The Path Within the Code

There is no emotion; there is peace. There is no ignorance; there is knowledge. There is no passion; there is serenity. There is no death; there is the Force. The Path Within the Code At the most basic level, the Jedi Code is a set of guidelines explaining for a Padawan what virtues to prize, and what flaws to avoid. Instructors ask their students that if they remember nothing else, to always keep these words in mind. The reason is simple: in these four lines lie the instructions for how to become a Jedi Master. Consider the first rule: "There is no emotion; there is peace." It is plainly a contrast, distinguishing the confusion of emotional considerations from the clear thinking of peaceful meditation - obviously, a valuable quality. But what if that peace is rooted in simply being unaware of some factor that would otherwise cause a Jedi to feel an emotional reaction, then it is not so much peace as ignorance. This is why the Code contains the second rule: "There is no ignorance; there is knowledge." This teaches Jedi to strive for understanding of all situations - particularly before acting - to better avoid errors in judgment. But, again, knowing a thing well can lead one to become engrossed in it. Engrossment leads to clouding of the mind. Thus, the third rule: "There is no passion; there is serenity." Knowing a thing objectively is knowing it as the Force knows it. Still, students commonly argue that the only true objectivity is non-existence - death. For does one not affect a thing even by merely observing it? This is why there is the fourth rule: "There is no death; there is the Force." The Force knows all things objectively, it is serene, and it is not swayed by emotion. Thus, the Jedi Code teaches that before undertaking any action, the Jedi should consider the will of the Force. Master Odan-Urr said: "With these other considerations aside, all that remains is the Force." What he meant by this was that if a Jedi can act emotionlessly, knowledgeably, and serenely, then he is acting in accordance with the will of the Force. Therefore, if a Jedi acts in all things without emotion, ignorance, or passion, then that Jedi is truly a master of the Force. Peace over anger Honor over hate Strength over fear