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Jedi Code, The

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this was the name given to the basic tenets of the Jedi Knights, the Jedi Code was established from the writings of Jedi Master Odan-Urr some 4,000 years before the Battle of Yavin. The basic Code altered in form but never content over the millennia, and read as follows: "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." Among the other basic tenets was the notion that a Jedi Knight or Master could only take a single Padawan apprentice. This ensured that a teacher could not gain undue influence, and mirrored the limitations imposed by the Sith Lords. Among the deepest beliefs contained within the Jedi Code was that a Jedi must consider the actions of the Force before undertaking any action. This meant that a Jedi had to ensure that they were acting without emotion in every situation, so as not to draw power from the Dark Side of the Force. Among the most prominent teachings of Master Odan-Urr were the following:

"Certainly a Jedi should know the Code, by word and by heart. But seemingly every Jedi is in some fashion negligent, from the lowest Padawan to the highest Master. Consequently, were someone to demand, 'What is the true meaning of the Jedi Code?' the Jedi who promptly answered would be rare indeed."
"Every Jedi should spent time meditating each day on the will of the Force. The reason for this is simple: If one has unwittingly acted contrary to the will of the Force, recognizing the mistake soon after may still give on time to make amends."
"To be brave in battle proves nothing. A Jedi should be prepared to put aside fear, regret, and uncertainty and either fight, run, surrender, or die."
"If a Jedi ignites his lightsaber, he must be ready to take a life. If he is not so prepared, he must keep his weapon at his side."
"Do not come to rely on the Force to the detriment of your other senses and abilities."

To further clarify the Jedi Code, Master Odan-Urr went on to explain that there were eight distinct conclusions to any situation a Jedi might face, and that every one had to be considered before any action was taken. The eight conclusions - meditation, training, loyalty, integrity, morality, discretion, bravery, and fighting - all required understanding by a Jedi, so that they could resolve any situation that demanded a quick decision with the will of the Force already in mind.