The Jedi Order is an ancient monastic peacekeeping organization unified by its belief and observance of the Force, specifically the light side. The Jedi are the guardians of peace and justice in the Galactic Republic, and are famous for their reliance on the Force for their power. Their iconic weapons are lightsabers, a custom-made hilt with a blade of pure energy. Led by a series of Jedi Councils, the Order grew over the millennia despite facing many trials, most often threats from the Sith, wielders of the dark side of the Force.
The Force is: "Well, the Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us; it binds the galaxy together." With their knowledge and use of the Force, those with the sensitivity and required training within the Jedi Order, have the ability to use and manipulate the Force, therefore giving them superior athletic abilities, foresight, psychokinesis, manipulation of weaker minds (the most famous example being this) and so on, depending on how powerful they are. The light side of the Force is concerned with the ideals of good, benevolence, and healing. Followers of the light side (Jedi) strive to live in harmony with the world around them, acting out of wisdom and logic rather than anger and hasty judgment. In order to achieve harmony with the light side of the Force, its practitioners often meditate to clear themselves of emotion; particularly negative emotions such as aggression, fear, anger, and hatred, since these are thought to bring on acceptance of the dark side. As for the dark side, well just think Darth Vader for now.
The Jedi are trained from a young age (a test is performed on the blood of all newborns throughout the galaxy for Force sensitivity) at their temple on Coruscant, their HQ, in groups by highly qualified Jedi masters/knights. Before they reach the age of 13 they must be taken on as a Padawan by a Jedi Knight or Master, it's a teaching relationship that can span two decades and it's up to their master to decide when they are ready to face the trials to Knighthood. When they are a fully fledged Jedi Knight they take on various Jedi duties, missions given to them by the Jedi council, and so on. The title of Jedi Master is the highest formal rank obtainable by a member of the Jedi Order. Reserved for those who had shown exceptional devotion and skill as well as balance in the Force and often combat, only individuals who had been given the rank of Master could sit on the Jedi High Council.
A Jedi dedicates his life to the Order and leavings are rare, marriage is also firmly banned and relationships discouraged. Honour, self-discipline and compassion are qualities importantly upheld by them, but most of all their duty to the Republic. In accordance with their philosophies of non-attachment, clothing is viewed as quite disposable. Indeed, possession itself is seen as forbidden as another form of attachment, and most Jedi lived out lives of material poverty, though the Order's infrastructure and the support of the Republic meant the Jedi did not lack for food, housing, or clothing.
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| The Jedi Temple in Coruscant |
So with all that out of the way, I shall begin the story! Feel free to ask me for an explanation on anything though. ;)
