Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Star Wars and Taoism


I was the ripe old age of four in 1977 when the “original” Star Wars, now known as Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, was released.  I’m not sure what drew me to the movie as I don’t remember seeing it in the theater.  It may have been my oldest brother, but I remember my birthday and Christmas list consisting primarily of Star Wars toys.  The stuff surrounding the movie was, to use a term of the time, cool - the light sabers, the space ships, the epic battle scenes, the droids and I guess the story.  My first memory of seeing the movie wasn’t until several years after its release, when it came to cable.  I was fascinated by the story then and I’m still fascinated today.  

The Star Wars movie franchise is comprised of more than just Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.  There are [currently] six movies in the series.  The Original Trilogy made its theatrical mark in the summer of 1977 and is comprised of Star Wars Episode: IV: A New Hope; V: The Empire Strikes Back; and IV: Return of the Jedi.  The Star Wars franchise was reinvigorated in 1999 with the release of the first of the Prequel Trilogy, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.  Two moves followed Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones and Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith in 2002 and 2005 respectively.
Mentioned in all the movies, is The Force: “The Force is a binding, metaphysical, and ubiquitous power.” ("Star Wars," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia) The Force is comprised of “the light side” and “the dark side.”  The light side is governed and protected by the Jedi Order, who only use the Force for peaceful purposes.  While “the dark side,” is governed and protected by the Sith, who use the Force to seize power.
In the original Star Wars film, the Force is first described in a conversation between Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi and Apprentice Luke Skywalker.  “Obi-Wan Kenobi tells Luke … ‘The Force is what gives the Jedi his power.  It’s an energy field created by all living things.  It surrounds us and penetrates us.  It binds the galaxy together.” (Porter)
The Force and the Tao are similar.  The Force and the Tao surround us.  In Chapter 34 of Stephen Mitchell’s translation of the Tao Te Ching it states, “The great Tao flows everywhere.  All things are born from it … It is merged with all things and hidden in their hearts.”  The Tao: “is nameless; that is, it is not any individual thing that has a name … it has no form … it is the origin of nature, but it is not a god … it is the rhythm of nature.” (Molloy, p219-221)

Plot & Character Development:
“The prequel trilogy follows the life of a young slave named Anakin Skywalker, who is discovered by the Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn on the desert planet Tatooine. Qui-Gon comes to believe that Anakin is the ‘Chosen One’ foretold by Jedi prophecy to bring balance to the Force, and he helps liberate the boy from slavery. The Jedi Council, led by Yoda, sense that Anakin's future is clouded by fear, but reluctantly allow Qui-Gon's apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi to train Anakin after Qui-Gon is killed by the Sith Lord Darth Maul. At the same time, the planet Naboo is under attack, and its ruler, Queen Padmé Amidala, seeks the assistance of the Jedi to repel the attack. The Sith Lord Darth Sidious secretly planned the attack to give his alter ego, Senator Palpatine, a pretense to overthrow the Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic and take his place.”("Star Wars," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia)

“The remainder of the prequel trilogy chronicles Anakin's gradual fall to the dark side of the Force as he fights in the Clone Wars.  Anakin and Padmé fall in love and secretly wed, and Padmé becomes pregnant.” ("Star Wars," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia) In a scene indicative of Anakin’s eventual progression toward the dark side, he senses his birth mother is in great danger.  Anakin secretly tracks down the tribe of Sandpeople who have captured, enslaved, and killed his mother, goes against all his Jedi training and slaughters the entire tribe in revenge.  

Anakin has a dream of Padmé dying in childbirth and fears he will lose Padmé, like he did his mother.  Seeking the guidance of Palpatine, Palpatine “convinces him that the dark side holds the power to save her life; desperate, Anakin submits to the dark side and takes the Sith name Darth Vader.” ("Star Wars," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia) In support of his new master, Palpatene, “Vader participates in the extermination of the Jedi Order, culminating in a lightsaber battle between himself and Obi-Wan on the volcanic planet Mustafar.” ("Star Wars," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia)

“Obi-Wan ultimately defeats his former apprentice and friend [Anakin], severing his limbs and leaving him for dead beside a lava flow. However, Palpatine arrives shortly afterward and saves Vader, putting him into a black, mechanical suit of armor that keeps him alive. At the same time, Padmé dies while giving birth to twins Luke and Leia.”  ("Star Wars," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia) Fearing the combined presence of the twins would lead Darth Vader to seek them out and attempt to bring them to the dark side, they are separated, moved to opposite ends of the galaxy and their existence is hidden from their father.  Anakin (Darth Vader) is lead to believe, by Palpatine that he has killed Padmé.  Luke goes to live with his Aunt and Uncle on Tatooine.  Leia is adopted by Bail Organa, the head of the Alderaan royal family.  Leia, becomes known as Princess Leia.  

The original trilogy begins nineteen years later.  During that time a small rebellion against the Empire has formed.  The Empire has created a super weapon called the Death Star, capable of destroying entire rebel planets.  Princess Leia is a key member and leader in the rebellion.  She has stolen the Death Star plans, in the hopes the rebel forces can find and exploit a weakness in its design.  

