognizing it is even tougher - acting on it - is the battle ! I don’t argue - my wife loves and hates it. To do that - you gotta be on your A game ... as the kids call it.
I hope I share to help rather than harm -

Book of Change
58
My fav and frequent for the last part

Take not harm
Turn without disfigurement
Lead without demand
Show not blind.

https://www.templeofthejediorder.org/forum/Clergy/120861-carlos-book-of-change
Shameful shoutout

It’s the hardest thing to have that balance. Every one can have a balance of things if they like or want. We can have balance in anything. Balance is beneficial to everybody. Smiley face ! That’s what I try to bring to the Temple and to my real life. It’s those codes and those ideas that we all hold yet they shine differently when each of us release them and express our own balance and understanding and application of those codes and ideas and ways. That’s where the no competition part come in for me - we shine we don’t blind . To much is too much . If each of us brought our own balances to the table ... and we learned from one another rather than try to harm or undo or judge... what an idea hu? What a day when we can say - May the Force - and the Force of others - because I’ve learned from them what it can be as well... be with you!! What a day hu ? Lol I am being a bit facetious but truthfully - today is a good day to be a Jeddist! I got Knights like you right next to me!


@athena
Thanks for the post

For me - in my practice - balance is a good thing. My uncle told me one time “It takes small attempts first to scale a fence. “ Balance can be had. Don’t let anyone fool ya! There are so many forms of balance and forms and ideas and ways it CAN be had. Any one who says other wise is selling something! Lol

Now , in an environment as this - wouldn’t the anti establishment be obvious in a place of acceptance and what the religion part is built on...
"Our religion is syncretic in nature, meaning it is based in part on existing traditions. " Temple of the Jedi Order

Accepting the existing traditions ...
Believing in the Force, and in the inherent worth of all life within it... wouldnt that be opposite and be ... obvious? But then who’s to say the sage can enter but the jerk can’t ?? The scholar can but the punk can not? There’s than need for the balance again. Lol funny thing about balance - it’s always moving and changing in real life. Polaris is more than one star and yet it’s very ... consistent. Force be with y’all and thanks again! Good stuff to think on!

Pastor of Temple of the Jedi Order
pastor@templeofthejediorder.org
Build, not tear down.
Nosce te ipsum / Cerca trova
Last edit: 4 years 6 months ago by Carlos.Martinez3.
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4 years 6 months ago #343629 by Kohadre

Athena_Undomiel wrote: Thank you for the response! I agree with you on most points here and appreciate that you recognize that there is an implied decorum for basic personal respect as well as personal responsibility.

I'm glad to hear you enjoyed my response, I've enjoyed speaking with you on the forum as well. I hope my follow up will be able to answer some of your other questions.

How many chances must one be given to comply to acceptable (and by this I mean respectful) forms of communication in a public forum? We are all human and I know that I myself have trouble managing my own temper, it happens.


I think in public forum, giving individuals chances to adapt and learn should be based not on a numeric basis; but instead on a combination of the individuals ability/willingness to learn from and display growth relating to past offenses, as well as the nature and severity of previous offenses.

In the eyes of the law, justice is blind; and all offenses are equally grievous, or so semantics say...

Society however, whether through culture or inherent emotional investment; has determined that certain crimes are less grievous than others. I.e A shoplift who runs off with a few sodas and a bag of skittles will often be treated somewhat "comically" as far as the law is concerned. It''s a relatively trivial offense and generally nonviolent in nature. On the other hand, I.e a convicted, repeat sex offender (pedophile, rapist, etc) will be treated with far greater severity in both the legal system, as well as the consequences dolled out by the surrounding community.

If there is a pattern where an individual will temper down for a while, and produce more calm and insightful responses within discussion; but then revert to a pattern of hostile and provocative interactions throughout their actions, I think that is when suspension or expulsion from the temple should be considered as a possible disciplinary action.

That would be a bit different from a few specific members repeatedly butting heads, which I'll address below.

Is anyone beyond redemption? Does there come a point when you simply have to identify someone's behavior as toxic on a consistent basis before you separate yourself from interactions entirely? Does one good interaction negate all previous and insulting behaviors? If someone apologizes for their behavior but then continues to exhibit those toxic behaviors, are they truly sorry or are they just placating the offended parties?


Some people don't interact well, whether through personality differences; political investments, upbringing, culture, or other philosophy. There is occasionally a clash of ideas, or ideals which can lead to heated or hostile debate; at times spilling over to personal attacks within or outside of the forum.

