The Jedi Code Decoded
Explaining the Jedi Code
The Jedi Code was first referenced on-screen in The Phantom Menace when Padawan Kenobi tells his Qui-Gon Jinn, “Master, you could be sitting on the Council by now if you would just follow the code.” It was mentioned a few more times throughout the prequels without revealing what exactly the code was.
Based on context clues from the movies, it seemed to be a reference to the beliefs, tenets, or rules by which the Jedi live.
While George Lucas himself does not elucidate the contents of the code, other writers have practiced no such restraint.
The code appears in multiple works of the expanded universe, in books, comics, and games.
What most people know of the Jedi Code is just a small portion of the code, sometimes referred to as the mantra of the Jedi.
The mantra of the Jedi, first appeared on page 69 in the 1987 Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game by West End games designed by Greg Costikyan.
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.
This version of the code first appeared in a novel in the 1996 Shield of Lies by Michael P. Kube-McDowell and was later made canon by Disney in the 2015 novel Dark Disciple by Katie Lucas.
A simplified version of the Jedi mantra was provided on page 143 of the 1996 Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi Companion by West End Games, which was authored by George R. Strayton.
It was a role-playing companion to the Dark Horse Comic Tales of the Jedi comic series.
Emotion, yet peace.
Ignorance, yet knowledge.
Passion, yet serenity.
Chaos, yet harmony.
Death, yet the Force.
This version was made canon by Disney in issue number 7 of Kanan: The Last Padawan comic series by Marvel Comics.
The Heart Sutra
The mantra first published in 1987 as the Jedi Code, was very likely inspired by the Buddhist Heart Sutra.
The relevant section of the Heart Sutra reads;
There is no ignorance, and no end to ignorance.
There is no old age and death, and no end to old age and death.
There is no suffering, no cause of suffering, no end to suffering, no path to follow.
There is no attainment of wisdom, and no wisdom to attain.
The Heart Sutra teaches the practitioner that they should avoid attachments even to the teaching of Buddhism itself.
It is an anti-dogmatism practice.
To reach enlightenment, a Buddhist must be willing to let go of even the closest held ideals of Buddhism.
Everything we experience is just a pale reflection of a deeper reality.
The Heart Sutra challenges our perceptions about the nature of reality.
It challenges us to take a new perspective.
Perhaps the Jedi Code is inviting us to take the perspective of a universe with the Force in it.
The Code then isn’t referencing mundane reality but a new reality, one with the Force.
The Force has no emotion, so when you are one with the Force you are at peace.
The Force has no ignorance, when you are one with the Force you have knowledge.
The Force has no passion, so when you are one with the Force you are serene.
The Force can not die, so when you are one with the Force there is only the Force.
The Jedi mantra is a poem, a quintain, that gives a brief summation of some of the Jedi’s teachings.
But be warned, reading the Code alone is not sufficient to understand the Jedi’s beliefs.
The Jedi use the code, not to teach, but to remember.
It is a mnemonic device, simple enough to chant in meditation or in battle.
It is not meant to be taken literally, as it evokes, but does not explain the deeper teachings of the Jedi.
The Jedi mantra colloquial known as the Jedi Code is not the whole of the Jedi beliefs.
There are many other rules and beliefs that have at various times been considered a part of the Code, and were never included in the quintain.
There have also been many versions of the mantra.
The most well-known version is believed to be the in-universe creation of the ancient Draethos Jedi Master, Odan-Urr.
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.
Odan-Urr created this version of the quintain mantra after extensive study of the Jedi Code sometime between 5000BBY and his death in 3996 BBY.
In universe it is believed that the first version of the code was the simplest, and in my opinion the most elegant.
Emotion, yet peace.
Ignorance, yet knowledge.
Passion, yet serenity.
Chaos, yet harmony.
Death, yet the Force.
The Je’daii Code
The Jedi code was derived from the Je’daii Code.
The Je’daii were sequestered in the Tython system for 10,000 years studying the Force.
Their order did not survive contact with the greater universe, eventually evolving into the more pragmatic Jedi.
“There is no ignorance; there is knowledge.
