".. For my ally in the Force. And a powerful ally it is. Life creates it, makes it grow. It’s 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, even between this land and that ship.”
―Yoda
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(note : whilst we do not have canon characters in Naboo, this was written OOC to help people understand the Jedi better, thus the use of Canon character quotes.)
Self-discipline
Self-discipline was one of the key concepts of Jedi behavior, and Jedi Padawans were taught this from a very early age. The lessons started off similar to what might be taught to an ordinary student; however, as the student progressed, so did the complexity of the lessons.
Conquer Arrogance
"The acceptance of others is not a guarantee. Like everyone else, a Jedi is accepted or not based on his behavior. The Jedi who believes that he is more important than others only demonstrates that his opinion is to be ignored."
―Dooku
Jedi were required to learn that, although they were able to use the Force, they were no better than those who could not. Jedi were taught that they were only Jedi because some had taken the trouble to teach them, not because they were superior to others, and that a Jedi Master was only a Jedi Master because he had disregarded his own sense of self-importance and embraced the will of the Force.
Conquer Overconfidence
"Overconfident thinking is flawed because the Jedi does not take all possibilities into account. He may understand the task at hand, the support of his fellows, and the ramifications of his success, and he may have even planned for unanticipated factors—but he has failed to understand his own capabilities. He has planned only for success, because he has concluded that there can be no failure. Every Jedi, in every task, should prepare for the possibility of failure."
―Vodo-Siosk Baas
Many young Jedi students, while learning the ways of the Force, began to believe that they could accomplish anything. Many young Jedi died taking on tasks that were far too difficult for them, not realizing that the Force was only truly limitless to those who had limitless understanding.
Conquer Defeatism
"Try not! Do, or do not. There is no try."
―Yoda
Young Jedi also learned that defeatism was just as dangerous as overconfidence. Although it might have seemed contradictory to the goals of conquering overconfidence, a Jedi would first plan for success, then for failure. Jedi who always plan for failure expected to lose, and usually only used minimal effort—enough to say that they had tried.
Conquer Stubbornness
"Do not see a lightsaber duel as a choice between winning and losing. Every duel can have many, many outcomes. When you concentrate solely on winning—in lightsaber duels as in everything else—you sully your victory. Winning becomes worse than losing. It is better to lose than to win badly. And it is always better to end a duel peacefully than to win or lose"
―Rekpa De
Jedi would always have been ready to accept defeat if the cost of winning was greater than the cost of losing. Jedi were taught that it was always best to end things peacefully than to win or lose.
Conquer Recklessness
"Learn to recognise when speed is not important. Race when being first is important; move at your own pace at all other times. It is not necessary to always strike the first blow, to provide the first solution, or to reach a goal before anyone else does. In fact, it is sometimes vital to strike the last blow, to give the final answer, or to arrive after everyone else."
―Wiwa
Many young Jedi lacking in self-restraint were always ready to ignite their lightsabers and plunge straight into battle. They perceived a goal and rushed towards it, without any consideration for unseen dangers or other options. And so Jedi were taught that speed did not necessarily lead to success.
Conquer Curiosity
"Use the Force to satisfy the will of the Force—not to satisfy your own curiosity."
―Odan-Urr
Many inexperienced Force-sensitives used the Force to satisfy their curiosity, probing into the business of others. Intruding gave the clear message that the Jedi felt they were above others' privacy. Jedi were taught that although using the Force to discreetly uncover the secrets of others may have been occasionally necessary, it should never become a matter of course, as it would cause great distrust of the Jedi in general.
Conquer Aggression
"A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense, never for attack."
―Yoda
A sizable number of Jedi, in training, confused the meanings of attack, defense and aggression. Thus Younglings were taught that it was possible for a Jedi to strike without aggression, so long as they acted without recklessness, hatred or anger. A Jedi was permitted to kill in self-defense—only if there was no other option. However, Jedi instructors taught their students that killing, no matter what the circumstances, was not to become commonplace. To conquer aggression, even in combat, a Jedi must have explored every other option, including surrender, before resorting to using lethal force. Jedi who depended on murder were close to the Dark Side of the Force.
