Hello everyone!

So as a friend of mine was driving me to school the other day, I nerded up and started to read her Ancient Civilizations textbook and noticed some cool things in the India section. Both the names Jain (not quite Jaina) and Ashoka (not Ahsoka, but close) caught my eye. I got curious, and I wikipedia-ed them when I got home. I found some pretty interesting stuff, IMO.

Jain
Jainism is a religion in India that started thousands of years ago, and people who believe in this religion are called Jains. Here are some of their core beliefs (according to the Wikipedia article):

- all life is considered equal
- emphasizes equality of life, even the smallest of beings/creatures
- encourages spiritual development through wisdom and self-control
- limit your possessions and lead a pure life
- do not waste human life in evil ways

I don't know about you, but that seems pretty Jedi-ish to me (especially so for Jaina, in some ways). Even if this isn't where Jaina's name was derived from, it's still something interesting to think of and consider for her character.

Ashoka
Again, according to the Wikipedia article:
"He who regards everyone amiably"
Ashoka was an Indian Emperor (who some call the greatest Indian Emperor ever). The name aśoka means "without sorrow".

Ahsoka Tano is a very naїve young girl, and she seems to accept everyone for who they are (proof: "Stinky" Rota the Hutt. 'nough said.) She doesn't appear to have any grievances about her past or anything else, as most Jedi do. They don't have sorrow, which can be a valuable tool, as Ashoka may have learned, as he had one of the largest Indian Empires.

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Anyways, I thought these were some interesting musings. Let me know what you think!

May the Force be with you, always! (or should I stay "blow your mind"? )

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The only normal people are the ones you don't know very well.
- Joe Ancis