IP 2022

Read Here First (2)

2020-08-24T03:43:50+00:00

The IP is the first step to becoming a Jedi Knight at TotJO, thus its one of the most important things you will do here at the temple. The IP serves several different purposes. It gives other members of the temple a “picture” of who you are. By spending time reading about your beliefs and thoughts, we get to see the real you. So be mindful in each lesson you complete, as you want to paint an accurate picture for your fellow Jedi.

Academic cheating, plagerisim, using AI essay generators, or apps such as chat gtp is strictly prohibited when completing lessons. Anyone doing any of the above with have their journal deleted and be subject to a ban.

Knights use your IP journal as a resume, to determine which of our members would make a good apprentice. Do not rush through your lessons, there is no point in doing so. There are time minimums put in place when it comes to advancement in rank. Completing the IP in a rush will not benefit you in any way. What rushing through it will do is show a potential Training Master that you have no patience, and you didn’t take the time to reflect on the lesson so that you get the most out of our training. The Ip wasn’t designed to be completed in a week. If you're submitting three or four lessons in a day, chances are you’re moving too fast and not giving the lessons the attention they require. Everyone wants to be a Jedi knight, who wouldn’t? Becoming a Knight here at TOTJO will likely take close to two years.Between the IP and apprenticeship, it’s not going to be a quick journey, but it can be a fulfilling one. Relax, be mindful, and enjoy the process.

Periodically, a member of our IP Team will be performing the first of two checks done on your IP journal. They are checking to see that it was completed to the standards given at the beginning of each lesson. While they aren’t grading the content, they will also check that the lesson was on topic. After each lesson is posted, if it makes their cut, you will see some letters and a date appear at the bottom of your post to let you know that you're right on track. If you are asked to look at a lesson further, it’s because the IP Team member feels you have not met the requirement for that particular lesson. Our IP team members are also available to help you in any way that you require. They can answer any questions you have, explain a lesson further, proof read anything you like, or just be there for you to bounce ideas off of if you're having writer's block. If you have not yet requested an IP Sponsor, we strongly suggest you do so by messaging our IP Team Lead.

The second and final check of your IP Journal will be performed by two Knights. This is when the content of your journal will be checked. They may challenge some of your ideas or ask you to dig deeper for a particular lesson. Don’t be offended at this, as they may be looking at you to become an apprentice to them. The knights are the primary trainers/teachers here at TOTJO, and they have lots to offer for training. Remember that you can message any knight at any time for guidance. They will be more than willing to help.

Preface to the New IP

2022-02-12T00:31:21+00:00

Welcome to the Temple of the Jedi Order's (TotJOs) Initiate Programme (IP)

The IP is the first step to becoming a Jedi Knight at TotJO, you do not need to have submitted an application or be a member of our Temple if you wish to do the IP, but please be aware you will need to have completed lesson 2 before you can apply for membership. We encourage people to invest time reading the FAQ before they begin studying at TotJO.

There is no prize for completing the IP quickly and to prevent people from rushing through the IP we will only grant the rank of Initiate after 60 days of study or contribution to the Temple. This waiting period is to encourage patience, because becoming a Knight will likely take longer than a year. If you are serious about becoming a Knight then you will be just as serious after 60 days, but this time will give you greater insight into our community and our teachings.

List of Knights

If You Are Under 18

We do not accept applications from those who are under 18 years old.

Non-English speakers

Most IP materials are in English, but you may write in any language. Most members speak English as a first or second language. Please be aware that for some languages, Google translate may be used. It may be helpful in your first post to let us know what language you will be using if not english

Purpose of the Initiate Programme and Journaling

The purpose of the IP is to familiarise you with some of the basic ideas present within our Temple. The purpose of a Journal is so the TotJO community can familiarise itself with you!

The material in the IP is not doctrinal. The ideas in the material can explain some of the doctrine, but they are for teaching purposes only and need to be looked at critically and with an open mind. We're not looking for the "right" answer, we're looking for your views on the material. If you agree with some of the material say why you agree, if you disagree then say why you disagree.

Your journal will be one of the ways in which all members in the Temple come to know who you are as a person. Your journal will be reviewed by a potential Training Master (TM) when they are deciding to take you on as an Apprentice. The more personal and in depth your journal is the easier it will be for a TM to judge if you are compatible for training with them. You will more than likely continue to use the same Journal should you be taken as an Apprentice.

