Facing the mirror, a symbolic phrase meaning to take stock of one's self.
What does a Jedi see in the mirror? It depends on the Jedi.
If it's Qui-Gon Jinn, he sees beyond his rugged features to see a Jedi Knight, one who is calm and satisfied with his decisions, even those that don't agree with the Jedi Council. Qui-Gon is a man at peace with himself, knowing that he's always done what he felt was right.
If it's Obi-Wan Kenobi, a young man very sure of himself, he doesn't even see the handsome visage, the sparkly blue eyes ... sorry, I digress. Within Obi-Wan there lies a Jedi Master: loyal, honest, brave, and dedicated to peace and justice.
Anakin would probably say he saw the same, but in truth, in his arrogance, he saw someone who was better than everyone else.
But after Mustafar, everything changed. Obi-Wan saw himself as a failure. Unjustifiably so, IMO, but he accepted much blame for Anakin's downfall upon himself.
I wonder if Vader looked at himself in a mirror in the literal sense, gazing upon his ghastly scars and fueling his anger and hatred, giving himself strength in the dark side.
But if he'd looked deeper, would he have seen what he truly was, the epitome of evil, a being driven by darkness and selfishness?
Now we come to Luke.
Luke Skywalker, the Jedi's brightest star, a man whose light shines like a beacon in the blackest night, is probably the most humble and modest of all the Jedi.
But his greatest fear, the fear that haunts him throughout his life, is the fear that he will become like his father.
In the cave on Dagobah, he faces that fear, his vision like a mirror, a mirror to a future that he feared.
But he went on to Cloud City and faced his fears, only to have the fear reinforced by Vader himself. "No, I am your father."
And yet he survives, choosing to let the Force determine his fate rather than go with Vader. He will not turn to the dark side no matter what.
The next few months after that must have been a troubling time for Luke, a time filled with doubts and pain, yet he emerges stronger and more determined that ever.
He surrenders to the Imperials rather than endanger the Endor mission, and once again lets the Force determine his fate, for he will not turn, trusting that there is still good in his father.
Luke's moment of truth comes when he has Vader down, beaten, helpless. He could easily have killed him at the moment, but he stops when he sees the mechanical hand. Another mirror. This could be me, he thinks. I will NOT go there!
So then we come to this moment: He sees his father's horrendously scarred features, and he has a glimpse of the suffering that drove Vader's relentless reign of terror. And although he knows that Anakin brought it upon himself, his compassion is boundless and sees the father he never knew, the good man who he once was.
And as Anakin calls him "son" for the first time, Luke realizes that he was right, there was still good in him. And he sees that he himself is truly a good person, a true Jedi Knight.
This is the final trial of Luke Skywalker, and he passes with flying colors. His thoughts and feelings are clear, and he can go forth with a clean conscience, and the self-assurance he has earned in his journey into Jedi Knighthood.
A Jedi unlike his father before him.
I leave you with this poem, from my dearest friend Jedi Master Mina:
I am a Jedi Knight
Lost, confused and feeling weak
Struggling to battle aggressions to fight
Driven to push beyond this feat
Massive training, I will undergo
Do it trembling if I must
My Gnostic powers will continue to grow
"Master" of the Force is what I lust
Tear my flesh with such strife
Battle the dark side without delight
I bear this burden throughout my life
The hunger grows to honor this fight
Strip my courage from its place
Await safe haven for my devour
I'll stand and deliver with dignified grace
As I dive into this awesome power
Test my skill, if you may
Fatigued and battered, my spirit will lift
I will not become a wounded prey
For I call upon this special gift
Forced to reflect upon this mirror
I ponder thoughts which can't express
Passed the trails without shame or fear
Behold a Jedi Master the Force has blessed
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Master!
11 comments:
Jedi Master Mina
Another Galaxy, another time
date Posted: Aug 17, 2009 9:13 AM
A Jedi unlike his father before him.
Ha, brilliant.
And he sees that he himself is truly a good person, a true Jedi Knight.
...who faces the mirror. ;)
I leave you with this poem, from my dearest friend Jedi Master Mina:
heehee..shameless spamming. :^O
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Master!
So far, so good...it's been a quiet birth(blog) day. :^O
If it's Obi-Wan Kenobi, a young man very sure of himself, he doesn't even see the handsome visage, the sparkly blue eyes ...
I fracking knew it...You'd manage to slip the old wizard in this blog, some how, some way...he does have sparkly blue eyes though...:^O
ewanandhaydenfan5
I Have You Now!
date Posted: Aug 17, 2009 10:25 AM
Lovely! A great tribute to our hero!
