The Jedi Tenets Of Service

The Jedi's Duty to the Republic

Myra VanIsle

Myra VanIsle    Jedi Philosophy      The Jedi Tenets Of Service

Duty To The Republic

Although the Jedi and the Republic were dissimilar, and the Jedi Order had no authority over the Republic, the Jedi served the Republic. Jedi were expected to uphold Republic laws and ideals and to protect its citizens. However, members of the Order held no rank in the Republic hierarchy and only served when asked; at all other times, they stepped aside. This strange agreement between the two parties had stood for so long that no one knew how or why it had come about.

Render Aid

Jedi were obliged to help those in need of aid whenever possible and were expected to be able to prioritize 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 their best to ensure that they aided those 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 always to consider the consequences of their actions.

Provide Support

At times, a Jedi needed 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 to assist by word or action as required by the situation, offering advice when requested, warning when necessary, and arguing only when reason failed. Jedi should remember that they wielded the marvellous ally of the Force and that they should be prepared to use it only for good.