There is no fear; there is power.
I am the heart of the Force.
I am the revealing fire of light.
I am the mystery of darkness
In balance with chaos and harmony,
Immortal in the Force.”
(Dark Horse Comics, Star Wars Dawn of the Jedi: Force Storm, written by John Ostrander, 2012)
The Jedi code itself has inspired new codes, from offshoot organizations.
Sith Code
The dark Jedi who founded the Sith religion, developed their own code.
“Peace is a lie, there is only passion…
“Through passion, I gain strength…
Through strength, I gain power…
Through power, I gain victory…
Through victory, my chains are broken…
The Force shall free me…”
(Knights of the Old Republic video game, written by David Gaider, 2003)
Code of the Doomed
Decedents of a group of Jedi and Sith stranded together on a single world, found peace together.
They learned to fear the Force, in a way that was reminiscent of the heretic Kreia.
Calling themselves the Doomed they combined the Sith and Jedi Codes.
“War is a lie.
There is no defeat — there is serenity.
There is no victory — there is death.
Though power I am enslaved.
Though the Force — I am doomed.”
(Dark Horse Comics Star Wars Lost Tribe of the Sith: Spiral, written by John Jackson Miller, 2012)
Another mantra of the Jedi that is contained within the greater Jedi code is the the Crystal Code.
The Crystal Code
“The crystal is the heart of the blade.
The heart is the crystal of the Jedi.
The Jedi is the crystal of the Force.
The Force is the blade of the heart.
All are intertwined.
The crystal, the blade, the Jedi.
You are one.”
Clone Wars, Chapter 14, March 31, 2004
The mantra of the crystal is learned by Jedi Padawans in preparation for creating their first lightsaber.
“… now is the time of The Gathering. For a Jedi, there is no greater challenge or honor.” Jedi Padawan Ahsoka Tano
In a ritual called The Gathering young Jedi would travel to the icy world of Illum, where they would be tested by the Force, and if found worthy, be granted a Kyber crystal of their own.
Kyber, called the living crystal, chose their Jedi, and harmonized with them in the Force.
“From time to time, someone would arrive and call to them, like the harmony of a perfect song.
Each crystal had a chosen bearer, and only that bearer would hear the music and see the glow. All others would pass by, seeing nothing but more ice.” The Crystal Grew, Ahsoka Novel.
The manta of the crystal is meant to impress upon the Jedi the importance of the lightsaber and its ability to help a Jedi connect to the Force, as well as the necessity of using the Force to effectively use the blade.
“The heart of the lightsaber, the crystal is. Focuses the Force from the Jedi, it does.” Jedi Master Yoda
For the Jedi a lightsaber is far more than a weapon, it is also a shield against traditional blasters, a focus to help them connect to the Force, and a tool to ease their path ahead. It is the weapon’s versatility as much as its lethality that makes a lightsaber so important to the Jedi.
“This is the weapon of a Jedi Knight. Not as clumsy or as random as a blaster; an elegant weapon for a more civilized age.” Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, A New Hope.
“The lightsaber is a Jedi’s only true ally.” Lightsaber architect droid Huyang.
“This weapon is your life.” Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, Attack of the Clones.
The Jedi Code
Learning the mantra of the Code was part of an initiates training before they could become a Padawan.
“These tenets must always guide your actions, in everything you do you must always be conscious of their wisdom.” ~ Jedi Master Zhar Lestin
It was not enough to be able to recite the code from rote memory. An initiate must also be able to to explain the Code and demonstrate how it should direct a Jedi’s actions in the world.
“You must prove you have a Jedi’s understanding of the Code.” ~ Jedi Master Zhar Lestin
Emotion, yet peace
The closed couplet of stanza one, goes “There is no emotion, (when) there is peace” or “Emotion, yet peace” is part of the liturgy of the Jedi philosophy known as the Jedi Code.
A Jedi must not only memorize the words but learn the greater lessons for which they serve as a kind of mnemonic device. Reciting the mantra not only reminds a Jedi of lessons past but helps them to focus their mind, and the challenge at hand.