Ideally, the membership in question would simply choose to steer clear of topics/responses posted by their "rival" for lack of a better term. Through further development within the temple, and the maturity it brings; hopefully reconciliation would come naturally in the form of more mature discussion where differing beliefs and backgrounds are concerned.

However, there are some members who aren't yet mature enough to let go of their need for vindication. Perhaps they feel that they were wronged, and people either looked the other way; or didn't punish the offending party severe enough. For whatever reason, if there are members which display a consistent pattern of toxic and aggressive behavior; ignoring all attempts to deescalate the situation by moderators, they should be removed from temple membership.

The reason I give for that, is that the temple is not an anger management; or behavioral correction organization. Such individuals are often in need of crisis management, including psychology (counseling), development of social skills, and peer interaction (isolation). Such individuals usually are located in toxic (abusive) environments, and have little to no social interaction outside of an online environment.

While we seek to assist membership here with crisis; this falls outside of the scope of what our clergy is trained (and legally permitted) to do.

I don't believe one good interaction is enough to redeem a member of past behavior, however it provides them a potential foundation for growth and positive development. If a member indicates a willingness to develop positive growth within the forum, it should be encouraged. This kind of growth is usually not instantaneous however, and usually present's itself with hiccups and periods of minor regression along the way.

In those cases, I would again make the argument to look at the nature and severity of said transgressions; and the members willingness to take responsibility for and demonstrate growth relating to that offense.

Your opinion of debate makes me wonder if the forum is the proper place a debate then? Maybe we set up a debate ground or hold those heated conversations in private?


I suppose I would ask the question, whether the temple is meant as a place of worship; or a place of learning. If we are here to worship, I believe that we should be unified in that purpose. I can't think of a church or temple I've been in, where the membership was arguing with and hollering at each other over semantics and varying opinion.

However, if the temple is meant as a place of learning; I believe that debates should be located within their own separate section of the forums. While debate is an important part of a good education, it's not appropriate for every lesson. There should also be clearly established rules and standards for debates, which would in turn also highlight manipulative or otherwise toxic behavior.

I believe that going forward, for it's own long term longevity TOTJO needs to do some reflection and come to a decision on which form of temple it is.

If it is meant as a place of worship, then much of it's current format needs to be revised to that purpose. We have many here who openly ignore the doctrine and foundation of faith which TOTJO has built itself upon. Additionally, for a place of worship, there are far too many elements of TOTJO which do not fit into said purpose.

If it however is a place of learning, I feel there should be less emphasis on faith and more emphasis on creating useful courses of education; outside the scope of faith based learning. By this, I mean to emphasize courses on mathematics, history, business, participation in government, as well as life skills I.e cooking, first aid, and automotive repair.

Presently, TOTJO is trying to be too many things; and not succeeding at any of them.

Sharing ideas and paths and beliefs here in the Temple is the ground this place is built on, if someone comes in and all they do with their debating is stifle the ideas of others and the communication between other parties or create a hostile environment, is that not also stifling growth?


I completely agree with you on this point, and would also reference my responses above. There is a clear difference between joining a group in conversation, and bringing out a megaphone to drown everyone out.

There is also a clear difference between gainful debate, and "Hofbräukeller" which for historical reference was the type of "debate" used by hitler; being rhetorical in nature and meant to create discord and unrest between social groups.

Such individuals would absolutely be creating a hostile environment, in turn stifling the growth and development of other membership here (assuming that wasn't their intended goal from the start).

I enjoy speaking with you.
*side note* I am wondering, with the syncretic principle behind the doctrine here, how do you claim to be " a Grey Jedi"? If the path allows anyone to accept the parts of any faith to make their belief whole then why label yourself more than necessary? Light and Dark exist simultaneously, why label yourself? Feel free to PM me this, if you want. Its personal, I understand.


I'll attempt to answer this to the best of my ability, however if you would like to discuss it further via PM I would be happy to.

An issue I take with the current temple doctrine, is that I see it to encourage non-action and toxic pacifism.

For example:

Intervention: To know when not to act.

A Jedi knows how inaction can have as great an impact as action and how some of the greatest lessons are self-taught. To be a victor is also taking that victory from those you protect. A Jedi intervenes only when a Jedi's intervention is required.


Or:

Discretion: To become invisible.

A Jedi knows there is a time and place for all things. They do not actively interfere in worldly affairs and refrain from overtly supporting or opposing other individuals or organizations.

I've seen several temple members make comments on Jedi refraining from politics, refraining from voting, supporting political candidates, etc. The problem with this is that we then end up with global political environments such as our current POTUS, fringe groups such as ANTIFA / Aryan Knights, uninterrupted Russian election tampering, etc.

