A Letter to Potential and New Members, from a Retired Member of the Council...
Hello my fellow Potential and Jedi. Many of you who have joined and are now joining do not know who I am or have vaguely heard my name. I am Grand Master and Matriarch of the Order, Neaj Pa Bol. I have recently Retired from Active life here but am always in the wings. I have been a member since the beginning of the Temple's starting. I joined Dec. 23, 2005, not only as a Member but as Charter Member as well. My Late Husband is an Honorary Master, bestowed on him after his passing by Br. John. I used to be very vocal in the beginning, now I am much calmer and quieter than back then. I have always been very Passionate and Devoted to the Temple since is beginning will always do so… I watch, look, listen and choose when to speak on items, especially if something catches my attention. I teasingly call myself an old fart sometimes. I am a Grandmother so I can do that.
Through the years, studying, training and teaching, I worked my way up in rank. It does not come quickly, but it is a welcomed challenge if you pursue it. It is not something to me to be brandished about, it’s just an achievement and goal in my personal View, it does not set anything above being Jedi in my personal path. We are not the Jedi of Famed Movies. No, but we have learned and studied and developed an actual system of learning, based on much ideals, tenets, Creed, Code and at times a drawn thinned Patience to get where we are today. We do not role play here. We live to serve in each of our own ways and talents. We are an actual Church. Incorporated in Texas and the UK. We have programs for Clergy to study as well, for those who would like to obtain a Ministers License but is separate from the Teaching Program.
When I started here at the Temple, I came with a background rich in Christian belief. I do look at myself as a Christian Jedi, but it is my view. We went through a lot of growing pains in the years. We Had "Rites", groups that favored a religious combination or none at all. Today those ideas have changed to Special interests’ groups of Abrahamic Studies, Eastern Studies and Pagan Studies. But let me clarify something. It is your choice how you chose to be a Jedi! But, if you wish to keep a faith included within your Beliefs, you can do so. It is not easy. I have seen many, many harsh debates on this matter and I have always said that we as Jedi will not chop down another as long as the Codes, Creed, Tenets, etc., are the mainstay of being Jedi.
You will find on occasion, those who infiltrate our site and try to create havoc. It's a part of life. Easiest thing to do is not to engage in a conflict. Just let a Knight, Clergy, Master or Council know. Life is always a challenge, especially from people we do not know or do not think we really have a faith or belief. No different for the thousands or hundreds of years ago as Christianity, Islamic, Lutheran, Baptist, Mormon, etc. started. It is always made fun of or disbelief in anything we say. But it is you that incorporates the Jedi Philosophy in your life that makes the difference. For You…. Fellowship is what makes us strong, enlightened. My Code is this by choice...
There is no Emotion, There is peace… There is no Ignorance, There is Knowledge…
There is no Passion, There is Serenity… There is no Chaos, there is Harmony…
There is no Death, There is the Force
I've always found strength in this...
The Jedi Creed (Christian Jedi Orthodox Version)
I believe in the Living Force Of Creation and all that is seen and unseen.
I am a Jedi, an instrument of peace; Where there is hatred I shall bring love;
Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
I am a Jedi.
I shall never seek so much to be consoled as to console; To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive;
In pardoning that we are pardoned; And in dying that we are born to eternal life.
The Living Force Of Creation is always with me; I am a Christian Jedi.
The Jedi Creed
I Believe in The Living Force Of Creation; I am a Jedi, an instrument of peace;
Where there is hatred I shall bring love; Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy.
I am a Jedi.
I shall never seek so much to be consoled as to console; To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love; For it is in giving that we receive;
In pardoning that we are pardoned; And in dying that we are born to eternal life.
The Living Force Of Creation is always with me; I am a Jedi.
Note: This is a direct adaptation from the Prayer of St Francis of Assisi.
Jediism is the belief in a Living Force Of Creation.
The Creed of a Real Jedi is
I believe in the Living Force Of Creation and all that is seen and unseen.
I am a Jedi
The rest is a variation on
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
See: http://www.prayerguide.org.uk/stfrancis.htm