The mantra as a poetic verse is not meant to be taken literally. It is part of a meditative practice on the path to enlightenment.
The Jedi are not advocating for emotional suppression but emotional regulation. Emotional repression is dysfunctional while emotional regulation is a vital skill for healthy psychological functioning. This is a nuance that can be difficult for some to grasp.
Master Obi-Wan, “You know I once harbored feelings for her. It’s not that we’re not allowed to have these feelings. It’s natural… As a Jedi, it is essential you make the right choice, Anakin, for the Order.” (The Clone Wars, Season 6 Episode 6)
Mace Windu, “Jedi feel emotion as others do, according to their species. A Jedi learns to trust their feelings but not to be ruled by them.” (Star Wars Comic Issue 37 [2 of 4] Stark Hyperspace War)
Former Jedi Padawan Ahsoka Tano, “She wasn’t used to unbridled emotions. She’d spent most of her life around people who felt deeply, but who managed, for the most part, to keep those feelings under control.” (Star Wars Ahsoka, 2016, p. 84)
The goal of the stanza is to express a Jedi’s mastery over the self. A Jedi must always be in control of their actions. To let any emotion overpower a Jedi’s self-discipline could have disastrous results.
Jedi Master Anoon Bondara “One of the few things that all intelligent species in the galaxy share is the ability to have feelings. We are creatures of emotion and to deny that would be profoundly unhealthy. But one can feel anger, for example, without being controlled by it one can grieve without being crippled by grief. The peace of the Force is the foundation upon which the structures of our feelings are built.” (Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter, 2001, p. 302)
Ignorance, yet knowledge
The second closed couplet of stanza, goes “There is no ignorance, (when) there is knowledge” or “Ignorance, yet knowledge”
Knowledge is the second pillar of Jedi philosophy along with self-discipline and the Force.
Jedi Master Thon, “A true Jedi never stops learning.” (Tales of the Jedi: Sith War issue 4)
This is a call to action. For a Jedi, there is no end to learning. They are lifelong learners, who must continually revisit old lessons as well as learn new ones.
Jedi Master Anoon Bondara “Chance favors the prepared” (Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter, 2001, p. 303)
A Jedi must have knowledge of the Force; it’s capabilities, its limitations, and its dangers.
Jedi Master Vodo, “A Jedi’s training in the Force never ends.” (Tales of the Jedi: Dark Lords of the Sith issue 1)
A Jedi must have knowledge of combat; lightsaber combat, empty hand combat, Starfighter combat, battle tactics, engagement strategies, and war doctrines.
A Jedi must have knowledge of diplomacy; de-escalation, negotiations, psychology, politics, and culture.
A Jedi should have skills that do not rely on the Force; mechanical, programing, slicing, or medical.
Jedi Master Yoda, “A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense, never for attack.” (Star Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes Back)
Passion, yet serenity
The third closed couplet of stanza, goes “There is no passion, (when) there is serenity” or “Passion, yet serenity”
Jedi Master Anoon Bondara explained that in this context passion means obsession, compulsion, fixation (Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter, 2001, p. 303)
This is the line of the mantra that refers to attachment. An attachment is a strong emotional connection to something that leads to the illusion of possession. That attachment can be to an object, it can be to a person, it can be to an idea.
Jedi Master Yoda, “The fear of loss is a path to the Dark Side… Attachment leads to jealousy, the shadow of greed, that is… Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose.”
Specifically, attachment is the part of the emotional connection that responds to loss. It is our inability to let go of the things for which we have a passion that causes suffering.
Jedi Padawan Anakin Skywalker, “Attachment is forbidden. Possession is forbidden. Compassion, which I would define as unconditional love, is essential to a Jedi’s life. So you might say, that we are encouraged to love.”
A Jedi does not own possessions but uses tools as needed. A Jedi does not have a family but embraces all as kin. A Jedi does not have expectations so that they can respond to the world as it is, rather than how they wish it to be. A Jedi must be willing to discard all worldly things in service of the Force.
