The Sith path

I have read many interpretations from those who are not Sith about what it is to be a Sith, what it is to walk the Path, what the objectives are, and the assumptions of Sith morality and values. It is disheartening to think that the Path is so small as even the most agreeable explanations would be. I guess the question is always there… what is the Sith Path, and how does it work. For my explanation I use the Sith Code as a list of challenges, of difficulties one on the Path will face. I don’t use it because I think it of value, but because it is convenient. I break my own rule in this for I do not say what the Sith Path is, but more what it is not, and so I do not explain it at all. But I hope that for some, this is of value anyway. It has been for me in writing it.

I have no words to describe my Path. As prolific as I am, I am left mute by trying to give it definition. I am made dumb by the simplicity of it, and the beauty. I can only ramble like some idiot child. I walk a Path beyond words, because there are no words for it, and even if there were, only those already along it would understand them, and this writing would be silly, as it would become a matter of course and not worth mentioning. But I write it to articulate thoughts I have had lately, and in the hopes that it provides some context and inspiration for those caught in one of our traps.

Peace is a Lie, there is only passion.

This is the beginning, and only the beginning. When one comes to question peace, they can be convinced that peace does not exist, that only the passionate self exists. It is here where many who have wandered from the Jedi Path come to rest. In my view, this is where the self proclaimed Grey and Shadow Jedi come and stop. Yes there is more, but until one can transcend this idea, this concept and see it for what it is, the first step on a Path to sight, rather than some end all – be all statement of purpose or being, there is nothing more for them on this Path. There are other Paths for those who stop here. The Sith Path is not one.

Through passion, I gain strength.

Drawing strength of self, of will, of desire, based on our passions, learning them, working with them, coming to commune with them in perfect unity, is one of the earliest lessons, rather easy to learn. There are more than a few who come to this Path seeking refuge from a life of suffering and abuse. They have come to this point by transcending Peace and Passion, seeing what passion can produce. They have come to stand on their own two feet, building up strength to rail against the pains and sufferings of the past. This is the second trap, for if one comes to the Sith Path too early, then this may be the first time that they have known strength from within, from the self. For some, this is enough. You can see it in those who glorify strength. They are often extreme in some aspect of life that gives them a feeling of taking control. I have seen this in body builders, martial artists who focus on winning, bullies, and commonly in many prior service Marines… these are those who have been held stuck at this level. There are many Paths for those who would stop here, but it is not the Sith Path.

Through Strength, I gain Power

This is the most unfortunate one for the follower of the Sith Path, for it is here that those close relatives of the Path, the Jen’jidai are trapped. Indeed it is this trap that many associate with the Sith in general, and perhaps rightly so, for there are many both within and without who think this is the goal. It is sad to see this happen, for it is merely another trap on the Path. Power comes when strength is applied with will. It is addicting, and seductive, and truly delicious. And yet, power applied without conscience is folly, and a Path to destruction. The Path of power is the Path of ruin. It must be so. Those who can suffer their ruin and emerge on the other side, not broken but stronger for the fall, they will know the value of power. They will know what it is to grow beyond power. Those who have not experienced the ruin will, but until then, the true lesson of power will elude them, and the greatest powers, those that make pitiful mockeries of their supposed greatness, will never be attainable. Those who are crushed under the ruin are doomed to eek out whatever life they will. Theirs is the saddest of all lots, for they are left hollow and broken. It is the risk, and the price of the Sith Path that not all who tread upon it will benefit. For those who have not known ruin, there is a Path of power, power that they possess but do not know how to use. This Path of theirs is what many assume to be the Sith Path, but it is not. The Sith looks upon them with symPathy and sadness… for those trapped for a long time here are probably better off staying on the Path of Power, for their spirit will be hard pressed to survive the eventual ruin. The Sith Path continues.

Through Power, I gain Victory

Power is not the only Path to Victory. Victory is the state of achievement. Achievements are an eventuality for any who apply themselves. But for those walking the Sith Path, this is the next hurdle to be jumped. Those who find Victory as a stumbling block are easy to find. You need only listen to them speak. They are fixated on their accomplishments, defining themselves by them. This is the stage in which one builds their castles, their empires, and it is important that this work is recognized by others. Some never get past this. They place all of their identity into what they have built. There is nothing else. But in truth what has been built is destined to wash away. That which lasts will not be dictated by the one who built it but by the circumstances of history. Those who are consumed by victory are fixated on legacy. They fear that all of their work will be for naught. They have good reason to fear, for it is absolutely true. There are some who will never accept this eventuality. They are the ones who have been swallowed by this trap. There are many Paths open to them, some of great wealth and advantage, but until they see and know that nothing they built is permanent, nor lasting, that times change and with it the needs of the world outside the self, until that time, they do not walk the Sith Path.

Through Victory, my chains are broken

There are many who believe the Path of the Sith is the Path of freedom. Many of these believe that the breaking of chains symbolizes this freedom. This is the next trap along the Sith Path. Chains do not represent restrictions, but burdens. As we have traveled the Path thus far we have cast off many burdens. We have lost our burden of peace as defined by others and of being bound by uncontrollable emotion. We have cast away the shackles of weakness and obsession with strength and power. We have come to understand that the expectations of others on accomplishment are merely folly. There is value in all of these things, and life needs to be lived through all of them. One cannot learn these things without going through them. They are bitter pills to swallow, but in each burdens are lifted. We come to realize that anything is possible, and if we are willing to pay the price, there are almost no limitations we cannot overcome. Eventually we understand that all of our burdens are our choice. We cast off the burdens others place on us by seeing that the expectations are theirs and not what we desire. If one stops here, they do lead a charmed life, for they see that their life is their own. But this too, is not the Sith Path. The Sith turns to his burdens and selects those he will carry. He is willing and able, and the burdens do not encumber his heart for they are his choice, and his desire to carry them makes them light. The father carries the burden of his daughter with joy and love, and the burden is easily bearable when she smiles. This is what it is like for the burdened Sith. And when he takes up those burdens, and continues on… then, and only then is he ready. This is where the Sith Path truly begins.

The Force shall Free Me

It takes the lessons of all that has come before, the lessons learned by passing through the wilderness, through the traps, the techniques and skills learned along the way that allow the Sith to begin to use the Force in earnest. This is the beginning. He knows the truth of Peace, he knows his heart, he knows the source of his strength, and the discipline of power, the commitment needed for victory, and the temporal state of achievement, the light heart of the unburdened and the necessity of burdens. One with these is ready to participate in a life with the Force. And so he, alone, begins the first step of his journey, and walks the path of sight, the True Path of the Sith.