The Jedi Code Explained

As even casual fans know, the Jedi in the Star Wars universe are more than just Good Guys brandishing lightsabers. A deep moral philosophy grounded in the Force guides and informs the Jedi and its significance extends well beyond their ongoing conflict with the dark side's partisans. But beyond that, many people are unsure of the true nature of the Jedi. What are they thinking? In what ways do these beliefs influence their actions?

Spirituality, philosophy, altruism, vocational training, martial arts, and other beliefs and practices that are in line with the light side of the Force are all part of the diverse hierarchical organization known as the Jedi Order. The Jedi Code is the guiding philosophy upon which all of these endeavors are based. You need to understand the Code and how it affects the daily lives of light-side adherents in order to comprehend Jedi.

The Words of the Jedi Code

Different versions of the Jedi Code exist, but they all convey the same ideas.

One frequently cited version functions as follows:

Peace reigns, and there is no emotion.

Knowledge exists; ignorance does not.

Serenity prevails over passion.

Harmony exists instead of chaos.

The Force exists; death does not exist.

This Code was recited (though it's hard to make out the words) when Rey heard a whispery chanting coming from a tree that contained the old Jedi manuscripts while she was on Ahch-To. That implies that the Jedi Code's history is ancient.

The same ideas are conveyed in fewer words in another version of the Code:

Feelings but tranquility

Knowledge but ignorance, calmness but passion

Peace and chaos, death and the Force

While these are enjoyable feelings, what connection do they have to the Jedi cause?

Interpreting the Jedi Code

The Jedi Code is an exceedingly simple way of expressing principles and facts; it is not a manual. As a result, the Code only offers a framework for controlling one's conduct and—for the Jedi Council—establishing guidelines and procedures. It does not offer how-to guidance for every possible scenario. Like many other philosophical principles, the Jedi Code can also be interpreted in several ways. This is only one interpretation of the Jedi Code.

Many observers have noted similarities between the Jedi Code and some of the doctrines of Eastern religions here on Earth, like Buddhism and Taoism. In its first three lines, the Code promotes a very similar rejection of worldly attachments: "There is no emotion/ignorance/passion." That shouldn't be interpreted as proof that these phenomena don't exist. Emotion, ignorance, and passion are all real. However, they are not a part of life for the Jedi. They have attained a high degree of self-control and understanding of the cosmos.

The statements "There is no emotion" and "There is no passion" might appear repetitive, but if that were really true, it's doubtful that they would have lasted this long in the Jedi Code. In this case, "emotion" most likely refers to an uncontrollable mental reaction to events that result in stupid behavior. If the Jedi's foot is unintentionally trodden on, they won't lash out in rage. "Passion" is more about the propensity to get overly fixated on material things. The Jedi make sure that this urge is always restrained in order to preserve their spiritual balance.

The latter two lines, which are comments about the universe rather than human goals, diverge from the previous three. There is order in the universe. (That belief, which promotes "harmony" in behavior to reflect the nature of the world, may also be relevant to Jedi personal conduct.) Moreover, followers of the Force are immortal because the Force itself is.