Conquer External Loyalties
"A Jedi is a Jedi, first and foremost, and only. For a Jedi to divide his attention between the will of the Force and the will of others is to invite disaster."
―Hoche Trit
Each Jedi was expected to remove as many external distractions from his or her life as possible. For that reason, the Order only accepted potential Padawans while they were still young children; they were too young to have already formed strong relationships and forbidden them forming attached relationships later in life. Jedi were not allowed to marry without special dispensation, like in the case of Cerean Jedi Ki-Adi-Mundi, who was allowed to marry several Cerean women because of his people's low birth rate. Jedi were forbidden from taking a political appointment or to accept gifts. They were taught that their loyalty was to be to the Jedi Order, and to nothing else.
Conquer Materialism
"I wear my robe so that I am warm; I carry my lightsaber so that I am safe; and I keep enough credits for my next meal, so that I am not hungry. If the Force wants me to have more, it finds a way of letting me know."
―Kagoro
Jedi were traditionally forbidden from keeping more than a few essential belongings. There were two reasons for this; first because they distracted a Jedi from the Force, and second because, as they emerged through the ranks, Jedi were required to leave for missions with extremely short notice, and so having many objects was a burden. It was rare for a Jedi to possess more than they could carry on their person at one time.
​Since the Naboo war, Jedi are no longer sheltered in a temple, and generally do not live as monks. It is common for modern Jedi to wear clothes suited for survival, over tradition, even if that includes civilian attire, when the situation calls for it. This same principle applies to equipment and personal gear.
Responsibility
Once a Jedi had mastered self-discipline, they could begin to accept responsibility for their actions. Jedi who shunned responsibility were never trained, and Jedi who embraced it were never denied training.
Practice Honesty
"Let there be truth between your heart and the Force. All else is transitory."
―Surenit Kil'qiy
Honesty was the first responsibility that aspiring Jedi were taught. Jedi were permitted to stretch the truth if the situation required it of them, however this was to be done as sparingly as possible. An honest Jedi was always truthful with himself, his Master, and the Council.
Jedi who operate undercover, or simply wish to blend in during times of Jedi hunts, do not need to be truthful when asked if they are Jedi.
Deception in itself is a tool, not an aspect of the dark side - it is the motive that makes a lie of noble or evil purpose.
Honor Your Promises
"Deliver more than you promise. The best way to be always certain of this is to deliver much, even when you promise nothing."
―Tho-Mes Drei
Jedi were taught that if they made a promise, they should have always been prepared to keep it, or else to have made amends. Thus, a Jedi should never have make a promise he or she was not certain they could keep. Jedi were encouraged to consult their Master before making a promise.
Honor Your Padawan
"Good call, my young Padawan."
―Obi-Wan Kenobi to his Padawan, Anakin Skywalker
A Jedi Master was required to know that he must treat his Padawan with respect. He should never reprimand his Padawan in public, nor punish his Padawan for disagreeing with him. On the other hand, a Master should praise his Padawan, especially in the presence of others. This built the Padawan's confidence, and strengthened the bond between Master and apprentice.
Honor Your Master
"I'm sorry for my behavior, Master. It’s not my place to disagree with you about the boy. And I am grateful you think I'm ready to take the trials."
―Obi-Wan Kenobi to Qui-Gon Jinn
By the same token, Padawans were expected to show great respect to their Masters, especially in front of others. Padawans were taught never to disagree with their Masters to the point of argument, and that when they were in discussion with others, Padawans should only address their Masters when they had been addressed themselves. This spared the Master having to apologize for his Padawan's behavior.
Honor the Jedi Council
"Now must I keep the word I made when only a Jedi Knight I was—a promotion this is not."
―Master Yoda after being invited to join the Jedi High Council
Although the Jedi High Council was the ultimate authority of the Jedi Order, it was not possible for the High Councilors to be everywhere at once. Therefore, when the Council sent a Jedi on a mission, the Jedi spoke for and was a representative of the Jedi Council. The Council was forced to answer for the Jedi's words and answers, and so the Jedi would have been careful not to put the Council in a difficult position, as to do so would be to show terrible disrespect for the Council.
