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 | Not Duct Tape Nor Super Glue... |
 Recently, I finished reading "Invincible", and feeling - like many fans of the EU probably are - that I am reaching the end of an era. Things are coming full-circle with the Skywalker and Solo clans. One thing remains: Attachment.
To me, the Legacy of the Force series is heavily laden with attachment "issues." One of the reasons I have loved this series is because its real. It is human nature in all its glory: triumphs and failures included. I sincerely applaud the trio of writers who collaborated to produce this series: Aaron Allston, Troy Denning and Karen Traviss. To me, they hit the nail on the head! 
There was a quote in Revelation that really stuck with me, and actually prompted me to think more deeply about the subject of attachment; not only in the world of Star Wars, but in our own lives. The quote was said by the Mandalorian warrior and healer Gotab:
"Attachment - and you inevitably use your powers to serve your own family, or in your case...you fail to use them. Avoid attachment - and you become an enactor of ritual, a sterile creature unable to truly understand love and sacrifice." (Traviss, Revelation p. 403)
Attachment truly is a double-edged sword. In the old JO, where attachment was forbidden, there was truly an air of sterility. Passion was forbidden, Love was forbidden. Yet, the Jedi were taught to have compassion and empathy. How can one have either of these if love and attachment does not exist? It's as though the younglings were brainwashed against the most intrinsic emotion of all - love. We are born to love. We are born to interact with others in ways that touch our lives - both good and bad. That's what makes us human. Without attachment we are nothing. To quote a talented writer and one of my best friends - amidalooine: "Seems the Jedi missed the point. They trusted nothing completely but themselves, and they missed the true power of the Force." Well-said, my friend. 
Here's another point: had Luke not formed an attachment to his father, Anakin would never have become redeemed and able to bring balance to the Force as prophesized.
*Slight spoiler to follow- if you haven't seen Clone Wars, skip the next paragraph...*
Then we have the new Clone Wars movie. Yoda's whole purpose for giving Anakin Ahsoka as a Padawan learner was to make him learn how to sever attachments. How could he sever something that wasn't supposed to exist in the first place? How could Yoda - or anyone in the old JO - expect Masters to not get attached to their Padawans in some way? It just seems so confusing...and borderlines on cruel!
I still say the fall of the old JO was all Yoda's fault (shameless blug)...well, at least mostly...but I digress...
Any feeling - be it love, compassion - or whatever - can be taken to extremes, becoming obsessive and/or abusive (such as many argue was the case between Anakin and Padme), but its in the absence of attachment that we are not whole beings. We are created to love each other, to have relationships and to live our lives to the fullest. I believe my life is worth living now more than ever because of the attachments I have - as a wife, a mother, a friend...granted, attachments also make life more complicated, and can sometimes feel like they are ripping your heart out, but I truly believe I am healthier in every way because of them. No one said attachment was easy. But nothing worth having ever is.
In closing, I'd like to quote another blogger - Darth Hiram - who put it so eloquently: "The Force can be found in love, and that love can provide all the security one needs when it's just allowed to be." Here, here! 
MTFBWY...always
~MO2YP~
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http://blogs.starwars.com/MomOf2_SSW/43 |
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Granny-Wan
I Am NOT an Old Fossil!
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date Posted: Aug 26, 2008 5:54 PM
They trusted nothing completely but themselves
And the Force... their trust in the Force was what made their lives meaningful and purposeful.
No one said attachment was easy. But nothing worth having ever is.
But without attachment, one would not experience the pain of separation or loss... not that humans can ever achieve that, at least not without the aid of the Force....
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viagoangel2
Were Anakin and Padme' really one?
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date Posted: Aug 26, 2008 6:25 PM
To me, the Legacy of the Force series is heavily laden with attachment "issues." This is still on my "to read" list 
Funny how in the old JO, the Jedi were NOT to have attachments. Yet those strongest in the ways of the force (Skywalker's and Solo's) were those who had the most "issuses" with it.
Loved this entry, daaaaaaaaaahling
There's lots to think about here
xo's!
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jediprincess77
I Know...
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date Posted: Aug 26, 2008 8:41 PM
This makes me super excited to dig into the Legacy series! (Almost there, almost there...)
had Luke not formed an attachment to his father, Anakin would never have become redeemed and able to bring balance to the Force as prophesized.
Wow, that is a darn good point right there. Luke and Leia's attachment was pretty significant in the success of the Rebellion as well, and even in Anakin's redemption. I always felt that Luke knowing and loving Leia was very important in Vader's turning back...it was like an extra push in the direction of light!
