Teachings,+Self-Discipline

Self-Discipline
(Kai Stormwalker)

One of the keystones of Jedi behavior is self-discipline, and Jedi Masters instruct their students in this tenet very early. Most of the lessons are no different from those taught to ordinary children, but as the student progresses, so does the complexity of the lessons. The Jedi student learns that self-discipline is far more important to a person who can wield the Force than it is to those who cannot even feel its touch. belongings a distraction from the study of the Force, but once a Jedi becomes a Jedi Knight, his missions may take him far away on short notice, and numerous possessions become burdensome. Consequently, few Jedi keep more than they can carry on their own person. "I wear my robe so that I am warm; I carry my lightsaber 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 providing it."
 * A. Conquer Arrogance:** Jedi are special, but their ability to access the Force does not make them better than other people. A Jedi is a Jedi only because someone else has taken the trouble to teach him. A Jedi Knight is a Jedi Knight only because his Master determines that he cannot teach his student anything further. A Jedi Master is a Jedi Master only because he has discarded his own sense of self-importance and embraced the will of the Force.
 * B. Conquer Overconfidence:** Many young Jedi students, on learning of the limitless potential of the Force, come to believe that they can accomplish anything. They take on tasks that are too big for them, not realizing that the Force is only truly limitless to those who have a limitless understanding. Scores of Jedi have died as a result of overestimating their control of the Force.
 * C. Conquer Defeatism:** The opposite of overconfidence is defeatism: the belief that no effort, no matter how great, can possibly succeed. Though this might seem contradictory with the goal of conquering overconfidence, it amounts to a question of priorities. A Jedi should plan for success first, and failure second. The Jedi who plans excessively for failure expects to lose. Indeed, the Jedi who approaches each task as though failure is the most likely option puts forth only minimal effort - enough to say that he tried,
 * D. Conquer Stubbornness:** A Jedi should be willing to accept defeat if the cost of winning is greater than the cost of losing. It is better to lose well than to win badly. And it is always better to end a conflict peacefully than to win or lose.
 * E. Conquer Recklessness:** Young Jedi in particular are always ready to ignite their lightsabers and plunge into battle, reach out impulsively with the Force to move heavy objects, or trick the minds of the weak-willed; such Jedi lack self-restraint. They perceive a goal and rush toward it, heedless of unseen dangers or other options. Learn to recognize 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.
 * F. Conquer Curiosity:** It is unseemly for a Jedi to probe unnecessarily into the business of others. All beings are entitled to their privacy, and intruding gives the clear message that the privacy of others can be sacrificed to satisfy a Jedi's curiosity. Using the Force to discreetly uncover the secrets of others might be occasionally necessary, but it should never be a matter of course, for it causes distrust of the Jedi in general. Use the Force to satisfy the will of the Force - not to satisfy your own curiosity.
 * G. Conquer Aggression:** Jedi, especially when they are still training, may confuse the meanings of attack, defense, and aggression. A Jedi can attack without aggression, especially if he acts without recklessness, hatred, or anger. A Jedi can even kill in self-defense if his opponent leaves him no choice. However, these occurrences should never become commonplace. To conquer aggression, even in combat, a Jedi must expolre every other option - including surrender -before resorting to lethal force. The Jedi who regularly employs lethal force courts the dark side.
 * H. Conquer External Loyalties:** A Jedi is a Jedi, first, 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. A Jedi may not take a political appointment or accept gifts that are not necessary for his mission. A Jedi's loyalties must be to the Force, to the Jedi Order, to the Republic, and to himself, in that order.
 * I. Conquer Materialism:** Jedi keep few personal possessions. Not only are such