Luke, still on Tatooine dreams of joining the rebellion and training to become a Jedi Knight, like his father.  Triggered by a message Luke accidently uncovers while cleaning a droid, R2-D2, he has acquired for his uncle, Luke seeks out Ben Kenobi, Obi-Wan.  It becomes evident to Luke that Obi-Wan is a Jedi and “When Luke asks about his father, Obi-Wan tells him that Anakin was a great Jedi who was betrayed and murdered by Vader.” ("Star Wars," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia)

What is the main theme of the film? Superficially, the Star Wars franchise is about good, the Jedi, versus evil, the Sith, but there is great deal more to be discovered.  As vital as any of the central human or human-like characters is the role of the the Force.  Its power, as stated by Yoda during Luke’s Jedi training “a powerful alley it is.  Life creates it makes it grow.  Its energy surrounds us and binds us.  Luminous being are we  … not this crude manner.  You must feel the Force around you.  Here, between you … me … the tree … the rock … everywhere!  Yes, even between the land and the ship.” (Porter)

The Force is neutral.  Everyone is born with a clean slate and it is one’s choices that determine their destiny.  In the Prequel Trilogy Anakin is continually challenged.  Anakin’s potential in utilizing the Force is strong, but it is his choices that determine his ultimate destiny.  It is Anakin’s lack of control and patience and desire for revenge that lead him to slaughter the Sandpeople who killed his mother.  Anakin believes he is due a seat on the Jedi council as a ‘Master’, but he is rebuffed by other Jedi masters. This makes him angry and suspicious of his fellow Jedi. And it is Anakin’s attachment to Padmé and misplaced loyalty to Palpatine that dilute him to believing Palpatine has the power of immortality, thus leading Anakin to pledge his allegiance to Palpatine and become Darth Vader.  Yoda sums it up well, “Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.” (Porter)
In the Original Trilogy, Luke is the one who has choices to make, as his destiny is yet to be determined.  Luke is eager to learn, but lacks the patience necessary.  His mind is clouded with doubt.  At a pivotal point in The Empire Strikes Back Luke abandons his Jedi training with Yoda to assist Han and Leia and Yoda tries to sway his decision by saying “Decide you must how to serve them best.  If you leave now, help them you could.  But you would destroy all for which they have fought and suffered.” (Porter)  It is through his training, a lot of which is not seen in the Original Trilogy, Luke gains the strength, confidence and humility to challenge Darth Vader and Palpatine.  And even then Luke is conflicted in how to proceed, as his hate for Palpatine comes to a head and Palpatine senses it stating, “Your hate has made you powerful. Now, fulfill your destiny and take your father's place at my side!” (Porter)

There are multiple subplots throughout the Star Wars franchise, like obsession with personal power, or finding the good in everyone, or choosing one’s life path, but the one I find most prevalent and relevant to the entire series is the notion of fate or destiny.  Luke’s and Anakin’s fates are determined by their choices.  “Fate is simply the consequences of our actions.  A constantly fluid set of limitations created by the intentions of our decisions and our opportunities.  We are personally responsible for the vast majority of our fate.”  (Porter) Regret in our choice of action can lead to paralysis of our decision making ability.  “When you walk a path, you should not regret another path not taken.” (Porter)

It was believed and stated by Qui-Gon that “Anakin is the ‘Chosen One’ foretold by Jedi prophecy to bring balance to the Force.” (Porter) Though clouded throughout his journey by the influence of Palpatine, in the end, Anakin does find the good that remains within himself and brings balance to the Force when he destroys Palpatine.

Theoretical and Theological Analysis
The Star Wars franchise bears great resemblance to the Taoism philosophy.  “Taoism is a philosophical and religious tradition that emphasizes living in harmony with the Tao.  The term Tao means way, path or principle … Tao denotes something that is both the source and the driving force behind everything that exists.”  ("Taoism," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia) In my opening, I stated the Force and the Tao are similar.  Both the Force and the Tao surround us.  In Chapter 34 of Stephen Mitchell translation Tao Te Ching it states, “The great Tao flows everywhere.  All things are born from it … It is merged with all things and hidden in their hearts.”   Much like a Jedi’s power comes from being one with the Force.  “Your strength comes from being in harmony with the Tao.” (Porter)

“The basic Taoist viewpoint is that the individual should seek the truth my means of patient, accepting focus on natural patterns and influences.” (Porter)  In John Porter’s book Tao Star Wars: A Quiet Path to Wellness, some of the basic tenants of Taoism to include: Yin and Yang, Emptiness, Acceptance, Patience, Simplicity, P’U, Wu Wei, and Humility.

The Yin and the Yang are complimentary pairs, both light and dark “the ideal is dynamic balance between the forces.” (Molloy, p217)  There is more than a complimentary nature in the Yin and the Yang.  There is a duality.  One cannot exist without the other.  We all possess the ability to follow the light or the dark.  In Star Wars, Luke, though he knows all the suffering and pain his father, Darth Vader, has caused, he tells his father “I feel the good in you … the conflict.” (Porter)  And in the final battle scene between Palpatine and Luke, Darth Vader, seeing his son being murdered by Palpatine, finds the good within himself and defeats Palpatine.

