Zen and the Art of Being Jedi
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- Car
- CBJ
- anbmom
- CBJ
- CheyenneGold
- CBJ
- ekyla
- Gorgonqueen2
- kenley
- kenley
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» CBJ - A possible reason for the change in the Force
Car,Thanks for the compliments. I too was a bit disappointed that Lucas would make such a noticeable change concerning such a key element of the Star Wars universe.
But recently, while talking to a friend and co-worker of mine, he brought up a good point.
It is highly rumored that one of the key elements in either Episode II or III will be the mysterious "Clone Wars," which were alluded to in A New Hope. He speculated that something tangible must be needed in order for the Jedi or the Sith to create clones, if this is indeed the meaning of the Clone Wars.
Perhaps Lucas felt that he needed to make this change in order to develop the plot farther down the road. But it was more mystical before.
In addition, I recently visited the new Star Wars topic here on Suite, edited by Shelly Hemig, and she has a nice little article about some corners that Lucas has painted himself into and plot problems he must overcome. You can check out the article, "Luke and Leia—Hiding the Twins," by clicking this link.
At any rate, it will be interesting to see how the story unfolds.
-- posted by CBJ
» anbmom - Very thorough article...
I enjoyed it very much, Christopher. And I come here to let you know that I read your article, only to see you have mentioned mine at the Star Wars site. It's much appreciated.My take on the midichlorians (as spelled by Terry Brooks in The Phantom Menace novel) is that Lucas wanted some external way to prove how strong a relationship Anakin had with the Force. Obi-Wan says Anakin's levels are even higher than Yoda's.
I think your theory is valid also. The Clone Wars are going to have to come into play in the next 2 movies. I will be talking about that soon. My next article will be about the disappearing Jedi. Perhaps you can visit again and answer my questions. Shelly Hemig
Contributing Editor at Suite101.com for Star Wars
-- posted by anbmom
» CBJ - Thanks for the comments Shelly
Thanks for the correct spelling of 'midichlorines'! If that's how they spell it in the book, then that's how it's spelled. As I said in my article, I've only seen it written in katakana, the Japanese script that's used for foreign words, and in that case it appeared to be spelled as 'medichlorines' in English. But now I know the correct way.Your take on the midichlorines being used as a tangible way to show the connection between Anakin and the Force is almost certainly valid. I think this is one part of the reason Lucas added them.
I enjoyed your new review of "Rogue Planet" and am looking forward to your article about the Clone Wars!
-- posted by CBJ
» CheyenneGold - hellooo....
Okay, I have to admit that I am a huge fan of Star Wars, and have been for years, but come on, aren't you taking this a little far? To start to turn the characters of Jedis into a religion? Just because you find some things in common with Buddhism, does not mean that you go all out with this, relating every little detail to the movies. Face it, Star Wars was made for ENTERTAINMENT not as a visual religious Bible. Really, just get a life.-- posted by CheyenneGold
» ekyla - Religion in Star Wars
I agree that there are aspects of Buddhism in Star Wars, Lucas constantly has said that he put religion in Star Wars so that future generations would seek out a religion. Not only are the Buddhism aspects to the Jedi but also Christian things... I am constantly relating things from my bible to things in Star Wars. Good vs. Evil (God vs. Satan), and oddly enough I have even come across the way Yoda speaks in the bible texts itself. Not to mention finding a Hebrew symbol/letter of the alphabet that closely relates to Yoda's name (Yohdh). Lucas made sure to put many aspects of religion in his movies because he thought religion important and wanted to convey that to his watchers. Every time I watch Star Wars I am deeply enthralled by the Jedi and it strengthens my resolve in my religion because I know in reality that it;s important to have.Anyway thanks for listening to my rambling.
-- posted by ekyla
» Gorgonqueen2 - Star-Wars and the Mystical Aspects of the Force.
I think there are aspects of many religious faiths in the Jedi cosmology. The main religious influences seem to be Christianity and Buddhism. Yoda is sort of like a Buddhist, John the Baptist figure who prepares the coming Christ (Luke Skywalker) for his temptation by the AntiChrist (Darth Vader). Darth, of course, was corrupted when young by the evil Emperor Palpatine (Satan) who is corrupt and wicked to the core, totally beyond moral redemption.I see the 'Force' as being very similar to the Chinese concept of Chi-a living, vital, spiritual force that is within and around all of us. Those who learn to control and manipulate the Force, become Jedi Masters, those who abuse it become Sith Lords. This is the Buddhist aspect of the Star Wars religion and the most important part of it, as the Force gives much power to those who learn to control it.
There will always be those who abuse martial arts and use their skills to hurt others. But there are others who adhere to the moral code of the martial arts, and accept the discipline and hard work it takes to be a true practitioner of them. The Force is no different.
'Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to suffering'. (Master Yoda, Star-Wars).
-- posted by Gorgonqueen2
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