A Jedi is a powerful ‘Force-wielder’ and mediator, with the purpose of being the guardian of peace and order among the Galaxy, defending and protecting all sapient life (species with the ability to think, that is). But that’s not all! Knowledge, the Force, and self-discipline were considered the three pillars of Jedi strength... Now, let’s examine more in depth these points:
The Jedi Order praised knowledge, so in order to be a member of the Jedi’s, one should have to become a polymath, an individual that knows about a variety of subjects. They weren’t just soldiers, but some had a learning in agriculture, others had an understanding in biology, some others specialized in technology... You can see throughout the movies that Jedi’s occupy different jobs as librarians, explorers, medics, politics, and many many more categories, but they know about more than one subject.
The Force is but a mere metaphor, said by George Lucas to be a way to generate an awakening of the sense of spirituality among young audiences. He embraces the idea in a catholic way, but if we see it as an Enlightenment or Samadhi, and taking in account the ideas of the Jedi Order referring to the attachment of people and material things, it could mean the aspiration to attain a state of inner tranquility through calmness and meditation, while avoiding emotions affiliated with the dark side of the Force, such as anger and hatred.
Self-discipline is highly related to the last point: not to give into the temptation of our emotions. The word literally means the ability to control one's feelings and overcome one's weaknesses... So, in this scenario, could signify just that.
So... A Jedi is a person that has a knowledge in a wide area of subjects, reaching for the Enlightenment through self-discipline. We can see a level of diversity that extends throughout the organization, composed of hundreds of different species coming from thousands of different worlds, many living creatures trying to become a member of the Order.
Are you ready to become one too?