Video credit goes to Universal Music. Star Wars is property of Lucasfilm.
Yoda is something of a mystery at first glance, mostly due to the fact that his lines were all essentially backwards and incredibly cryptic? How does one try without trying? How does one learn while at the same time unlearning what one has learned? The very concept is paradoxical, for to satisfy one condition would be to invalidate the other. However, after watching the main three films — A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of The Jedi — a few more times, and doing a bit more research into the real life research that inspired the philosophy of the Jedi.
Here are some good links for additional reading:
I was not entirely surprised to see that the Jedi philosophy was inspired by Buddhism and dharma. Just like Buddhism, what we know of the Jedi way explores themes of attachment, mindfulness, and worldly detachment. Furthermore, Jedi are supposed to trust in the Force as their ultimate guide and benefactor. One's senses can be deceiving. It's fitting therefore, that Yoda defies every single expectation we have of a mighty Jedi master at first glance. (Though I'm not sure if we were supposed to expect a big and burly warrior...) He's short in stature, old and wizened, nonthreatening, and he uses a cane. His theme at the beginning is joyous and whimsical, like that of a much younger character. I can't blame Luke for becoming impatient with Yoda.
One of Buddhism's main paradoxes is the paradox of desire. Simply put, the best way to achieve nirvana is to rid yourself of conscious desire, lest you get trapped forever. Yoda's theme is broken up into three sections — most of which is graceful, lyrical, and sweeping, while the middle part is whimsical and playful. The music does not become grand and resonant until the end, when Yoda lifts Luke's X-wing out of the bog singlehandedly. Pun not intended.
What does this imply for our own lives? Well, if you connect the character and the real world influence of buddhist tradition, I would say that a central lesson we could take away from it is patience and immersion in the present. When we get rid of our worries about all other things, all we have to focus on is what is happening now.
Until next time!
Comentários