Great thoughts here, Mamadala!
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Qui-Gon Reborn
The Fifth Dimension
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date Posted: Aug 26, 2008 9:20 PM
To me, they hit the nail on the head!
They really did. It was an incredibly well-crafted series.
Your point about Luke and Anakin is astounding. I never thought about it that way. It seems that through attachment, the New Jedi Order arose and was able to bestow balance in a way not possible before. This is truly the way of the Jedi. And this was Qui-Gon's dream.
Excellent work! MTFBWY!
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MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair
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date Posted: Aug 27, 2008 5:06 AM
with his syntax, who would notice?  A point, you may have, my jester friend...!
But without attachment, one would not experience the pain of separation or loss... (I hope I'm interpreting your comment correctly...) So true, and you always have good arguments to make, Granny, but I've had enough pain, separation and loss in my life (as I'm sure you have) to know that it's still worth it. Would you give up the grand-padawans just because you knew one day you'd have to be separated form them- and they you? (more)...
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MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair
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date Posted: Aug 27, 2008 5:07 AM
...Do parents of children with disabilities and short life expectancies refuse to love their children because they know they'll have to watch them suffer or die? Perhaps some, but when we miss out on attachments, we miss out on the human experience. (I could keep rambling, but I'll stop there )
Yet those strongest in the ways of the force (Skywalker's and Solo's) were those who had the most "issuses" with it. Indeed. Like you said last night on the phone, the strength those families gained through their attachments made them stronger and more powerful. I still think you have so many great blog ideas that you need to put out there, babe!
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MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair
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date Posted: Aug 27, 2008 5:07 AM
Beautifully said Thanks IMO your right about Yoda. Thanks again! Of course, it wasn't completely Yoda's fault, he was just the "messenger" of a centuries-old philosophy, and we do tend to shoot the messenger! 
I always felt that Luke knowing and loving Leia was very important in Vader's turning back...it was like an extra push in the direction of light! Excellent observation - love it (and I agree!)
through attachment, the New Jedi Order arose and was able to bestow balance in a way not possible before. This is truly the way of the Jedi. Bingo! Nicely put!
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kyle228
Truly Wonderful, the Mind of a Child Is...
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date Posted: Aug 27, 2008 6:16 AM
I haven't read Invincible, or any of LOTF yet (I'm working on Dark Nest, and then I'll go to LOTF... soon!), but I'm really looking forward to it. Based on what you and others have said about it, it really seems like it's going to be a great character-driven space drama. I can't wait to experience the turmoil and the heartache for myself.
Excellent blog, and I very much agree with much that you said (but not all ). And Iove the quotes!
MTFBWY, A!
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DJ Maul: Got Feet?
DJ Maul's Dancin' Cantina Party
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date Posted: Aug 27, 2008 6:24 AM
great blog.
attachments can be a two edged sword and teh Jedi DID have a good point about being able to let go, their problem was they took that philosophy to the extreme and in trying to AVOID the darkness they blocked out one of the Brightest Lights: Love.
It was Love, an emotion based in part on attachment, that brought balance to the Force.
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anakin&padme99
A strong woman who sacrificed everything for love..was it wrong?
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date Posted: Aug 27, 2008 6:47 AM
I don't believe that love was ACTUALLY forbidden...I think that the jedi knew that to be human (or some other sentiant being) that you couldn't stop it...I think they just wanted you to not put your own emotions ahead for there duty to the galaxy and the force...Because look what happened when Anakin did that...And I'm sure something like that happened in the past as well...So they set out to teach that attachment is forbidden...But everyone in the jedi order had attachments...
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anakin&padme99
A strong woman who sacrificed everything for love..was it wrong?
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date Posted: Aug 27, 2008 6:53 AM
Yoda was deeply attached to the young padawans, to his friends on the council, to Gui-Gon and Obi-Wan, to Yaddle...he just didn't let those attachments rule his life...All the Masters grow attached to there padawan and the padawans to there masters...and yoda and the council new all this...they just wanted to teach that a jedi's life is a life of service to others..that others lives have to be put before there own lives and attachments...No jedi had to be a jedi and live a life of service.
MTFBWYA
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ewanandhaydenfan5
I Have You Now!
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date Posted: Aug 27, 2008 8:06 AM
I'm confused as to how stringent the old Order's rules were...as anakin&padme99 said, were the old Jedi not to not put their emotions ahead for their duty to the galaxy and the force, or were love and attachment strictly forbidden?
Deej said it very well: "the Jedi DID have a good point about being able to let go, their problem was they took that philosophy to the extreme and in trying to AVOID the darkness they blocked out one of the Brightest Lights: Love."
