Detachment

[marilena_r]

It is a concept that really bothered me. I understood the cruelty of detachment when I saw the last Star Wars movie. When Yoda told Anakin that he had to be detached from what he loved, I really wanted to punch him on the face. Such lack of understanding and compassion was absolutely deplorable for me. And this is what bothers me with Buddhism as

Comments

[paulafromtwoson]

I know what you mean about feeling detached... On the other hand, I can see how, if people (like the Jedi in Star Wars) have been trained to follow a set moral standard, theoretically, they would still be showing compassion without following the less reliable judgments made by their hearts. So, in theory, it might work... I think part of what I like about Star Wars is that it shows that the Jedi's way didn't actually work out. It was basically the downfall of all the Jedi; it's difficult to expect people to live their lives according to a stuffy set of moral principles...

[marilena_r]

I have been waiting for others to comment on that, but no one did. Are you the only one that understood? Anyway, I am glad you did! (If you have watched Naruto you probably know exactly what I mean.)
Interesting to say that the Jedi downfall was because of their morality. I think that this is not made clear, especially because those who have seen the old movies know that the Jedi will be revived again. (But probably with diffent moralilty, because Luke does get married - so you are basically right)

[paulafromtwoson]

I agree that the movies weren't clear about why the Jedi fell. The whole Jedi society looked very ideal, in many ways. I think that many people who have watched the movies might not even ask why the Jedi came to their demise because there is so much going on in the movie that it is easy to overlook that particular aspect. I also think that Lucas's choice to not be very clear was clever - it makes the movie seem like it has a lot of depth because you have to really think about it to try to understand the cause and effects in the movie.

In the Star Wars Episode III novel, some of this is pointed out more clearly. I also notice that in episodes 4-6 Obi Wan tells Luke very little about the old Jedi order. He seems to want the new Jedi to take a newer, more natural course. You'll also notice that Luke runs off from his training with Yoda. Although it is portrayed as a bad, reckless thing... but it isn't impossible that Luke's intuition to leave is correct and Yoda is, once again, wrong. After all, it all works out in the end....

mystique's comment

[anonymous]

i think (not that i agree with it) that the whole point of detachment when it came to the Jedi was that the Jedi had to be objective in order to be able to be the justice-keepers of the galaxy. they could not be attached to anyone, because that might cloud their judgement (and also, considering that they got sent in often dangerous missions all over the place, perhaps that was a consideration as well). also, although they were encouraged to show compasion and empathy, strong emotions were seen as something that could potentially lead to the dark side. but, between you and me, i don't think this detachment thing really worked, even leaving Anakin aside - which is quite obvious by Obi-Wan's reactions. perhaps they were not permitted to get attached, but many of them certainly did, even if it was to other Jedi. (and Yoda is a short long-eared troll whose importance is, in my opinion, overrated) and yes, the New Jedi Order was quite different - but mostly because those jedi knew so little of the old order. either way, i certainly liked it

Re: mystique's comment

[marilena_r]

Yeah, it's true. Detachment is necessary for justice. Although, unfortunately, it is not the only requirement. Nice that you mention it.

[ghoststrider]

Detachment, huh? Is this the same kind of detachment when I just don't give a shit about the JROTC unit I'm part of anymore? Or is that just plain selfishness?

I kinda Buddhism myself; it's simple and clear. While many think it tries to eliminate emotions like the Vulcan culture, it's just trying to control them. Put some restraint so it doesn't blow up and potentially cause harm to you and others.

Frankly, I find 99% of both psychology and philosophy to be utter bullshit. It's just big words made to make the people saying them feel better.

[I must also add, your English has improved dramatically. Bravo.]

[marilena_r]

JROTC? You mean http://www.jrotc.org/ ?
And you wanted to say you like buddhism? I guess it's not bad. That depends on what you are searching for. When it doesn't become strict moral rules like the other religions, it is ok. And I think that about 90% of philosophy is bullshit and about 50% of psychology. The problem with psychology is that it tries to satisfy everyone. This is almost impossible. That's why I am trying to find my own philosophy and see psychology critically.
Hey! My english improved? Hmm... it's true that two years of reading in English almost exclusively, studying in English and using the internet extensively must certainly have an impact on my ease with the language. Mystique used to correct the prepositions I use often enough!

[ghoststrider]

JROTC -- I have no idea what that site is. It looks semi-legit, but I wouldn't go there for any official information. My JROTC is the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps, and is a high school program dedicated to putting high school students into uniforms and teaching them about integrity, service, and most excellent bullshit

[marilena_r]

Ah, you are talking about psychiatry then. It is only complementary to psychology, and often doubted. The truth is that some problems have biological roots, so it's necessary, unfortunately. Some people do need drugs to get in touch with reality or relax, in order to adapt and solve their problems. And what concerns DSM, and the classification of "diseases", it's also true that it's changing. And psychology is trying hard to re-estblish what is normal and what is not. (One of the reasons I love it) Anyway... this is very specialized stuff.
You think that I am excitable? It's true that I am very enthousiastic and I believe passion is necesssary. I certainly have my doubts and tryng to find a balance, but passion is what gives me energy. So, I am just trying to live productively with lower levels of energy... I wish I was exciting, in stead of excitable, though.