The IP Team

The IP team is a group of apprentices who assist our members with the initiate program. Your assigned sponsor will be available to answer your questions, provide feedback, and ensure that your Completed ip journal is ready for the knights check. While they will not challenge your opinions or beliefs, they Will help guide you as you explore your own personal philosophy and thought process. To request a sponsor please let us know in the discord #study-hall

There is also an IP Study Hall where you can discuss the IP.

Introduce Yourself

First of all please introduce yourself. We want to welcome you to our Order, we are a friendly community and we enjoy greeting new people. We also encourage you to select an avatar and fill in your profile information.

Creating a Journal

Your Journal is where all your responses to the IP exercises should be posted and some also use it as a diary. You can use the first post to tell us about yourself, maybe where you have come from, physically, emotionally, spiritually, why you are here, what your hobbies and interests are etc. Your Journal can be as personal and in-depth as you like. One day you may go back and reread what you have written, showing you how much you have changed since you joined TotJO. Some people continue to use their Journal long after Knighthood and beyond.

In the Studies forum there is a section called Journals. Go there to create your own Journal by clicking on the 'NEW TOPIC' button to create a thread. The subject/title can be anything you want, but we suggest your Username+Journal. For example if your username is 'Jimbo' then we suggest you call the thread "Jimbo's Journal".

While our servers are reliable we encourage everyone to create a back-up of their work, because if your work is lost then we will require you to re-do it.

How to Post your Answers

Please make sure you post a reply to your journal rather than starting a new thread for each exercise.

Please follow this format when posting your responses

Lesson 1: The Temple and its Duties: Part 1: The Temple and its Duties

Here are some essential notes

Remember, this is your first step into a larger world. Treat it as such

In addition to exploring some concepts related to Jediism for the first time, you’ll be making your first impression on the Temple community at large with your IP. Knights will decide whether or not to take you on as an apprentice first and foremost by the work you do in these lessons. Please treat this time and this work with the weight it deserves. Pay attention to what you are doing and remember that after one hour you will lose the ability to edit your posts.

Utilize a word processing program

Most computers are equipped with this functionality. If not, Google Docs and Open Office are pretty solid replacements. Our forum does not allow any edits past one hour to any post on the forum, so if you are particular about grammar, punctuation and/or elocution, it’s wise to first put entries into a word processing document and review them with a fine tooth comb to ensure that they:

Are free from grammatical and spelling errors.

Express what you want to say the way you want to say it.

Are formatted properly.

Utilize the window of time for editing

You may find that despite your best effort, the entry is not formatted properly once pasted. This is the time to use that editing window.

Review your post after you post it.

Ensure that it has titles, tabs, spaces, indents and special text (bold, italicized, underlined) appropriate for an entry.

Title your posts appropriately

Lesson 1: Introduction to the Temple - you may post this whole lesson as one post

Lesson 2: Introduction to Myth - please post each assignment separately

Lesson 3: Introduction to Temple Doctrine - please post each assignment separately

Lesson 4: Introduction to The Force - please post each assignment separately

Lesson 5: Introduction to Religion - please post each assignment separately

Lesson 6: Introduction to Meditation - please post each assignment separately

Lesson 7: Introduction to Learning - please post each assignment separately

Lesson 8: Introduction to Communication - please post each assignment separately

Lesson 9: Capstone Essay

Read the Instructions and Prompt

Self explanatory, but here we are. Ignoring word counts and answering different questions from those asked will result in you having to redo a lesson.

6. Take your time

This is not a race. Your IP journal should indicate your dedication to rigor, not your capacity to get it done. Remember that this is the only time you will review this material with these eyes and in this (intellectual, spiritual and emotional ) space. The instructions are the minimum required, but to do well on this journey you’ll need to dedicate yourself to more than the minimum, so push yourself starting now and see how well you can do.

Lesson 1: Introduction to the Temple

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As part of the Temple, you have a myriad of people whom you may turn to for a number of different services. In this lesson, identify the key roles here at the Temple. Become familiar with members, their duties, and how to contact each of them. All of the information on these offices, roles, responsibilities, and the people who occupy them can be found on the FAQ. Please complete all of the following assignments.