Honor The Jedi Order
"When a Jedi behaves badly in public, an observer might think, 'If this Jedi is a representative of the whole Order, then plainly no Jedi is worth respect.' On meeting a second Jedi, who behaves better than the first, that same person might think, 'Does this say that half the Jedi are good, and half bad?' On meeting a third Jedi, who behaves as well as the second, the person thinks, 'Was the first Jedi an exception, then?' In this way, only by the good behavior of several Jedi can the public be certain that the poor behavior of one Jedi was unusual. Thus, it takes many Jedi to undo the mistakes of one."
―Odan-Urr
Every action a Jedi made reflected on the Order. Good deeds boosted the Order's reputation, but poor behavior sometimes caused incurable damage. Jedi were taught to remember that each person they met might not have set eyes upon a Jedi before, and that the acts of the particular Jedi that person would influence their perception of the Jedi Order as a whole.
Honor the Law
One of the most important roles of the Jedi was to protect the peace and justice of the Republic, and so no Jedi was above the law. Jedi were expected to follow the law the same as they expected others to.
Jedi were permitted to break laws, but only when it was required, and only if they were willing to suffer the consequences―an example of this can be seen at any time when Jedi have been hunted, and or when simply being a Jedi was seen as a crime. On some worlds, hunting Jedi is completely legal.
Honor Life
"Listen to the Force, Cade. A Jedi's first concern is to preserve life."
―Kol Skywalker
Jedi were expected never to commit murder, for any reason. However, if confronted with a life-or-death struggle, a Jedi was permitted to kill to complete their mission. This act was not encouraged, as ending life strengthened the dark side; however, if the act was justified—if it saved others' lives, or if the Jedi was acting on the will of the Force—then the light side was equally strengthened. Jedi were also expected to think of those they had killed, and to think of the suffering caused by their deaths. A Jedi who did not care about his victims was on the path to the dark side.
Render Aid
Jedi were obliged to help those in need of aid whenever possible, and were expected to be able to prioritise quickly. Jedi were taught that while saving one life was important, saving many lives was even more so. This principle did not mean a Jedi had to abandon other goals in every circumstance, but merely that a Jedi must do his or her best to make sure that they aided those who were most in need of assistance.
Defend The Weak
Similarly, a Jedi was expected to defend the weak from those who oppressed them, ranging from small-scale suffering at the hands of an individual to large-scale enslavement of entire species. However, Jedi were taught to remember that all may not have been as it seemed, and that they should respect other cultures, even if they clashed with a Jedi's moral or ethical code. Jedi were also warned not to act in areas out of their jurisdiction, and to always consider the consequences of their actions.
Provide Support
At times, it was necessary for a Jedi to stand aside and let other people defend the weak, even if the Jedi felt that they could do a superior job. Jedi were taught that they should assist by word or action as required by the situation, offering advice when requested to, warning when necessary, and arguing only when reason failed. Jedi should remember that they wielded the marvellous tool of the Force, and that they should be prepared to use it only for good.
The Teachings of Master Odan-Urr
"Certainly a Jedi should know the Code, by word and by heart. But seemingly every Jedi is in some fashion negligent, from the lowest Padawan to the highest Master. Consequently, were someone to demand, 'What is the true meaning of the Jedi Code?' the Jedi who promptly answered would be rare indeed."
So begins the famous commentary upon the Jedi Code by Master Odan-Urr, written almost four thousand years before the time of Master Mace Windu. His musings on the proper behavior of a Jedi formed the foundation of the Jedi Order as it was known near the end of the Old Republic.
Odan-Urr's ancient wisdom held true for centuries. Many were taught the Jedi Code, but few fully understood it. Fewer still lived by it. Full comprehension of the Code is one of the keys to unlocking a Jedi's mastery of the Force.
The Path Within the Code
As its most basic level, the Jedi Code is a set of guidelines explaining what virtues to prize and what flaws to avoid. Jedi instructors ask their students to always keep these words mind. The reason is simple; the Code provides instructions on how to become a Jedi Master.
Consider the first rule: "There is no emotion; there is peace." It is plainly contrast, distinguishing the confusion of emotional considerations from the clear thinking of peaceful meditation-obviously, a valuable quality.
