In 1977, like many kids of my age then, I saw Star Wars - and loved it. The story, the action and most importantly, the metaphors and imagery made a lasting impression on me. Subsequently I saw, and enjoyed all the Star Wars movies.Apart from spectacular action sequences, the amazing special effects and the quirky characters, the six Star Wars movies simply express the tension between the opposites of good and evil, as well as the journey to the dark side.
Many people appreciate the ways in which Star Wars can be used as a modern day parable - and I am one of them.
A few simple lines in a handful of scenes across four of the episodes eloquently illustrate a number of points that are relevant to us all - and which include:
- the illusion of control
- the fear of loss and the corrosive effect it can have on us
- the negative and tangible consequences of fear
- that death is an integral and natural part of life
- the effect of attachment to things and people
- the negative consequences of different types of feelings
- the paradox of letting go what we cannot afford to loose
- the cascading effect of giving into negative feelings
- the dominance and all prevailing power of evil
- the simple and seemingly "justifiable" seeds of evil
- the seductive and personal roots of evil
- the necessity of being at peace
Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace
MACE WINDU: Be mindful of your feelings...
KI-ADI: Your thoughts dwell on your mother.
ANAKIN: I miss her.
YODA: Afraid to lose her..I think.
ANAKIN: What's that got to do with anything?
YODA: Everything. Fear is the path to the dark side... fear leads to anger... anger leads to hate.. hate leads to suffering.
Episode 3 - Revenge of the Sith
YODA: Careful you must be when sensing the future, Anakin. The fear of loss is a path to the dark side.
ANAKIN: I won't let these visions come true, Master Yoda.
YODA: Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force. Mourn them, do not. Miss them, do not. Attachment leads to jealousy. The shadow of greed, that is.
ANAKIN: What must I do, Master Yoda?
YODA: Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose.
Episode 5 - Empire Strikes back
YODA: Run! Yes. A Jedi's strength flows from the Force. But beware of the dark side. Anger...fear...aggression. The dark side of the Force are they. Easily they flow, quick to join you in a fight. If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will, as it did Obi-Wan's apprentice.
LUKE: Vader. Is the dark side stronger?
YODA: No...no...no. Quicker, easier, more seductive.
LUKE: But how am I to know the good side from the bad?
YODA: You will know. When you are calm, at peace. Passive. A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense, never for attack.
LUKE: But tell me why I can't...
YODA: No, no, there is no why. Nothing more will I teach you today. Clear your mind of questions. Mmm. Mmmmmm.
Episode 6 - Return of the Jedi
YODA: Remember, a Jedi's strength flows from the Force. But beware. Anger, fear, aggression. The dark side are they. Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny.
YODA: Luke...Luke...Do not...Do not underestimate the powers of the Emperor, or suffer your father's fate, you will. Luke, when gone am I (cough), the last of the Jedi will you be. Luke, the Force runs strong in your family.