Part 1: The Temple and its Duties

Provide answers to the following questions. There is no mandatory word minimum for this assignment.

- Which members comprise the Council and what duties do they perform?

- Which members comprise the Clergy and what duties do they perform?

- Which members comprise the IP Team and what duties do they perform?

- Who is the Knight’s Secretary and what duties do they perform?

- Which members comprise the Administrators and what duties do they perform?

- Which members comprise the Moderators and what duties do they perform?

Part 2: Chain of Command

If you wish to contact any of these people, or have a specific task you need assistance with, what are some ways that you can reach out to each of them?

Lesson 2: Introduction to Myth

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The art of storytelling is as old as humanity itself. The accrual of knowledge and wisdom encoded within stories, legends, and myths has a power to impact people and cultures across time and space. Further, when myth becomes a vehicle, we gain a tool to help us unravel mysteries of the universe. Here, we will discover how the mythology of Star Wars is not only crafted, but its role in bridging the gap between ancient stories and wisdom with modern technology and contemporary ways of living. Please complete all of the following assignments.

Please watch, listen or read the material 'The Power of Myth (Joseph Campbell Interview)' and write a few paragraphs (about 500 words) on your understanding of the content of each assignment and what the message or purpose of the material is.

Each part must be discussed separately so we advise that you write up your response to each assignment first before going onto the next one. We strongly suggest you make notes as you go along.

Video or Book (your choice). Both if you wish (optional).

Buy from Amazon.

These may be available used at a substantial discount. They don't need to be purchased from any particular place.

Right-Click and 'Save' to download the files. Please don't try to stream them.

The Power of Myth (Joseph Campbell Interview)

* Also available in text version here. This version is slightly different so please mention it in your journal posts if you use it. These files can also either be streamed or downloaded from our Google Drive.

Part 1 - The Hero's Adventure (audio), (video)
Part 2- The Message of the Myth (audio), (video)
Part 3 - The First Storytellers (audio), (video)
Part 4 - Sacrifice and Bliss (audio), (video)
Part 5 - Love and the Goddess (audio), (video)
Part 6 - Masks of Eternity (audio), (video)
Note: audio links currently broken, please download the zip of all of the parts here.

If you are using the book version for this lesson, please order your lessons as follows:

Lesson 2 - Part 1 Myth and the Modern World, The Journey Inward

Lesson 2 - Part 2: The First Storytellers

Lesson 2 - Part 3: Sacrifice and Bliss

Lesson 2 - Part 4: The Hero’s Adventure

Lesson 2 - Part 5: The Gifts of the Goddess, Tales of Love and Marriage

Lesson 2 - Part 6: Masks of Eternity

The titles line up with the chapters in the book, please write each post accordingly.

For those of you that need to use translation aids, please find transcripts of each interview HERE

Once you have completed this lesson and met the Following Requirements, please message Rosalyn J to be promoted to Member

Lesson 3: Introduction to Temple Doctrine

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The Doctrine of the Temple is an amalgamation of our communities guiding tenets since its earliest inception. For this lesson, read the Doctrine of Temple of the Jedi Order and complete at least the first 5 assignments below.

Part 1:

Explain your understanding of each of the Three Tenets and their relationship to each other. There is no minimum word requirement for this assignment.

Part 2:

Explain your understanding of each line of the Code (either version). There is no minimum word requirement for this assignment.

Part 3:

Explain your understanding of each line of the Creed. There is no minimum word requirement for this assignment.

Part 4:

Explain your understanding of each of the 16 Teaching. There is no minimum word requirement for this assignment.

Part 5:

Explain your understanding of each of the 21 Maxims. There is no minimum word requirement for this assignment.

Bonus Assignment:

Explain your understanding of the Knights Code. There is no minimum word requirement for this assignment.

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

Lesson 4: Introduction to The Force

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The Force is at the center of each and every Jedi’s path. Here in the Temple, we do not present you with a definition of the Force which you must adhere to. For an explanation of the seven dimensions of religion, see this article by Luke Burns.

For an introduction into metaphysics see this Video from Oxford

For these assignments, you will write essays discussing your understanding of the Force and your ideas about it. Understanding that the Force may be, in some aspects, ineffable while still giving thought and words to aspects of it which can be elucidated, complete each of the essay assignments. These essays may not be all-inclusive or extensive, but encourage concentration on what is meant when one says “the Force”. Post these essays in your journal here at the Temple. Please complete all of the assignments below.