But 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 the Jedi to strive to understand all situations-particularly before acting-to avoid errors in judgement. But knowing a thing well can lead one to become engrossed in it. An obsessive focus 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 nonexistence-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." If a Jedi can act emotionlessly, knowledgeably, and serenely, then he or she 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.
Interpreting the Code
While the Code is a straightforward map to mastery of the Force, it can sometimes be frustrating when put into practice. The galaxy has changed a great deal since the Jedi Code was first defined, and a great deal more since Master Odan-Urr attempted to clarify it. Although the secret to the Code is considering it thoroughly before acting, the universe often does not afford a Jedi the time to do so.
Still, a Jedi can think through a great many things in advance, to better maintain the principles of the Code when the rest of the universe is in a hurry. Over the millennia since the founding of the Order, Jedi Masters have recognized that there are eight conclusions a Jedi can reach before situations are thrust upon him. A Jedi who understands these eight things will, when called upon to make a quick decision, already know the will of the Force.
Meditation
"Every Jedi should spend time meditating each day on the will of the Force. The reason for this is simiple: if one has unwittingly acted contrary to the will of the Force, recognizing the mistake soon after may still give one time to make amends."
- Master Odan-Urr
What Master Odan-Urr left unsaid was that by regularly examining one's own motivations, a Jedi could be certain that she was not allowing emotion, ignorance, or passion to intrude upon her clarity. A Jedi who has no time to meditate may more easily become lost. More to the point, a Jedi who refuses to meditate may already know that her motivations are not pure, and is thus lying to herself. As Master Yoda once said: "The Jedi who heeds not the counsel of the Force, to the dark side listens."
Training
"A Jedi's training in the Force never ends."
-Master Vodo Siosk-Baas
A wise Jedi should strive to remember that there is always something more to learn about the Force. The Force reveals itself to those who have the desire and knowledge to see it, and merely heeding the Force's will is much the same as looking at a bantha's toe and saying: "Now I understand banthas." To continue to grow, a Jedi should train each day.
Loyalty
Jedi can exist in this universe because the Force exists. But the Jedi Order needs more: it requires loyalty. It goes without saying the Jedi should be loyal to one another. They should not squabble of fight. More important, though, each Jedi should be aware that he must act in accordance with the wishes of his Master, who must in turn act in accordance with the wishes of the Jedi Council. This is not question of seniority, but rather of understanding the will of the Force, and in this regard, the members of the Jedi Council are the recognized experts.
Integrity
A Jedi's responsibility to the Force is to be honest with himself. So long as the Jedi is not acting for his own self-interest and observes the Code, he is obeying the will of the Force. Master Odan-Urr lamented the misperceptions of those who believed that Jedi should ne morally superior:
"Many feel that a Jedi should be scrupulously honest, never taking advantage, and never withholding information. This is nonsense."
A Jedi can and should offer advice to those who need it. From a certain point of view, a Jedi is not being dishonest if he allows people to believe what they wish to believe. It is not incumbent upon the Jedi to convince anyone to follow his advice. When a Jedi is serving the Force, he may employ deception, subterfuge, misdirection, and even fraud, if he does so with a righteous aim. Although most sentient beings have a distase for such practices, the Force is without such emotions. Do not confuse this with "moral flexibility". A Jedi does what needs to be done. But also remember that a Jedi is not above the law.
Morality
The most dangerous, and debated, words ever uttered by a Jedi Master are: "A Jedi isnot a creature of morals." This statement has unfortunately been translated, often by Jedi, to mean that a Jedi can do no wrong. What it actually means is that Jedi are not enforcers of morality. While Jedi can bring or restore order and justice, they cannot themselves sit in judgement of others. These are two reasons for this.
First, the galaxy is a vast place, full of cultures that no one Jedi can completely understand. One famous story tells how a Jedi learned that a companion had been devoured by the cannibalistic Colicoids. When asked why the Jedi later bargained with the very same beings for starship components, she responded: "Because eating the flesh of sentient beings is not forbidden by the Jedi Code-but to the Colicoids, not eating the flesh of sentient beings is considered a sign of insanity." This Jedi recognized that punishing the Colicoids for following their nature would be acting out of emotion and ignorance. Similarly, not procuring a badly needed engine part would have been punishing herself out of guilt.
