Sith as Philosophy

Some regard the Sith Path as a philosophy. Philosophy is an academic discipline. Although there are academic qualities to the Sith Path, it’s only when philosophical ideas shift into material application — uniting mind, heart and action – that the path is revealed. Though the philosopher may be able to observe the phenomenon, draw connections and make generalities about the process, it is only experience that teaches the path.

The Sith seeks out the eternal spark that resides in the wilderness of self, the headwaters of his potential, a spring of passion and desire. It is intimately personal. Some may need help to start the flow of water, but once the movement starts the water will wind, finding its own way to the sea. Over time, the landscape of the individual will be redefined by the erosion that comes as a natural part of the process.

The flow begins with desire … and belief. Desire for something more than what we are; belief that the path will provide the means. In the early stages many seek out the same well-trodden washes, long abandoned by the great rivers: power over others, the explicit manipulation of the world in order to secure a place of their own. These children will benefit from the sandy washes, but sand is easily shifted. The flash flood of power is just that: a flash, then a trickle.

Some seek to flow into a great river, and leverage the work that river has already done. These tributaries contribute to the greater rivers they flow in to. For these Master-seekers it makes for a short path and then slavery to another’s greater work. Tributaries are often needed by great rivers; however it is not the will of the tributary that is wielded, merely their force added to another’s ambition.

I prefer the rivers that flow from spring to sea by their own course. The delta at the mouth of the river, fertile and rich, erupting with life is the reward of their diligence. There is something in that purity that makes me smile.

But that is some way off for the people who start here. This is a place for beginnings.

And washes and tributaries are good places to begin; however, to reside too long in these states is a sad outcome. The true student must find his own course down the mountain to the sea. Great rivers find bedrock, and can carve granite. It is harder. It comes with challenge, error, mistakes, failure … but just as it is with the spring … the water finds its way to the sea … so long as there is tenacity to see it through.