Jedi are well-known for being peaceful, calm warriors with a zen-like focus on the Force, but does that mean that Jedi are incapable of negative emotion? Are they somehow immune to the frustration and pain that we all face? They’re not robots, after all.
Fear, anger, hate, and suffering are the path to the dark side of the Force, as Yoda states in The Phantom Menace. Since dwelling on these negative emotions can lead a Jedi to turn to the dark side of the Force, it makes sense that they would try to avoid them and focus on the light side of the Force instead.
But does that mean that Jedi can turn their emotions on and off? Can a well-intentioned Jedi still become angry?
To give a quick answer, Jedi are still capable of becoming angry. However, they must work to control their emotions in their dedication to the light side of the Force.
No being is void of emotion, but when negative emotions arise, Jedi must maintain a balance instead of giving in to fear, anger, hate, and suffering.
Does this make Jedi emotions seem confusing? Read more below to see how the Jedi regulate the emotions they face every day.
Table of Contents
Are Jedi Allowed to Have Emotions?
There are Jedi from every planet and species you can imagine in Star Wars, but none show a complete absence of emotion. Even the human Jedi can’t completely get rid of their emotions.
Rather, the Jedi live by a solemn code to maintain control of their negative emotions and live in harmony with the light side of the Force. This is easier said than done.
Emotions are not necessarily forbidden, but Jedi are commanded not to let emotions guide their actions. Instead, the Force should guide them in their actions and give them peace.
Jedi are allowed to have emotions, but excessive negative emotion can sometimes disqualify a potential Jedi from being trained. We see this when the Jedi council debates whether to train Annakin Skywalker as a Jedi in The Phantom Menace.
Initially, the Jedi council decides that Annakin will not be trained as a Jedi because he is too old and they sense much fear in him. Truthfully, it is only because of Obi Wan’s promise to Qui Gon Jinn that the council agrees to let Obi Wan train him as his padawan.
Even though no Jedi is completely devoid of emotion and there is no official enforcement of emotional rules, some emotions can be deadly for a Jedi. Fear is an emotion that leads directly to the dark side.
Emotions, if left unchecked, can distract a Jedi from the light side of the Force and lead them into darkness. That is why Jedi are told to control their emotions and balance themselves in the Force.
Can Jedi Be Angry?
Anger is not inherently an evil emotion, yet it can cause some of the most evil actions imaginable. While Jedi are not forbidden from becoming angry, they are warned not to let their emotions get out of hand.
There is such a thing as righteous anger which spawns from witnessing injustice or malevolent acts. This anger usually inspires people to do good and stand up for what is right.
Some anger is unavoidable in life, especially for Jedi. They are facing truly evil opponents, and it makes sense that their terrible deeds would upset the Jedi.
However, Jedi are not fueled by anger. They don’t let anger guide their actions. Instead, they give their emotions over to the Force and act with balance and composure.
Annakin was frequently guilty of letting his temper get out of hand. It seems fair to say that he was often angry.
However, the Jedi Council didn’t exile or punish him. Instead, they encouraged him and instructed him on the proper way to conduct himself as a Jedi.
Though anger is not encouraged, it doesn’t necessarily prevent someone from becoming a Jedi. And although Jedi manage their emotions well, it doesn’t mean that they’re never angry.
How do Jedi Deal With Anger?
Jedi deal with anger much like they deal with all their emotions: through a meditative focus on the Force. By freeing their mind and meditating, Jedi can find inner peace and mental clarity.
We often see Jedi meditating in Star Wars. Luke meditates with Yoda when he’s learning how to use the force, and Yoda is frequently seen meditating in the Jedi temple during the prequels. We even see Grogu meditate in The Mandalorian.
One of the most famous meditating scenes is when Qui Gon Jinn meditates during his duel with Darth Maul. In this scene, we see Qui Gon pause to refocus when the plasma shields separate him from Darth Maul.
Even though Qui Gon doesn’t win the duel, he rises from his meditation with more focus and energy. Many of the strongest Jedi masters meditate to refocus on the Force, almost like a prayer or incantation.
Jedi use meditation differently than we do on Earth. They may use meditation to clear their minds and find inner peace, but they also communicate with the Force. By blocking out all distractions and balancing their emotions, they can communicate more clearly with the Force.
Instead of just venting or taking time to let emotions fade, Jedi often meditate and let the presence of the Force drive out negative emotions. A Jedi’s greatest strength is the Force, and their ability to repel negative emotion doesn’t come from willpower alone.
How Can a Jedi Fight Without Hate and Anger?
Not all fights are bred from hate and anger. Many times, even in our world, people fight to stand up for what’s right.
Jedi let the Force guide their actions, and sometimes their actions include protecting others from the dark side of the Force. This violence doesn’t stem from any anger or resentment. It’s necessary to dissolve evil and maintain peace.
The Force doesn’t guide the Jedi by stirring up emotions in them. The Force transcends all emotion, and so their inclination to fight isn’t bound by any emotion. Their fighting comes from a commitment to do the will of the Force, and sometimes that requires warfare.
Conclusion
The Jedi are no stranger to emotion. They are surrounded by war, treason, death, poverty, slavery, “scum and villainy,” and more. This invites some emotional reaction.
However, their reaction is not to become overwhelmed with emotion. Instead, they respond with a calm and collected focus on the Force. This is part of what makes a Jedi a Jedi.
It may seem impossible, but humans in our world do this all the time. We may not use the Force to help manage our emotions, but healthy adults have to learn to deal with emotions productively.
Rather than live recklessly, the Jedi turn anger into peaceful clarity and action. They do so only with the help of the light side of the Force.
Mitchell Layton is a freelance writer and touring musician living in Philadelphia. When he’s not playing guitar or writing for clients, he enjoys rewatching cult classics like Star Wars, Twin Peaks, The X-Files, and more. Mitchell has been published by sites like HM Magazine, Glassworks Literary Magazine, GameRevolution, Pif Magazine, and others.