Jedi and the First Aggregat of Self

[Jedi_PhoenixModerator]

Yes, I know this is a Buddhist philosophy and thus could be in a different section, but if at all possible, I wanted to keep this Jedi related.

Right now I am reading the Dharma of Star Wars and one of the Chapters is on the Aggreagares of Self.  So I thought this would be a good way for me to learn even more about it by applying it to discussion.

But anyways, the First Aggregate of Self is “Form”- this relates to your physical self and being.  The author discusses how these aggregates are all changing and never the same from one second to the next, including our physical selfs.  Our cells die and new ones replace them.  We have emotions of happiness one second, then anticipation, then anxiety, then sadness, then maybe happiness again.

So I’m wondering how this could relate to being a Jedi.  I already have some idea, but as per usual, I want to see what everyone else says first.

ALSO, in the last page, the author discusses death and how this is related to the first aggregate of self.  He disccuses how we are in a sense “dead already.” We needn’t fear death because only our physical bodies die, and are already dying, yet we live on, through others.  It is a very Buddhist type idea, hence a Buddhist philosophy, but I wanted to see what others thought about applying this to the Jedi path.

[JaxKeymaster]

Perhaps there isn’t quite enough shared here for people to really comment on.  Why not share what you are thinking and we’ll have a better idea of what to key in on.

[Anonymous]

I will give one of my patented, verbiose responses that usually get things going……

Richard Gerber discusses the fact that the human body is made up of energy. In fact, everything in the world is made up of energy, even the chair that you sit on and the rocks by the ocean. Everything is made up of atoms and within each atom are protons and electrons that rotate around a neutron. Because of the various levels and states of these protons and electrons, each substance that is formed from atoms has a differing energy state. Rocks, of course, have a lower energy state than air, which, as a gas, has a higher energy state. Humans are a combination of solids, liquids, and gases. Our state of being varies continually because of this fact. Thus, we are never, ever the same from one second to the next.

Because of the variation in the state of the body, the substances that cross the brain and affect the neurotransmittors and stimulators, in essence those things that control our emotional state, are also constantly changing. From one moment to the next, we could vary from an overly happy individual to an extremely sad individual, but we don’t. Within our bodies, there are checks and balances that keep some of these substances in balance but they are not always that efficient. This is why we have people who are bipolar, constantly depressed or elated, etc. The body is not always as perfect as we would like but that is what makes us human.

For a Jedi, the lack of the body’s ability to control these emotions can be troublesome. Thus, a Jedi must learn to control their emotional states. How can that be done? Aside from the obvious changing one’s perception, there is another way…

If, indeed, everything is made of energy, then there must be some way to control the energy states, altering them to suit the needs at the time for that moment. Many people who meditate have found that they can control their blood pressure and heart rate while in the meditative state. With continual practice, they can do so very easily when they are experiencing stress or panic. In the same way, a Jedi can learn to control the flow of energy through the body in a manner that will affect the substances that trigger the neurotransmitters and stimulators in the brain. In this way, a Jedi can control their emotional state. Many Jedi do this unknowingly when they meditate. The trick is to learn how to carry that technique over for a lengthy period of time. In simpler terms, if you get a shot of morphine for pain, it not only works for that moment but will last for about three hours. In the same way, when you meditate, you need to learn to stretch the effects of that meditation so that it will last for a lengthy period of time with just an occasional boost. How is this done? According to my Sensei, when you meditate for long periods of time, one hour twice a day, your body accustoms itself in such a manner as to do exactly what I am explaining here. I have found that it works with just 45 minutes of meditation in the morning and evening and a 15 minute meditation halfway through the day. The meditation is just one of building and balancing chi.

Larry Dossey has done research regarding the mind and has postulated a theory that I do believe in. He postulates that the mind is energy and, as such, is able to travel through space – here on earth or anywhere throughout the universe – through time – into the future, past, and present – in a matter of seconds. This would explain deju-vu, past life experiences, dreaming, and astral projection. He states that the mind is the vessel that holds everthing that there is to know about each of us, our past experiences and knowledge. The body is only a shell for that vessel. If the mind is indeed able to travel without the body, it stands to reason that the body is only present for us to function and fulfill the physical part of what the mind dictates. Thus, when the body has died, the mind will leave the body and travel to wherever minds go when they leave bodies. In that manner, we never really die. Personally, I look forward to that journey.

Jade Light

[JKBargerParticipant]

Ahh.. The 5 Aggregates.

I have that book “The Dharma of SW”; it’s an alright book that explains Buddhism with SW.  But like you said, discussion will definately help when trying to learn and internalize new things.

I too have also read Larry Dossey’s book about Mind and Meaning, but, alas!, I have forgot the title.

The one point I think is most important to the First aggregate is it’s relation to impermanence.

The Teaching itslef is designed to help folks facilitate detachment from the things that they usually identify themselves with as being existant.  One of the first things people identify themselves with is their Form, or their physical make up.  It can even hint at the brain and all it’s processes.  They too are of Form, and in being so, are also succeptible cause and effect; impermanence.  So as a training excercise, Focusing on Form  as something to see as transient and non-identifiable with Self, is one of the most difficult, but rewarding, beginning practice for anyone trying to figure out ‘who’ or ‘what’ they really are.

[Author]

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