And you, mamadala, made an excellent point: "had Luke not formed an attachment to his father, Anakin would never have become redeemed..."
Great blog!
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MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair
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date Posted: Aug 27, 2008 8:30 AM
Great comments, everyone - I love constructive debate Keep 'em comin
it really seems like it's going to be a great character-driven space drama yes - and perhaps this is a stereotypical remark, but I personally loved the series b/c I think it was more emotional and personal in a lot of ways than some of the previous series. Of course, there was loads of action and warring going on, but I think it's the feminine side of me that was really drawn to this series.
they took that philosophy to the extreme and in trying to AVOID the darkness they blocked out one of the Brightest Lights: Love. Ohhh...that just gave me the chills! Right on, Deej!
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MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair
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date Posted: Aug 27, 2008 8:34 AM
the jedi knew that to be human (or some other sentiant being) that you couldn't stop it...I think they just wanted you to not put your own emotions ahead for there duty to the galaxy and the force Excellent point, and so true. You can "forbid" anything as much as you want, but instinct and basic human emotion cannot be fully contained nor controlled.
they just wanted to teach that a jedi's life is a life of service to others..that others lives have to be put before there own lives and attachments Well-said, and in fact that's why there was so much confusion, especially among younger-generation Jedi just before the purge: (cont...)
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MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair
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date Posted: Aug 27, 2008 8:34 AM
Do I love or not? How much attachment is too much? Oye...makes my head hurt just thinking about it! 
I'm confused as to how stringent the old Order's rules were Join the club, babe! I don't really think (correct me - someone- if I'm wrong) that there was really anything specifically written in the Jedi Code, but more of an "unwritten rule". Good to see ya, babe!
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Darth_Hiram
A Journey into The Force
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date Posted: Aug 27, 2008 8:36 AM
Great blog MO2YP. I just finished Invincible not too long ago, and agree wholeheartedly ... attachment is something that will always remain with the Solo's / Skywalker's. The old JO did have it backwards. They should have encouraged the feelings that come up naturally ... especially love. As in Anakin's case, only stifling it will it lead to darker aspects of one's personality.
Great blog ... and thanks for the quote!
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Granny-Wan
I Am NOT an Old Fossil!
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date Posted: Aug 27, 2008 10:05 AM
It was my theory once that the Jedi feared loss, and therefore attachment. They should have learned better ways to deal with loss, rather than trying to avoid it!
Would I give up the loves of my life? No.... but I get tired of the sadness that comes with love... perhaps I need to learn better ways to deal with it...
I've wondered how Luke could have made such an attachment to his father, when he really never knew him... I think he was fascinated with the idea of having a real father, and was willing to do whatever it took to redeem him.
Luke had more goodness and strength than the rest of us could ever imagine!!!
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Senator Soph-ia
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date Posted: Aug 27, 2008 10:08 AM
Ah! I started to read this and then stopped. .. since I've just started reading all of this stuff, I'm starting to look forward to surprises and to what's ahead!
Can't wait to "read and discuss" with you! 
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amidalooine
The Emotional Galaxy
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date Posted: Aug 27, 2008 12:13 PM
MO2YP...THANK YOU for your kind words. I have not yet had the time to properly articulate my thoughts here. So much comes to mind on this subject. Later...
Quickly, though...we are attached to our parents in some way, shape, or form from the second we are conceived, and after birth, it is through love that we give those and all of our attachments, life. To destroy those attachments is to destroy ourselves. It doesn't make sense.
More later...
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MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair
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date Posted: Aug 27, 2008 1:43 PM
As in Anakin's case, only stifling it will it lead to darker aspects of one's personality. Absolutely! thanks for the quote! You're very welcome
but I get tired of the sadness that comes with love... perhaps I need to learn better ways to deal with it... *sigh*...I totally hear ya, honey. Love is painful at times, this is a certainty. When you figure out that "better" way, let me know, will you?! (a cheeseburger goes a long way )
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MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair
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date Posted: Aug 27, 2008 1:45 PM
I think he was fascinated with the idea of having a real father, and was willing to do whatever it took to redeem him. Such an excellent point. Had Anakin not been redeemed at that point, would Luke had had the strength to continue his love and attachment for him as Vader? I'm reminded of people who get married because they love the idea of being married, but perhaps not the commitment and sacrifice it takes to truly make it work.
Ah! I started to read this and then stopped You do mean the books, right?!  I know you have quite a "Mamadala Reading List" there Can't wait to "read and discuss" with you! I'll hold ya to it, chickadee!
