Jedi Order
"Being a Jedi is not just about power, or lightsabers, or even skill with the Force. It is about connection. Being part of something bigger. I am stronger as part of the Jedi Order than I could ever be alone."―Obi-Wan Kenobi, to Anakin Skywalker The Jedi Order, also known as the New Jedi Order under Jedi Master Luke Skywalker, was a noble monastic and nontheistic religious order united in their devotion to the light side of the Force. With a history dating back thousands of years before the rise of the First Galactic Empire, the Jedi Knights—noted for their lightsabers and natural ability to harness the powers of the Force—stood as the guardians of peace and justice in the Galactic Republic. The Order was originally established on Ahch-To in the Unknown Regions. In later years, the Jedi Grand Temple on the Core World Coruscant served as the hub of all Jedi activity in the galaxy. The Temple was also a training school for younglings and Padawans, who learned the ways of the Force under the supervision of Jedi Masters, twelve of whom were elected to serve on the Jedi High Council—the Order's highest governing authority. The High Council's staff officers were the Grand Master of the Order, who functioned as the leader of the Order and was a title reserved for the wisest Jedi Master, and the Master of the Order, who served as the Council's appointed leader. The Jedi Code governed the Order's way of life; therefore, every Jedi was duty-bound to observe and uphold the Code or else risk expulsion from the Order. The emergence of the Sith Order was the result of a schism that fractured Jedi unity, dividing the Order between the Jedi who remained faithful to the light and a group of renegades that followed a rogue Jedi into exile for exploring the dark side of the Force. Thenceforth, the Jedi and Sith warred with each other for centuries. Although the last conflict concluded with the fall of the Grand Republic, the ancient Sith all but perished as well, allowing the new Galactic Republic to rise under the protection of the Jedi Order.
Councils of the Jedi Order
Jedi High Council
The Jedi High Council was the primary governing body of the Order and comprised twelve Jedi Masters who discussed and contemplated all aspects of the Order.Council of First Knowledge
The Council of First Knowledge was composed of five Masters, led by the Caretaker of First Knowledge. Overseeing the Temple-based academy and its curriculum, this Council advised other Jedi using the wisdom of past scholars. To this end, the Council guarded and maintained the Temple Archives and its holocron vaults, as well as the Shadow program at the Temple.Council of Reconciliation
Seeking diplomatic resolutions to conflicts, the five members of the Council of Reconciliation dealt with the Galactic Senate and the Republic Diplomatic Corps in order to help end political standoffs. The first face of the Republic presented to worlds interested in joining the Republic, this Council would dispatch diplomats and ambassadors to moderate debates and hammer out treaties.Council of Reassignment
The Council of Reassignment ran the Jedi Service Corps and each of its branch councils. Organizing work for those Jedi Initiates who failed out of the academy and Jedi Knights with special talents, the Reassignment Council oversaw this branch's missions and assignments.Structure
The primary body governing body of the Jedi Order is the Jedi High Council. The High Council was made up of twelve members at a time, a tradition established as early as the Great Hyperspace War.
Laws
Jedi Code
"If you would just follow the Code, you would be on the Council."―Obi-Wan Kenobi to Qui-Gon Jinn
Members of the Jedi Order, from Jedi Masters to Padawans, were encouraged to follow a set of guidelines, including self-discipline, responsibility, and public service. These principles were put simply yet effectively in the Jedi Code: "''Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy.
Jedi use their powers to defend and protect, never to attack others.
Jedi respect all life, in any form.
Jedi serve others rather than ruling over them, for the good of the galaxy.
Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training.''"
―The Jedi Code
Derived from the Code of the Je'daii Order Master Homonix Rectonia is credited with transcribing the code in its classic form. Later, Odan-Urr refined it to omit the fourth line, though Grand Master Fae Coven restored the Code to its classic form. "''There is no emotion, there is peace.
There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.
There is no passion, there is serenity.
There is no chaos, there is harmony.
There is no death, there is the Force.''"
―Odan-Urr's Jedi Code
The Code was not necessarily a strict set of rules, but a general set of guidelines that Jedi were encouraged to keep in mind as they went about the business of the Order. Numerous Jedi teachings interpreted and expounded on the Code in subsequent millennia. These rules, created and embraced by the Jedi Masters, were essential tools in a Jedi's growth. In them, Jedi were encouraged to overcome personal obstacles such as pride and materialism, to understand their small yet important place in the galaxy, and to give every being and point of view equal consideration.
25,025 BBY - 19 BBY; 28 ABY
Type
Religious, Holy Order
Demonym
Jedi
Ruling Organization
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