Synonymous with naturalness is p’u.  P’u is often represented as uncut wood or uncarved block, representing our original nature.  “It is the concept of the simple, uncluttered natural man.” (Porter)  It is the goal of the Taoist to again regain his pure natural state, for it is in this state the Tao can flow.  In Star Wars the Jedi Council prefers to begin Jedi training at a young age, before the candidate is tainted by the world.  It is this clear natural state of being that is a clean slate from which they can develop an excellent Jedi warrior or master.  Once a Jedi becomes an adult they continually work to embody the natural state.  As in Taoism, “this involves freeing oneself from selfishness and desire, and appreciating simplicity.” ("Taoism," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia) While training with Yoda, Luke appears preoccupied, frustrated and distracted.  It is clear to the audience Yoda wants Luke to clear his mind when he says, “No, no, there is no why.  Nothing more will I teach you today.  Clear your mind of questions.” (Porter)  This desire of Yoda for Luke to empty his mind is the Taoist Wu.  “When you are aware of the Tao and feel it, you can flow with it, and the right action appears for itself, spontaneously.” (Porter)  It is through the mental and spiritual emptiness and stillness that is Wu and the action of being mentally clear and aware, Wei, one is able to see their path.  This notion of effortless action, Wu Wei, is exemplified in my favorite Yoda quote of the franchise “Try not.  Do.  Or do not.  There is no try.” (Porter)

When we are introduced to Yoda, it’s not obvious he is the legendary Jedi Master.  He’s small, green, extremely old, seemingly frail and lives in a swamp.    Luke is preoccupied with searching for someone who fits his preconceived notion of a Jedi Master.  Yoda is the epitome of simplicity, patience and humility.  Water is considered in Taoism humble, simple and patient.  Yoda is like water.  He is simple and humble in his lifestyle and dwelling.  He does not announce himself as the Jedi Master Luke seeks.  He is content to dwell in low places, places other would avoid, like the swamp.  Yoda is patient.  One drop of water alone cannot move a mountain.  It sits, waiting for other droplets.  Together they can move mountains.  Yoda  has sat ready to encounter and teach Luke should Luke choose that path and together they can bring about balance to the Force.  “Life is to be kept simple – conserve energy, maintain your center, be content with what you have, and be content with who you are.” (Porter)

“The cannon of Daoist literature include(s) recommendations for many types of arm and body movements, breathing regulation, diet, and massage.” (Molloy, p226) Most prevalently practiced today is Tai Chi (taiji), “a series of slow arm and leg motions thought to aid balance and circulation.” (Molloy, p226).  Though little rudimentary Jedi training is shown in the Star Wars movies, it quickly becomes evident the Jedi incorporate “control; mixing meditative techniques and martial arts” ("Force Warrior," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia) into their warrior training.  This technique is exemplified in Star Wars, Episode II: Attack of the Clones in the battle between Yoda and his former padawan, Count Dooku.  Though there was no “winner,” it was clear Yoda’s centuries of training were superior to that of Dooku.

Conclusion
The Star Wars franchise has been compared to every major religion.  It’s clear there are spiritual threads throughout the movie.  I think it’s a manner of perspective which religion or philosophy one may choose to compare the movies.  On the topic, George Lucas stated: “I read a lot of books about mythology and theories behind mythology … I basically worked out a general theory for the Force … I wanted to take all religions … and come up with something they might have in common … So the real essence was to try to deal with the Force but not be too specific about it.” (Porter)  I think his success is evident since the Force has since been compared to all the major religions.  But I do see the irony of Lucas (and others) comparing the Force, threaded through all the movies, to Taoism.  If the Jedi are to exist with a monk-like state of simplicity, humility, and lacking of possessions, how does Lucas justify the commercialism of the movies?

In my research I even found a new religious movement, Jeddism “based on the philosophical and spiritual ideas of the Jedi as depicted in Star Wars media … Practitioners identify themselves with the Jedi Knights in Star Wars, believe in the existence of the Force and that interaction with the Force is possible. Believers align themselves with the moral code demonstrated by the fictional Jedi. Many Jedi churches described the religion as syncretistic, incorporating beliefs from various religious philosophies including Christianity, Stoicism, Buddhism, Taoism and Shintoism … A common belief among Jedi is the Jedi Code, sometimes referred to as the Orthodox Jedi Code.” ("Jediism," Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia)

The concept of the Force being related to many religions makes it inclusive.  Every person, whether religions or not can in some way relate to the characters and their journey, because at its core Star Wars is about the human journey and the individual’s pursuit of their destiny.   Personally, I relate best to the comparison I’ve outlined in this paper, Taoism and the Force.  I appreciate both not having a central god, their limited use of ritual, their focus on state of mine, their existential explanation of the relationship between all living things and their overall complex simplicity.  

May the Force be with you.