Perhaps the most intriguing element of the Star Wars Universe is the Force and the Jedi Knights who wield that power. The ideas expressed about the Force mirror many ideas that are expressed in Eastern Philosophy and elements of the "New Age" movement. This article will attempt to examine some of these ideas. Please keep in mind this is a work continually in progress. As my understanding of various elements discussed here changes this paper will be updated. While this article will examine the Force as seen in Star Wars it will also be a personal examination of my own beliefs.
What is the Force?
In the film Star Wars, when asked this question by Luke Skywalker, Ben Kenobi answered. "...It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together."
The novelization of Star Wars, ghost written by Alan Dean Foster, provides a lengthier explanation. "...While it has never been properly explained, scientists have theorized it is an energy field generated by living things. Early man suspected it's existence , yet remained in ignorance of its potential for millennia. "Only certain individuals could recognize for what it was. They were called mercilessly labeled: charlatans, fakers, mystics - and even worse. Even fewer could make us of it. As it was usually beyond their primitive controls... "The Force surrounds each and every one of us. Some men believe it directs our actions, and not the other way around, Knowledge of the Force and how to manipulate it is what gave the Jedi his special power."
This fleshed out explanation I believe gives us a slightly better understanding. Using this explanation we can draw parallels to our own world and out current understanding of the metaphysical.
To begin, the Force in Star Wars is an energy field that beings generate and also tap into. Tapping into some mystical energy is not a new idea. The Chinese would call it being with the Tao, athletes have used the phrase "being in the zone", artists of said they are in contact with their muse, and there are other such phrases.
What do they mean? The above examples are usually used by people when they are doing something they could not do normally. There are more extreme examples of heightened ability. telepathy, telekinesis, astral projection, and other psychic phenomenon are just beginning to receive serious scientific testing. While, I will admit a good part of such phenomenon is rife with fakery and tricks, there are a growing number of cases with mounting evidence that there is something else to our reality that we are just being able to acknowledge.
Personally, I have had a good deal of trouble with a personal God figure, such as is presented in Judeo-Christian thought. I do think there is something out in the spiritual realm. I believe this something else to be beyond human reality, and as such can not be easily explained. Some may say this is a cop out. I don't agree.
Our understanding of spiritual reality is analogous to our understanding of the world of physics. In the time of Aristotle humans believed everything was made of differing amounts of air, water, earth and fire. Over the centuries we investigated our world and our understanding has increased. However, there is still much we don't know. When compared to the physical sciences, our investigations into the psychic or spiritual world has remained in Kindergarten. When looked at this way, it is not hard to imagine there are still amazing things for us to discover in this realm. To stick with the same dogma that existed for thousands of years is stifling. But I digress.. With an uncertain reality in the spiritual realm we must find a model to start from. I believe the Force as described in the various forms of Star Wars is a good place to start. It allows room for the various metaphysic phenomenon that is beginning to find scientific basis and has plenty of room for growth.
Please E-Mail me your comments and thoughts.
.For more on the Force
and Taoism Please visit...
The Taoist Sanctuary of San Diego
Temple of the Imortal Spirit- The Western Taoist
OR.....