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MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair
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date Posted: Aug 27, 2008 1:48 PM
To destroy those attachments is to destroy ourselves. It doesn't make sense Amen. Not just with parents, but with every type of attachment, no matter how "big" or "small." It reminds me of another quote I use in my classroom: "You must realize that everyone is part of you, and you are part of everyone." (It was Jacen's memory of something Vergere said to him)...and it's so true. We simply can't seperate ourselves no matter how hard we try, and if we do, we fail to be human.
Final thought on this...once Anakin destroyed his attachments - to Obi-Wan and Padme specifically - he finalized his own destruction. More later... I look forward to it!
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comanderbly
That's Impossible. Even for a Computer.
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date Posted: Aug 27, 2008 2:46 PM
Awesome blog!
One of the reasons I have loved this series is because its real. Me too! I really enjoyed that part of the series as well.
LOTF SPOILER
Its interesting that in the series Luke can see that his attachment to Mara will prevent him from being able to deal with Jacen directly. Yet in the past dealing with Vader Luke is able to control that attachment. This just reinforces amidalooine's point I think.
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hansgirl3
Invoking the Squee
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date Posted: Aug 28, 2008 7:14 AM
Very nicely done, Mo2!!
I believe my life is worth living now more than ever because of the attachments I have
I agree completely! We need our hearts to be filled with the love we have for others...
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JediMelindaWolf
Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.
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date Posted: Aug 28, 2008 8:25 AM
What an absolutely wonderful, beautiful blog, mo2yp! Absolutely incredible!!!
As I began writing my own blog (yet to be published here ), an unrelated thought popped into my head, and I began musing about the different emotional and intellectual levels, and, specifically, the (mostly main) various characters' adherence (or lack of ) to Jedi teachings in the saga. GL hit the nail on the head in so many aspects of this simple, yet complex, story he told.
I understand the basis for the Jedi teaching to forego attachments. Our own military employs similar lessons. I remember when I was in the Marine Corps . . .
(cont. . .)
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JediMelindaWolf
Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.
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date Posted: Aug 28, 2008 8:32 AM
(cont. . .)
Always refer to your fellow Marines by their last names, we were told. Why? Because one will remain detached from one's comrades. In some respects, this is an important lesson to learn, especially if one is in wartime. A Marine, etc. must be able to keep on going if one's comrade falls. It is a matter of survival and accomplishing the mission.
Calling one by one's first name brings 2 people closer. They make a connection. They develop a kinship. It is, in effect, an intimacy between 2 people. That can be disasterous in a battle. Think about it.
But . . .
(cont. . .)
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MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair
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date Posted: Aug 28, 2008 8:42 AM
Luke can see that his attachment to Mara will prevent him from being able to deal with Jacen directly I'm sooooooooo glad you pointed that out! there's SO MANY of these types of examples in that series - even the way Boba Fett relates to his... attachments... (I won't say any more than that) affects his thoughts, actions and feelings....in a GOOD way!!
We need our hearts to be filled with the love we have for others... You said it, sista!
the (mostly main) various characters' adherence (or lack of ) to Jedi teachings in the saga Wow - excellent observation! BTW...YOU were in the Marines?! I didn't know that! I almost signed up...so close...but we'll share our stories another time. Semper Fi!
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MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair
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date Posted: Aug 28, 2008 8:45 AM
Calling one by one's first name brings 2 people closer. They make a connection. They develop a kinship. It is, in effect, an intimacy between 2 people. That can be disasterous in a battle. Think about it. Absolutely - I can't imagine my students calling me by my first name. It's also why to this day I still can't call my old teachers by their first names. They'll always be Mr. or Mrs.-so-and-so to me. It's not only a boundary/attachment thing, but a respect thing as well. (cont. . .) I'm waiting!
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JediMelindaWolf
Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.
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date Posted: Aug 28, 2008 8:50 AM
(cont. . .)
friendships always developed. Bonds are created. Some are stronger than others, but they exist nonetheless. It is inevitable.
Being the rather independent person I am, let's just say that, while I am proud to have served our country as a US Marine, I didn't always adhere to USMC dogma. I bucked the trend (to the dismay of my superiors ), and called my fellow Marines by their first names. And, of course, attachments ensued.
On the surface, detachment in certain situations makes sense, but total detachment is rather unattainable for us 2-leggeds (even for those of us who consider ourselves independent).
(cont . . .)
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JediMelindaWolf
Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.
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date Posted: Aug 28, 2008 9:01 AM
(cont . . .)
