“Always pass on what you have learned.” – Yoda
In the scene on Dagaboh in the “Episode 6: Return of the Jedi”, Yoda speaks to Luke Skywalker as he takes his final breaths. Teacher to Student he admonishes Luke to beware of the Dark Side, to avoid anger, fear and aggression. To not underestimate the power of Evil and to pass on to others what he has learned. Teach others. In a few short phrases these words give Luke Skywalker the keys to redemption. Did Luke actually end up taking any of that sage advice? Did he Teach anyone?
In “Episode 7: The Force Awakens” we find Luke in the final scene on the Ocean Planet of Ahch-To face to face with the character Rey. I have no clues as to what happens next but my guess is the Luke will teach Rey how to be a Jedi in the next episode “The Last Jedi”. I’m sure he will not be thrilled about it but he will do as Yoda instructed. Luke Skywalker may at last pass on what he has learned.
“Teaching is a privilege” – Obi-wan Kenobi “The Clone Wars”.
My sense is that Luke like his father Anakin will be a hesitant teacher at the start but will soon warm to the task and become an excellent mentor to his Padawan. Teaching someone anything, in particular life skills is never easy. It can be frustrating and it takes a lot of patience. Look at parenting for example. Despite the hard work, the rewards are immeasurable.
A Privilege
Training, mentoring and contributing to the knowledge and personal development of a person is a privilege. I personally think Teachers in our society are underrated. They have the responsibility of teaching the future after all. Why is it that they seem to be undervalued when they hold such a precious position?
As a recovering alcoholic I also have a responsibility to share what I have learned for the benefit of others. I have learned from others and using that knowledge and experience I have recovered and grown. It is now my turn to pass that on to others and keep the flow going. It is a never ending cycle. By giving it away, we get to keep it.
“A river flows into the Dead Sea and stops. A river flows into a clear pool and flows out again. We get and then we give. If we do not give, we do not keep” – Anonymous, Twenty Four Hours a Day, December 13.
Pay if Forward
The Fictional Jedi were big on training and mentoring and dedicated immense resources and time to it. Every Jedi Knight was expected to share in the teaching of Younglings and Padawan’s. In this way the future of the order was guaranteed. In the real world there is no “brick and mortar” Temple where people go to learn to be Jedi. Most of the training is done online*. People invest their time and money to teaching complete strangers what they have learned on the Jedi Path and for no expectation of reward. The act of teaching and mentoring, seeing someone benefit and grow, is its own reward.
Step 12 is the service maintenance step. One of the ways in which service to others is rendered in AA is by “passing on what you have learned”. It is the only way the movement stays alive, by people passing on their personal story, their journey from despair to hope and recovery. They inspire and give hope to those that doubt and suffer. Some go further and sponsor fellow Alcoholics giving up their time and more. Others share and provide support in the rooms or online. These are small acts that make a difference in people’s lives; together they help to heal the world.
“Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs” – Step 12
Commit to one small act of teaching every day, a piece of wisdom that brings a smile or hope to someone. Aspire to impart your knowledge and experience to help another. Nothing is trivial. A few words may make all the difference in the life of another. It is a privilege and the Joy of Living.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
*You can read about the Online Jedi Community Here