Nobody is voting, nobody is getting involved in government, and nobody is pushing for change to address the above problems. Everyone is complaining about it however, as threads such as "MAGA - Racist POTUS" would indicate. I would offer the opinion that Jedi here are still getting involved in politics and worldly affairs (despite thinking otherwise), however in it's current form it has no positive impact on manifest significantly needed political reform.

I've also seen Jedi who state they willingly and intentionally disarm themselves, having no means or intention for self defense. They seem to have a mindset that to be a proper Jedi, they put forth no effort to defend themselves or those close to them in the event of violent attack. Additionally, the risk of such attack continues to rise daily; as indicated by the thus weekly mass shootings, and documentation of terrorist attacks.

This month alone, there have been 23 terrorist attacks reported globally. The annual tally thus far is 1000+ attacks globally. The world is an increasingly violent place, and such a policy of toxic pacifism serves as ignorance of that reality.

Also, if you can't defend yourself; you can't be relied on to defend others if the situation calls for it. It's difficult to break up a fight if you've never learned how to throw a punch.

I've included the grey code below for reference. The reason I identify with the grey path (and code) is because it's a tempered; balanced combination of Jedi and Sith doctrines. It encourages action, but asks for wisdom and discretion within the choices being made. It pushes those who follow it to pursue a balanced approach to their learning and development.

Rather than being a Jedi and meditating all day while listening to spa music (slight exaggeration), or an edge-lord Sith who spends the day listening to hate-breed and popping targets at the shooting range (slight exaggeration); I seek to combine the best and most useful applications of both ideologies.

In a world where labels are becoming increasingly significant, I'd rather choose one that relates to an ideology I respect; than have one assigned to me for a mindset which doesn't apply.

Attachment greycode.jpg not found



Out of time for now, Happy Saturday!

So long and thanks for all the fish
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4 years 6 months ago #343636 by Kobos

Athena_Undomiel wrote: As Jedi, we have the ability to Express ourselves and our stance very clearly.
I try but am only human, Jedi or not I am going to be unclear at points. Context will get skewed, and I cant decide how others read what I write.
It is important that we recognize that maintaining our stance and enforcing our stance are two very different things. If you simply tell other people your stance but are unwilling to recognize their path, is that truly Jedi behavior?
IMHO no it is not, but that is my opinion and I won't stomp on others choices to be so.

If you push others to abandon their stance in order to cater to you, are you not manipulating the other person?
Yes, that is manipulation. As a teacher IRL I admit to using it all the time. Is it manipulation when we ask someone to step back and take a look at their own stances from a different lenses? I believe it absolutely is, but then again I think all interaction is in a way manipulation. Does basic communication not effect others emotions. If I tell you a story and you feel happy/sad did I not manipulate your mental state in a way

Where is the line between sharing, educating...and manipulating or bullying?
IMHO the line becomes when you choose to stop trying to learn or actually listen. I would say when you cease being respectful but that's subjective.

How do you reconcile the difference?
I try to truly listen (or read), but I also realize this depends upon my own lenses. So, I may seek council to see if maybe there view I am not seeing

What do you do to combat this manipulative behavior?
Now this is the tricky part. How do you? Well, if you have certain authority put to you it comes to how do you use it, more importantly when.
I remember a time and it's in my journal page 15 I think. Where there was someone shoving someone down because they didn't agree on something It was actually on the aggressors side as I didn't agree but the way in which they were acting was inappropriate IMHO. So, I asked leading questions until they stepped on their own toes then started lashing out. You know what's funny I still feel bad about it and that was at some point last year.


If you recognize it in others how do you maintain your stance in opposition to the manipulator?

In the old days of my youth :) I would charge in and argue non-stop. Now, I just ask questions if the manipulator is not responding to the questions then I know when to use silence as my weapon. Standing your ground in a debate doesn't mean repeating yourself, if one is not willing to be open to ideas then it is of little use to repeat yourself.

So, when we get into debates on this site I have to say I have seen some whoppers and there is obviously going to be some level of disagreement and a little heat. Sometimes, that isn't a bad thing, shocks can make people listen a little more. But, after a certain discussion where I was literally trying to stop people from yelling at each other (over the interwebs). I had to question myself quite a bit as I acted. Like a lot, I still do a bit, however, I did come to a realization because of this experience. As I look at it now, I won't censor one's message. I disagree with that type of censorship. This said, I will stand up and censor the way you say it, by comparing the way you said it, not what you said, to the TOS. In almost every case I have had to act as a Mod besides spam I have always sent a message asking that said post be reworded or why it should stay worded that way. If that can't or won't be done then their is a sense then that you are not debating or listening you are intent to harm. Now, in almost every case I will normally ask for a second opinion, what I read may not necessarily be right. I also try to take detailed notes so that should it be the case I can be held accountable for acting inappropriately, I have and will make mistakes. After all, I may live as a Jedi but I am a human and I will never be the ideal. If I ever think I am then I have stopped learning and that is more dangerous than anything I can do towards the idea of Jediism. Just my opinions. Kohadre, excellent replies, and Athena_Undomiel excellent thread to start.