Part 1: Ethics and the Force

In an essay of at least 500 words, answer the following: Do you believe in an ethical dimension to the Force? If so, explain your current thoughts, and if not explain why.

Part 2: Metaphysics and the Force

In an essay of at least 500 words, answer the following: Do you believe in a metaphysical dimension to the Force? If so, explain your current thoughts, and if not explain why.

Part 3: Philosophy and the Force

In an essay of at least 500 words, answer the following: Do you ascribe to a type of monist, dualist, or non-dualist philosophy of the Force? If so, explain your current thoughts, and if not explain why.

Once you have completed this lesson, please message RosalynJ to be promoted to Novice

Lesson 5: Introduction to Religion

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Though we have separated these dimensions out for the purpose of this lesson, please note that these dimensions are interconnected and interrelated. For an explanation of the seven dimensions of religion, see this article by Luke Burns.

Part 1: Practical and Ritual Dimension

The practical and ritual dimension of religion allows for all practitioners to have shared, grounding behavior(s). Examples of these historically have included common liturgy, the practice of yoga as part of vedic faith, sacrifice, ritualized prayer such as the rosary, etc

In an essay of at least 500 words, answer the following: Do you believe in a practical or ritual dimension to the Force? If so, explain your current thoughts, and if not explain why.

Part 2: Experiential and Emotional Dimension

Through actions associated with the practice of Jediism we physically feel in our bodies that connection to the transcendent, which is the Force

In an essay of at least 500 words answer the following: How do you connect with the experiential and emotional dimension of the Force?

Part 3: Mythic and Narrative Dimension

Note: the terms “myth” and “mythological” in this context are not to be construed as something “false”, but rather “meta-true” (a metaphor which is almost always applicable).

In our religion we work to embrace all myths, all cultures (not in a multicultural sense, but in a pan-cultural sense). We also take our cue from the Hero’s Journey and the archetypes explored therein, which were laid out in the Star Wars saga

In an essay of at least 500 words, answer the following: How do you relate to the Hero’s Journey described in a wide variety of myths.

Part 4: Doctrinal and Philosophical Dimension

The doctrinal and philosophical dimension assists us in gaining access to the mythical dimension through learning certain principles that underpin the social constructs within our religion and society.

In an essay of at least 500 words, answer the following: What benefit have you gained so far in studying the doctrinal and philosophical principles of Jediism?

Part 5: Ethical Dimension

Jedi don’t have “sin”, We believe that as we grow and develop our knowledge will necessarily transform our behavior such that we treat ourselves and others more humanely and with greater compassion.

In an essay of at least 500 words, explore: as you have been studying Jediism during the IP have you noticed changes in your behavior? Explain.

Part 6: Social Dimension

The temple structure (its ranks, its offices, its manner of being, and certainly its people) is the social construct in which Jediism (as TOTJO practices it) finds itself. A fundamental truth here also is that the Temple is a microcosm of the world. Learning how to interact here, where the consequences are not very severe, is one of the ways that we learn to interact with the world.

In an essay of 500 words or more consider the ways in which the social dimension impacts your experience online or offline.

Part 7: The Material Dimension

Whatever we can experience with our senses in the physical world that can connect us symbolically to the Force, this could be anything from lightsabers to the trilogies, does help deepen our connection therein. We don’t have physical Temples, sacred spaces, or sacred things, historically, so we make them, but that doesn’t make them any less real or meaningful.

In an essay of at least 500 words, explore the ways in which you have used the material dimension to connect to the Force.

IF YOU HAVE REACHED THIS POINT, YOU NEED TO BEGIN SPEAKING TO KNIGHTS ABOUT APPRENTICESHIP. PLEASE SEE THE LINK BELOW:

Teachers Who We Are 2023

Lesson 6: Introduction to Meditation

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Meditation is a cross-cultural phenomenon shared by many world cultures. A Jedi must be able to identify the roots of these techniques and ascertain trends within respective traditions for a holistic understanding of the meditative method. Meditation is understood not through intellectual analyses, but through experiential application. A Jedi must not only understand the differences in technique, but recognize the subtle, yet key nuances that are central to the technique. Meditation is not limited to old forms, and is adaptable to time, place, or personage. A Jedi must practice maintaining meditative stability/proficiency in regard to these states. For these assignments, you will research different meditative traditions and techniques, practice them, and write about your experiences in your journal here in the Temple. Complete all of the assignments below.