Don't forget - Yoda had 900 years to ponder the whole idea of attachment vs. detachment, whether it worked, even hone that trait. Sadly, most of us don't have that kind of time.
But even Yoda wasn't immune to being attached. Look at his visage in ROTS when he becomes aware of what is happening to the Jedi, what has happened. I think it is his strong connection - his attachment - to the members of the Order that ultimately result in that stalwart, determined look on his face when he faces Palpatine. It's almost as if Yoda is saying, "You've hurt mine, so now you're going to pay!" The same could be said when he walks into the cavern and sees what Dooku has done to Obi-wan and Anakin.
(cont. . .)
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JediMelindaWolf
Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.
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date Posted: Aug 28, 2008 9:23 AM
(cont . . .)
Detachment gives one a leg up when faced with certain situations. It allows one to remain as objective as possible. Being the emotional beasts we are, it is a difficult trait for most to develop. It is a trait that, unfortunately, is ignored when raising our young, for it does have a place in certain situations. His inability to take a step back is what got Anakin into trouble more than once.
Obi-wan was very attached to both Qui-Gon & Anakin. That was evident by the way he reacted to the loss of each. But he was more mature and wiser than Anakin, and therein lies the difference.
(cont. . .)
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JediMelindaWolf
Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.
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date Posted: Aug 28, 2008 9:39 AM
(the end . . . finally!)
(oh my gosh! I have taken so many of your spots! Sorry. I've just got so much to say on this topic! [when don't I? ![]:)](http://blogs.starwars.com/share/img/emoticons/devil.gif) )
Which brings me to Luke. Because of a whole host of criteria, he was a so much stronger Jedi than his father (I've waxed on that topic on more than one occasion! ), and that is why he recognized it would be in Jedi's best interest for Jaina to face her brother. But Luke wasn't totally removed. He had a close hand in Jaina's success.
What Luke was able to attain, and Anakin was not, was that he was able to develop attachments, but be detached when the situation warranted it. It takes a strong individual to do that.
Great blog, my friend!
MTFBWY
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JediMelindaWolf
Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.
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date Posted: Aug 28, 2008 9:57 AM
p.s. yep, I was a Marine! The reactions I get from people when I tell them are worth my joining the ranks of The Few The Proud The Marines. You should be a fly on the wall! Just goes to show one shouldn't judge a book by its cover.  In all seriousness, it was an incredible time of my life, and I have no regrets.
Boy, do we have lots to talk about!!!
Semper Fi, my friend! And have a great schoolyear!
JMW out
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MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair
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date Posted: Aug 28, 2008 12:11 PM
Yoda had 900 years to ponder the whole idea of attachment vs. detachment, whether it worked, even hone that trait. Sadly, most of us don't have that kind of time.
As Tenel Ka would say: Fact.
detachment in certain situations makes sense...Detachment gives one a leg up when faced with certain situations. It allows one to remain as objective as possible. Oh, SO true, and an outstanding point. I do wish at times that I could be a bit more detatched from certain things, but I'm such a sappy sucker...I can't help it!
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MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair
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date Posted: Aug 28, 2008 12:12 PM
Because of a whole host of criteria, he was a so much stronger Jedi than his father I totally agree w/you on this one - as much a LILWA as I claim to be, I LOVE how Luke's character is developed in the LOTF series. He's the epitome of what the Jedi should be (IMHO!!)
Boy, do we have lots to talk about You ain't kiddin'! I hope we can all get together sometime soon. Love you! (and you can take as many spaces a you want...antime...! )
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anakinside1
Echoes from the Asteroid Field
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date Posted: Aug 29, 2008 6:35 AM
That was AWESOME!!!!!
Well done. I love the idea that attachment isn't easy, but what worth having is? And that we were born to love each other. There's popular thing in parenting circles now called "attachment parenting." The idea is that you do everything in your power to nurture the natural and intense bond that exists between parent and child. Like anything else it's an idea that has its strengths and its shadows, but I feel like it capitalizes on and expresses your idea of how human attachments are and how we shouldn't shy away from them.
speaking of which...
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Jedi Master Mina
Another Galaxy, another time
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date Posted: Sep 01, 2008 6:27 PM
oh my gosh! I have taken so many of your spots!
Yes, you have...Don't worry there's still room for me to comment.
Do you think that maybe attachment was forbidden because emotions were involved? Per say, emotions used over intellect as I see it. We, as humans, do it all the time. And Lord knows I do it all the time. I'm an emotional basket case, but that's besides the point. I'm not sure about aliens, but I have a feeling that if attachment was forbidden in the JO than they too must have felt emotions over intellect. Just a random thought...
Great blog my friend.
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