Much Love, Respect and Peace,
Kobos

What has to come ? Will my heart grow numb ?
How will I save the world ? By using my mind like a gun
Seems a better weapon, 'cause everybody got heat
I know I carry mine, since the last time I got beat
MF DOOM Books of War

Training Masters: Carlos.Martinez3 and JLSpinner
TB:Nakis
Knight of the Conclave
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4 years 6 months ago #343643 by Gisteron

Athena_Undomiel wrote: As Jedi, we have the ability to Express [sic] ourselves and our stance very clearly.

That must be why barely any of us can put to words just what "the Jedi stance" - or indeed even their own - is, let alone be consistent with either themselves or with more than at best so few more that one wouldn't need all fingers of one hand to count them.

I beg to differ. No. Most people, Jedi or otherwise are not at all good at expressing themselves or their stance. Enough even go out of their way to be deliberately vague and obtuse in an effort to sound all wise and holy and to no further good, too.

Better to leave questions unanswered than answers unquestioned
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4 years 6 months ago #343662 by Adder

Athena_Undomiel wrote: Where is the line between sharing, educating...and manipulating or bullying?
How do you reconcile the difference?


I have a path so my comments are generally how that path, at that time, relate. The purpose being that it might be useful to the reader on the basis we probably share some similarity due to bing in places of communion like this joint.

So I'm not asserting truth, because I might change my mind, but I do have reasoning of some nature......whether my supporting reasoning is relevant or not is less important to me, because usually its not really possible to go into that level of detail easily. I think peripheral probs develop when people try to assess the weightings of supports in their view and compare it as being more, or less, justified..... which is where some argumentive folk go for room to be bullies, and some vulnerable go when they feel attacked by not being agreed with.

So I usually just reflect on the why of my participation (abv), and assert a monjudgmental curiosity to any new perspectives as potentially part of positive change to my path. Something not doing that is not less valuable, so time is not wasted, for it's at the least given me opportunity to exercise some critical and analytical thinking within myself.

Knight ~ introverted extropian, mechatronic neurothealogizing, technogaian buddhist. Likes integration, visualization, elucidation and transformation.
Jou ~ Deg ~ Vlo ~ Sem ~ Mod ~ Med ~ Dis
TM: Grand Master Mark Anjuu
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4 years 6 months ago #343665 by Adder

Kohadre wrote: I've seen several temple members make comments on Jedi refraining from politics, refraining from voting, supporting political candidates, etc. The problem with this is that we then end up with global political environments such as our current POTUS, fringe groups such as ANTIFA / Aryan Knights, uninterrupted Russian election tampering, etc.

Nobody is voting, nobody is getting involved in government, and nobody is pushing for change to address the above problems. Everyone is complaining about it however, as threads such as "MAGA - Racist POTUS" would indicate. I would offer the opinion that Jedi here are still getting involved in politics and worldly affairs (despite thinking otherwise), however in it's current form it has no positive impact on manifest significantly needed political reform.


When I've said it in the past about the place of politics, I did not mean ignoring politics, but rather not being caught up in the group identity such that it might distract one from being impartial and fairly able to work with all sides of a situation - skills essential for diplomacy probably. In fact I think it's vital for staying aware of local, national, and international politics, especially for Jedi as these things speak a lot of about going ons, and how societies etc might work. Thoughts being.... politics in common speak usually refers to the allegiances and competition side of it, rather then the bargaining to meet consensus and factors in achieving good governance. Because to me a Jedi is primarily about developing a pragmatic path which integrates the Force as they see it, and not trying to meet some popular image of how a Jedi might act. A subtle difference perhaps, but one which can have big consequences when pressure is applied to processing hidden and competing interests.

Knight ~ introverted extropian, mechatronic neurothealogizing, technogaian buddhist. Likes integration, visualization, elucidation and transformation.
Jou ~ Deg ~ Vlo ~ Sem ~ Mod ~ Med ~ Dis
TM: Grand Master Mark Anjuu
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4 years 6 months ago #343667 by steamboat28
All human social interaction is manipulation.
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