The second reason is that judgment leads to vengeance, and vengeance leads to the dark side. This is easy to understand, though not so easy to practice. Should a known murderer be allowed to go free? Should a man intent on murder be killed? To answer either question, a Jedi must first know the will of the Force. Neither decision can be made hastily, except where lives are threathened by inaction. At the same time, while not judges, Jedi an be mediators. It is a role they are suited for, and one that works in accord with the Force since meditation leads to balance.
Discretion
"The galaxy will live in tranquility if certain matters are a bit overlooked of left unheard."
- Master Odan-Urr
Though Master Odan-Urr believed in justice, he also understood that it was sometimes neccessary for a Jedi to practice discretion. Some have seen this as a sign of Jedi partisanship. Others, particularly low enforcement agencies, believe that Jedi ignore small crimes in order to apprehend greater criminals. Obviously, neither of these is true.
The truth is that Jedi Knights are suffered throughout the galaxy-despite their facility with the Force. This is because they do not actively interfere with the lives of the common people. Jedi stand for order and justice, and these qualities do not begin with the misdeeds of the few. The goal of the Jedi should be to create and preserve an atmosphere where justice can flourish, rather than to try to create justice themselves. Master Yoda often said that, should the Republic ever challenge the Jedi Order's right to exist, the support of the common citizen would see them through: "If fear us they do, help us they will not. If hate us they do, hunt us they will."
Bravery
"To be brave in battle proves nothing. A Jedi should be prepared to put aside fear, regret, and uncertainty and either fight, run, surrender, or die."
- Master Odan-Urr
Younger Jedi commonly mistake bravery as the opposite of fear. Since fear leads to the dark side, they reason, bravery is armor against the dark side. This isnt so. If a Jedi is mindful of the will of the Force, he will know whether it is best to stand his ground, or flee, or even to offer truce. Remember that bravery itself is an emotion, and a Jedi should be at peace-even in the midest of war.
Fighting
"If a Jedi ignites his lightsaber, he must be ready to take a life. If he is not so prepared, he must keep his weapon at his side."
- Master Odan-Urr
Conflict is a fact of life in the galaxy for far too many beings, and no Jedi can hope to remain apart from it. But a Jedi need not embrace conflict. As Master Yoda teaches: "If a weapon you show, 'A warrior am I!' you say. And who is best must all warriors know you." So, to avoid unnecessary fighting, a Jedi should not advertise his skill. But when is it necessary to fight? The Force will show a Jedi when he has no other options, and a wise Jedi trusts the Force in this regard.
When fighting, is it necessary to use one's lightsaber? The answer is no. A lightsaber is an intimidating weapon-but not a tool for intimidation. This is what Odan-Urr meant. Do not use a lightsaber to create fear in an opponent. Use it to end the fight as quickly and mercifully as possible. If this means destroying a foe, so be it. But if a Jedi can end a fight without killing an opponent, so much the better. The best Jedi can avert injury altogether, with only a word.
In the past, some Jedi have taken this to mean that they should carry a second, less deadly weapon. There is so such thing. If a weapon cannot kill, it is not truly a weapon. While a blaster can let a Jedi attack from a distance, it is just as effective-and more in keeping with the Jedi Code - to use the Force instead.
Dependence
"Do not come to rely on the Force to the detriment of your other senses and abilities."
- Master Odan-Urr
While not part of Odan-Urr's Jedi Code commentary, this bit of wisdom from the Jedi Master is often added to any instruction using his words and methods. It warns Jedi students to develope their other talents and abilities, to not rely solely on the Force. To use the Force to accomplish every mundane task is to trivialize it. Using the Force isnt the only solution to every problem; sometimes, it it isnt even the best solution. That's where a Jedi's other skills and talents come in. Jedi training consists of many exercises; mastering the Force is only part of that training. The student also learns to run, jump, climb, fight, swim, and think. These exercises could be made easier by using the Force, but this would be to the detriment of the Jedi's overall experience. A Jedi needs to learn his capabilities without the Force so that he can truly know himself and also understand what those without the Force are capable of accomplishing.
Using the Force because it's convenient, even when other methods might be more sensible, falls dangerously close to the dark side. It's only one step removed form using the Force to achieve personal wealth and power, and that's defienitely a corruption of the Force.