The Connection Between Star Wars and China By Christopher navarrete

What is my Argument? Star Wars took inspiration from the Chinese religion Taoism Followers of the Jedi Order are essentially Taoist in disguise

What is Star Wars? A 1977 space opera science fiction series and cultural phenomenon created by George Lucas Set in the very far future where you can space travel, talk to aliens and use plasma swords Focuses on an ancient energy called the Force and how people use it

Star Wars Episode 4 Poster: https://m. media-amazon Star Wars Episode 4 Poster: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNzVlY2MwMjktM2E4OS00Y2Y3LWE3ZjctYzhkZ GM3YzA1ZWM2XkEyXkFqcGdeQXVyNzkwMjQ5NzM@._V1_.jpg Star Wars the Force Awakens Poster: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/M/MV5BOTAzODEzNDAzMl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMDU1MTgzNzE@._V1_.jpg

What is the Force? An ancient energy that is used by the Jedi and Sith order, who are religious groups that have their own philosophies regarding its use (Wookiepedia) It is “an energy field that connects everything in the universe. The Force is generated by all living entities, and resides in all lifeforms” (Wookiepedia) Powers and abilities of using the force include: Telekinesis Influence the mind of others See the future (Wookiepedia) Force Choke: https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/starwars/images/0/06/Dooku_Obi-wan_choke.JPG/revision/latest?cb=20111022214353

What is Taoism? An ancient religion and philosophy that began in China 142 C.E (BBC) It “emphasizes doing what is natural and ‘going with the flow’ in accordance with the Tao (or Dao), a cosmic force which flows through all things and binds and releases them” (Mark) It is a “religion of unity and opposites; Yin and Yang. The principle of Yin Yang sees the world as filled with complementary forces - action and non-action, light and dark, hot and cold, and so on” (BBC) Yin Yang Symbol: https://ballzbeatz.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Yin-Yang-Taoism-Decal-Sticker.jpg

Connection 1: The Force is Qi (Chi) “Qi is the basic material of all that exists… Qi can be discussed in terms of quantity, since having more means stronger metabolic function” (BBC) This means that Qi and the Force is life energy So everyone has Qi and the Force, whether small or large. A large amount of Qi and Force leads to telekinetic powers (Dong) Followers of the Force and Taoism Meditate to hone their life energy (BBC) Star Wars Mediation: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9f/56/89/9f5689b9a0ea34c4f0c6ef8c02b13fed.jpg Taoism Mediation: https://udemy-images.udemy.com/course/750x422/1575904_c5cc.jpg

Connection 2: The Code of the Jedi Order takes from the Tao Te Ching The code of the Jedi Order are “a set of rules that governed the behavior of the Jedi Order” (Wookiepedia) The Tao Te Ching (way of integrity) is a important text for Taoists filled with philosophies. “it delivers a treatise on how to live in the world with goodness and integrity” (Walter)

Comparison CODE OF THE JEDI ORDER TAO TE CHING There is no emotion, there is peace There is no ignorance, there is knowledge There is no Chaos, there is harmony When people see things as beautiful, ugliness is created When people see thing as good, bad is created Difficult and easy compliment each other

Connection 3: Jedi and Sith are Yin and Yang The Jedi and Sith are religious groups that follow the Force differently. Yin and Yang “is the principle of natural and complementary forces, patterns and things that depend on one another and do not make sense on their own” (BBC) Jedi and Sith are polar opposite of each other, thus they are like Yin and Yang Jedi are light (good) and Sith are dark (bad) Yin Yang Symbol: https://ballzbeatz.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Yin-Yang-Taoism-Decal-Sticker.jpg

Star Wars Yin Yang Symbol: https://i1. wp. com/www. popmythology

Conclusion Star Wars took inspiration from Taoism in the following ways: The Force is Qi The Code of the Jedi Order and Tao Te Ching have similar messages The Jedi and Sith are essentially yin and yang or polar opposites This is important because: it allows us to see Star Wars from a different, more religious and philosophical point of view. Opens the doors to more people being interested in and following Taoism Learning Taoism can be more fun when watching Star Wars, especially for kids

Bibliography Dong, Paul (2000). China's major mysteries: paranormal phenomena and the unexplained in the People's Republic. San Francisco: China Books and Periodicals. ISBN 978-0-8351-2676-2. “Jedi Code.” Wookieepedia, starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Jedi_Code. Mark, Emily. “Taoism.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, Ancient History Encyclopedia, 15 Dec. 2018, www.ancient.eu/Taoism/. “Religion: Taoism.” BBC, BBC, www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/taoism/. “The Force.” Wookieepedia, starwars.wikia.com/wiki/The_Force. Walter, Damien. “The Tao Te Ching by Laozi: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Times.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 27 Dec. 2013, www.theguardian.com/books/2013/dec/27/comfort- reading-tao-te-ching-laozi.

Bibliography Taoism Mediation: https://udemy-images.udemy.com/course/750x422/1575904_c5cc.jpg Star Wars Mediation: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/9f/56/89/9f5689b9a0ea34c4f0c6ef8c02b13fed.jpg Star Wars Episode 4 Poster: https://m.media- amazon.com/images/M/MV5BNzVlY2MwMjktM2E4OS00Y2Y3LWE3ZjctYzhkZGM3YzA1ZWM2XkEyXkF qcGdeQXVyNzkwMjQ5NzM@._V1_.jpg Star Wars the Force Awakens Poster: https://m.media- amazon.com/images/M/MV5BOTAzODEzNDAzMl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTgwMDU1MTgzNzE@._V1_.jpg Force Choke: https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/starwars/images/0/06/Dooku_Obi- wan_choke.JPG/revision/latest?cb=20111022214353 Yin Yang Symbol: https://ballzbeatz.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Yin-Yang-Taoism-Decal- Sticker.jpg Star Wars Yin Yang Symbol: https://i1.wp.com/www.popmythology.com/wp- content/uploads/2015/03/star-wars-yin-yang.png?resize=280%2C280