Part 1: Three Meditative Traditions

Research the following meditative traditions and write a brief summary of their methodologies after putting each to practice. Note that these examinations need not be all-encompassing.

Eastern Traditions

Western Traditions

*Indigenous Traditions

*Some Indigenous meditative traditions include controlled substances which may be illegal in your country or dangerous. The Temple does not explicitly condone or support the use of controlled substances. The purpose of including these traditions in this lesson is purely educational.

Part 2: Three Meditative Approaches

Experiment with one of each of the following applications of meditation (or meditative techniques) and write a 500+ word summary of your experiences in your journal.

Internally-oriented (e.g., emotional regulation, thought-oriented, etc.)

Externally-oriented (e.g., loving-kindness, action-oriented, etc.)

Miscellaneous (e.g., qigong, active imagination, etc.)

Part 3: Cumulative Essay

The importance of meditation to the fictional Jedi cannot be overstated; their required five sessions a day is a testament to this. Why is meditation important to Jedi? Is meditation important to you? Why or Why not?

Lesson 7: Introduction to Learning

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As Jedi, we don’t have much in the way of authoritative texts or dogma. That being said, much of our “path” comes down to what we learn and interpret, at the Temple or from other places. Interacting with information requires discernment in what we use as a source and how we extract meaning. Please complete all of the following assignments.

Part 1:

Watch Leiden University's Lecture on the importance of hermeneutics and respond with your reflections on the following prompts:

1. Explain the speaker's assertion that scientific claims don't have meaning?

2. What, according to classical hermeneutics, is the correct interpretation? Do you agree with this?

3. Can good (not perfect) hermeneutic approaches change over time?

4. Give an example of a common misconception or poor hermeneutic approach?

Part 2:

Find two samples of Jedi literature*, and analyze them by assessing the information source according to each of the parameters below. You may wish to use the Temple library.

1. Expertise (who or what generated the information, is it primary, secondary, or greater than tertiary, and how much bias or heuristic error might

exist from them).

2. Era (how old is the information as an indicator of how likely it is to have remained unchanged, considering how fast it might

change).

3. Extents (the bigger it is, the more accurate it might be; if the prior elements are met).

*Jedi literature refers to materials written by real-life Jedi. These materials must be screened by a member of the IP Team. Reach out to the IP Team to review your choice of Jedi literature. You will find a list of list of resources in the Jedi (Academia) and Jedi/Jediism sections of our library

Lesson 8: Introduction to Communication

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When considering the point of Jediism, the idea of "connection" is often mentioned. It is said that connection is one of the forefront cornerstones to developing oneself as a Jedi. Practically speaking, one of the most fundamental practices of connection is through our day-to-day communication. This lesson will focus on understanding key aspects of social communication and how the quality of our communication influences our ability to contribute to our society. Complete at least the first 3 assignments below.

Part 1: Conversation Skills - Celeste Headlee

Watch and listen to the following TED Talk by Celeste Headlee. In your journal, choose what you believe to be the 3 biggest key points made during her presentation about communication. Explain what you agree with or don't agree with and why.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1vskiVDwl4

Part 2: Didactics, Dialectics, and the Socratic Method

Research the didactic method and explain in your own words how it works. In what situations can this method be considered useful?

Research the dialectic method and explain in your own words how it works. In what situations can this method be considered useful?

Research the Socratic method and explain in your own words how it works. In what situations can this method be considered useful?

Part 3: Communication Practice

Pick any two people to have a one-on-one discussion on a topic with. The discussion may be recorded as long as permission is obtained from all parties and there is a reliable way to record it (text, audio, or video). For one person, practice implementing your chosen 3 points from Celeste Headlee. Record your interaction in your journal. Explain what you feel you did well, and what you feel you could have done better.

For the next person, pick a topic to discuss. Implement the didactic, dialectic, and Socratic methods in your discussion. Record your interactions in your journal. Again, what do you feel you did well and what do you feel you could have done better? Which of these interactions do you feel were the most fruitful to both you and your interlocutor? Why are they effective? What is the value of understanding these techniques as a Jedi?