“Fear leads to the Dark Side.”
“Fear leads to Anger,
Anger leads to Hate,
Hate… Leads to Suffering.”

- Yoda, Star Wars: Episode I

Just as it is practiced by Jedi Masters such as Mace Windu and Qui-Gon Jinn, the Jedi exclude all emotion from their lives, just like Zen Masters! You would be surprised how much of the Jedi code was influenced by Buddhism, particularly Zen Buddhism.

All is One

The concept of “The Force” according to Obi-Won “is what gives a Jedi his power. It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us; it binds the galaxy together.”
In Buddhism and most Eastern religions, they like to focus on the concept of “All is One, and One is All.” Just as The Force suggests that all beings are connected, and the galaxy is bonded together.

Right Mindfulness

There is no emotion, there is peace.

There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.

There is no passion, there is serenity.

There is no chaos, there is harmony.

There is no death, there is the Force.

—The Jedi Code

The Buddhist’s path to enlightenment and Nirvana is harder than it sounds. They must follow a principle called the “Eight Fold Path”. What does this have to do with Jedi you ask? Well, one certain branch seems to focus on clearing the mind of unbalancing thoughts, desires or emotions. Sound familiar?

This stage of the Eight Fold Path is simply called “Right Mindfulness” and the Jedi used this concept too. You will often hear Qui-Gon Jinn or Yoda himself tell their Padawon, or student, to “Let Go”. To let go of all desires and unbalancing emotions, this would lead to a better connection to The Force, and it would also lead a Buddhist that much closer to Nirvana, the blowing out of desire.

Zen Master Yoda

Let’s talk about the little man for a second. Yoda, being a Jedi Master, basically could be considered a  Zen master in more than just title, his mannerisms reflect that of Zen-Teachers as well!  The Zen Master’s would put heavy emphasis on meditation, and the balance of Chi. When the Zen Master’s were asked questions, they would often answer in riddles… Or smack the asker. Sounds familiar right?

In the Phantom Menace, when Anakin faces the Jedi counsel, Yoda confronts him about his mother stating “Afraid to lose her, I think”. After Anakin question’s this Yoda recited the famous quote “Fear leads to Anger, Anger leads to Hate, Hate… Leads to Suffering.”  Our little Zen Master taught us the basis of Buddhism before we probably even knew what it was!

In Buddhism, one would truly become an a by putting an end to suffering, which is caused by desire. They would follow the Eight Fold Path which would  will lead them to Nirvana, the blowing out of desire, and achieve balance. But they could not do this by having emotions like love, which lead to desire. 

For More Info!

“I say! If you would like more information on the relations between Buddhism and Star Wars, allow me to suggest reading “The Dharma of Star Wars” by Mathew Bortolin. Found on Amazon.com!"""