Teachings,+The+Book+of+Emotions

=The Book of Emotions= (By Sam)(ael) (Return to Teachings)

Emotions are meant to be a trigger. As we feel; we're expected to respond to that feeling. There are no negative feelings ... all of them serve a positive purpose of allowing us to understand where we are and where we need to be. Feeling sadness or loneliness lets us understand that there are issues in our lives that we need to take care of. These emotions serve as an indication that we need to move from where we are into a better place.

Emotions that we consider to be positive, such as joy and happiness are emotions that serve as an indication that we are doing the right thing and that we should continue along the same path. Of course the exact message that our emotions are trying to convey might be difficult to grasp. Deep introspection is needed in order to fully understand exactly what these emotions mean - but if we can figure it out and develop a greater understanding of ourselves; then we'll experience greater peace.

Please allow me to note, that I've never seen a group of Jedi that actually believe that one should suppress their emotions - that includes the Jedi of the Star Wars Universe. Text shows that the books written in the Expanded Universe support the "there is no emotion; there is peace" lines, but show that they shouldn't be taken literally. I've often heard it used as an excuse for people to become Sith or to abandon the code, but it just shows a lack of real research.

It's Just a Mantra - Most of the time when we see the code in the books it is being repeated over and over again by a Jedi that is facing battle or some other difficult time and repeats the line over and over again in an attempt to regain control over their emotions and muster the courage and will to move forward. __In literature, the code's most common use is as a mantra - a means to focus their mind on the task ahead__.

The so called negative emotions are transformed into positive emotions/peace. The positive emotions are transformed into influence. __The catalyst for this transformation is awareness__.

Peace transforms into the ability to create calm and stability in a tumultuous situation. There are certain individuals that have such a sense of inner peace that upon walking into a room, that peace spreads and acts as a calming, soothing feeling of security.
 * Peace**: (Control/Inner Strength)

Hope transforms into the ability to empower others to become more than what they are, to endure more than they think that they are able. Hope lifts you up and brings those around you with you. Helping you to influence and help people achieve greater heights.
 * Hope**: (Empowerment/Influence)

Love transforms into an inner motivator that directs us to helping others. It is the love for a 'brother' that drives the soldier to risk his life to save another. It is love that will lead us to act as we should act and be who we should be as Jedi - instead of just being a taker. It is a superior emotion. Love is made of all things in one as is hate. Love is positive. Making the best possible self. Hate is negative. Preying on the waeknesses of others.
 * Love**: (Motivation)

Man is that he might have Joy. Joy is an indicator that you are truely succeeding. (//Contributed by Talon of the EJO, Modified and recorded by Sam)(ael//)
 * Joy**: (Success)

“//Nothing wrong with anger or any other emotion. Just pay attention to how you behave. Anger is a powerful tool to transform old habits and replace them with new ones. Fear and sorrow inhibit action; anger generates it. When you learn to make proper use of your anger, you can change fear and sorrow to anger, then anger to action. That’s the body’s secret of internal alchemy//.”

"//You don’t need to control emotion. Emotions are natural, like passing weather. Sometimes it’s fear, sometimes sorrow or anger. Emotions are not the problem. The key is to transform the energy of emotion into constructive action//."

"//Neither resolution nor understanding will ever make you strong. Resolutions have sincerity, logic has clarity; but neither has the energy you will need. Let anger strengthen your resolve//."

"//After a moment of exquisite anger, I found myself laughing. He laughed, too, pointed at me. “Dan, you just experienced an alchemical transformation—you just transmuted anger to laughter. This means your energy level is much higher than before. Barriers are breaking down. Maybe you’re making a little progress after all//."

"//Sorrow is not good enough…Anger is not good enough…Laughter is good enough//!"

- //**Socrates**// (way of the peaceful warrior)

Hate makes you reach for power and victory.
 * Hate**: (Motivation)

Anger makes you want power and victory. It gives you focus. It propels you into action. Makes you strong.
 * Anger**: (Action/Temporary Strength)

Fear keeps you focused and alert, It makes you cautious, and wild.
 * Fear**: (defense/Control over others)

Pain numbs your ability to be 'hurt' making you unstopable to your enemies. Pain makes you stronger. Pain helps you understand life.
 * Pain**: (Deep Strength)

Pleasure lets you know you are alive. It gives you something to lose. Pleasure gives you weakness. It is a risk. So savor every moment's pleasure. It is the vein of life.
 * Pleasure/Attachment**: (The Key to Pain)

(__**I would highly suggest you review the section on the Alchemical Cycle**__.) (Link)

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