Jedi Master Satele Shan, “The emotional bond was real, and her desire to do anything — take any risk or commit any act — to protect her son was almost overwhelming. She would do everything in her power to protect him — even terrible, violent things. She would put his needs above all others, even if it meant an entire planet must suffer to spare him pain. Given her position and power, this was unacceptable.” (Star Wars The Old Republic Annihilation, page 10)
Mace Windu’s thoughts about his encounter with Dooku on Genosis, “Our Order prohibits personal attachments for precisely this reason. Had I not honored him so — even loved him — the galaxy might be at peace right now.” (Star Wars Shatterpoint: A Clone Wars Novel, pg. 5)
A Jedi can love but must be willing to let go of the object of their love. Just like Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi loved his former Padawan Anakin Skywalker, but Master Kenobi was still willing to do what he must.
“You were my brother, Anakin! I loved you” ~ Obi-Wan Kenobi (The Revenge of the Sith)
Jedi Master Tholme, “Attachments no. But our strength comes from our connections. To the Force… and each other. It is those connections that help make us who we are.” (Marvel Star War Jedi one shot Aalya Secura)
Other Sages
Gautama Buddha, “The root of suffering is Attachment.”
Stoic Cicero, “Most men, however, lack tenacity of purpose. Their resolution weakens and succumbs as soon as the fair form of pleasure meets their gaze, and they surrender themselves prisoner to their passions, failing to foresee the inevitable result.”
Gautama Buddha, “People cleave to their worldly possessions and passions so blindly as to sacrifice their own lives for them.”
Wu Hsin, “The attachment to beliefs is the greatest shackle. To be free is to know that one does not know.”
Stoic Epictetus, “Control thy passions lest they take vengeance on thee.”
Stoic Marcus Aurelius, “In the same degree in which a man’s mind is nearer to freedom from all passion, in the same degree also is it nearer to strength.”
Chaos, yet harmony
The fourth closed couplet stanza goes “There is no chaos, (when) there is harmony” or “Chaos, yet harmony”
The Jedi believe that the whole galaxy and all the life it contains is unified by the Force.
Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, “It’s an energy field created by all living things. “ (A New Hope)
Jedi Master Yoda, “Life creates it, makes it grow. Its energy surrounds us and binds us. Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you; here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere, yes.” (The Empire Strikes Back)
Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, “It’s the energy between all things, a tension, a balance, that binds the universe together.” (The Last Jedi)
Chaos is an illusion created by ignorance.
Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, “In my experience there is no such thing as luck” (A New Hope)
A Jedi learns to harmonize with the Force to be able to sense the connections that underpin everything.
Jedi Master Yoda, “You will know when you are calm, at peace. Passive.” (The Empire Strikes Back)
When a Jedi is in harmony with the Force the illusion of chaos subsides and the Force is revealed.
Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi, “Your eyes can deceive you. Don’t trust them.” (A New Hope)
Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, “Your focus determines your reality.” (The Phantom Menace)
Death, yet the Force
The fifth closed couplet stanza goes, “There is no death, (when) there is the Force” or “Death, yet the Force”
A Jedi must not fear death. A Jedi knows their own death and all those around them is inevitable. However, the Jedi believe all being live on the Force.
Jedi Master Yoda, “Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter.” (The Empire Strikes Back)
Jedi Master Yoda, “Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force. Mourn them do not, miss them do not.” (Revenge of the Sith)
Jedi Master Quinlan Voss, “Jedi Aren’t without emotion. We’re allowed to grieve.” (Dark Disciple)
Jedi Master Mace Windu, “Tyvooka was part of the living Force, and that can never die, so Tyvooka still lives.” (Star Wars Comic Issue 37 The Stark Hyperspace War 2 of 4)
Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, “This isn’t a choice we make once and walk away from. It’s the work of a lifetime.” (Master and Apprentice)
“Those who are trained in the ways of the Jedi are taught to live by the rules and tenets, of our Order. We believe in self-sacrifice, and we believe the power of the Force must only be used when it serves the greater good. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, there are those who fall away from our teachings. They give in to weakness. They succumb to ambition and greed. They use the Force to satisfy their own base wants and desires. They reject our philosophy and fall the to the dark side.” ~ Jedi Master Obba