Master Ki-Aaron-Mundi
I was a Teenage Jedi
date Posted: Aug 17, 2009 2:19 PM
An awesome reminder of what it is that makes Luke so heroic. Great blog!
(Captain) Jack Sparrow
date Posted: Aug 17, 2009 3:16 PM
Ahoy, mate! I promised myself I wouldn't get involved in any more Star Wars sites, but I've finally broken down and got meself a name, all by me onesies. You savvy? :^O
What does a Jedi see in the mirror? It depends on the Jedi.
And it depends on the mirror. :p
Qui-Gon is a man at peace with himself, knowing that he's always done what he felt was right.
"Always do what you must, Obi-Wan. Then duty will take care of itself."
I've always loved that quote. It just shows so much of what made Qui-Gon special. But I suppose this isn't a blog about Qui-Gon. It's a blog about Luke. ;)
The next few months after that must have been a troubling time for Luke, a time filled with doubts and pain, yet he emerges stronger and more determined that ever.
Determined not to be like his father before him, but to do what's right. Anakin and Luke are similar in many ways, but different in the most imporant ways. Anakin used his power for himself, and Luke used his power for others.
Luke had his attachments -- and they were ultimately what made him hold on to his profound inner goodness -- and Anakin had his attachments. But Anakin was a slave to who he loved, which leads me to wonder whether he truly loved anyone at all. Maybe he didn't know how to love.
Beautiful poem...Its clarity and simple beauty come from someone who truly understands the Jedi Master. If that's anybody, it's Master Mina! ;)
As for you, Giddy...for what it's worth, coming from a mangy pirate, I think you did a heck of a job on this blog. Not only did you nail the topic, it really sounds like you. :^O
Happy Birthday, Grand Master!! :D :x
Jedi Master Mina
Another Galaxy, another time
date Posted: Aug 18, 2009 1:06 PM
You savvy? :^O
Chips ahoy, matie...Oh wait aren't those cookies? :^O
Maybe he didn't know how to love.
I smell a blog coming on...LOL
Beautiful poem...Its clarity and simple beauty come from someone who truly understands the Jedi Master. If that's anybody, it's Master Mina! ;)
heehee, thanks. :)
Happy Birthday, Grand Master!! :D :x
...And when 900 years old you become, look as good you will?...or something like that...LMAO
Giddy, you're falling down on the blog job, where's your comments? :^O
Gidrea Lightsky
The Galaxy According to Gidrea
date Posted: Aug 18, 2009 2:33 PM
I fracking knew it...You'd manage to slip the old wizard in this blog, some how, some way...he does have sparkly blue eyes though...
Don't underestimate the power of LOVE! Or is it lust? I always get those two confused!
Lovely! A great tribute to our hero!
THE hero of the day!
An awesome reminder of what it is that makes Luke so heroic.
He does seem to have it all!
Anakin used his power for himself, and Luke used his power for others.
Excellent observation!
Not only did you nail the topic, it really sounds like you.
Well thank you, Capt! I try to be me as often as possible.
I smell a blog coming on...LOL
I wondered what that burning smell was!
Giddy, you're falling down on the blog job, where's your comments?
I was lazy. Or something like that. I'm too lazy to make up an excuse! :^O
GalacticBabe
I Have a Bad Feeling About This!
date Posted: Aug 18, 2009 5:46 PM
Ahhh, a blog after my own heart!! :x
(Captain) Jack Sparrow
date Posted: Aug 18, 2009 8:05 PM
I smell a blog coming on...LOL
I wish. ;
Giddy, you're falling down on the blog job, where's your comments?
Yeah, my thoughts exactly!! Giddy, stop being such a lazy lass. :p
Well thank you, Capt! I try to be me as often as possible.
Except when you're somebody else. Which reminds me...where's my jar of dirt? :^O
viagoangel2
Are you an Angel?
date Posted: Aug 19, 2009 8:58 PM
Well said, Gidrea :)
Loved this. I thought it was well thought out, well written, and Ded On ;)
But if he'd looked deeper, would he have seen what he truly was, the epitome of evil, a being driven by darkness and selfishness?
:O No you didn't! lol...:^O sorry, you know how I feel about this one;) But you also know how I feel about you, so I'll let it slide ....this time :x
JediMelindaWolf
Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.
date Posted: Aug 20, 2009 1:37 PM
Luke :x indeed is the epitome of the Jedi Knight -- not to be placed upon a pedestal, but, rather, he is someone to whom we all can aspire. He is compassionate, and that, above all else, is what makes him the Jedi he is. His strength comes from his heart. :D
Loved this, gl! :)
MTFBWY :)
JediPug1
Like My Father Before Me
date Posted: Aug 22, 2009 10:55 AM
Luke. What else can I say, really? ;)
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