Defining the Force?

[Jinsei]

I'm trying to work on some "standards" for here, such as definitions and basic principles. Hopefully you all can pitch in and help me decide on some things.

Obi-Wan Kenobi - "It's an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us, penetrates us, and binds the galaxy together."

Wikipedia -

Some think of the Force as a sentient entity that may be capable of intelligent activities, pervading and infusing the material universe as a sort of panentheistic god, while others consider it merely a resource that can be manipulated and used. A common compromise is that it is an "energy tool" but one which forms a fundamental part of the universe. Fundamental to its nature are certain practical aspects such as its ability to cause change within the physical realm. An analogy is a sword with no handle—it can only be used by gripping the blade and therefore any attempt to strike someone would result in similar harm to the hand of the striker—the sword itself has no sentience or morality, but nevertheless exacts a price on those who use it unethically.

The Force has also been described as having two additional aspects: the Unifying Force and the Living Force. These aspects were not expounded upon in the prequels, but in the Expanded Universe they are defined by prominent Jedi philosophies. The Unifying Force essentially embraces space and time in its entirety. The Living Force deals with the directly ongoing niches present in the Force and compassion to living things. These two aspects are not considered canon by many fans, as they are not discussed in the films or film novelizations. The only mention of the term "Living Force" in the films is made by Qui-Gon Jinn in Episode I, and many people consider the word "living" to be a simple adjective describing the Force, just as the use of "almighty God" does not imply the existence of another God. It is clear, however, that Qui-Gon is speaking of the Force concerning the present.

The Force appears to be connected to, or responsible for, the destinies of living beings.

The Potentium view of the Force, considered heresy by Old Republic Jedi, holds that the Force, and the galaxy in general, was inherently good, and that there was no evil side to the Force. Also Luke states in "The Unifying Force" that "the force doesn't flow from us but through us" which strongly suggests that the Force creates life and not the other way around.

So, there are clearly different views and definitions on the Force and what it is. What I'm looking for is something for the WotF to officially support as a definition. We've probably all got our own ideas of what it is, so I'd like to reach some form of base definition.

My thought is that there are actually two "Forces" the Universal being the one which flows through us. The Living being what exists inside of us.

I also support the Potentium view in that the Force is good and that our use of it determines our perception of good and evil.

So,

"The Universal Force is an energy field that creates life and flows through us. The Universal Force is what allows us to influence events, objects, people, and physical phenomena in our environment; more commonly known as magick."

"The Living Force is an energy field more commonly known as Chi, Prana, Life Force, etc. It is the energy that is actually within our bodies and maintains our internal functions."

I'm sure that won't be the final definitions, but what do you think should be added, changed, removed, etc.?

[Adona Mara]

Sounds good.

[Adona Mara]

Just kidding . I'll have to think on it a little ... and enlarge the quotes so I don't get a headache while I read it. Give me a few days.

[Spark Vallen]

I tend to stick to the Obi-Wan Kenobi definition given in ANH.

[tomw2005]

I'm not very good at putting things down in words, so expect a rambling style with lots of Doctor Who style descriptions ("It's like a big ball of timey-wimey...stuff").

When I first started along my path when I found the UJ over two years ago now I initially looked at Taoism and my definition is heavily biased in that direction.

I believe that the Force has no sides but that it does what is inherently of benefit to the Universe (i.e. it is 'good') and that any 'sides' experienced are placed upon it when we use it for our own ends or to help others etc.

The Unifying/Living Force part I'm not currently sure on. If one takes the idea of the 'soul' or the actual lifeforce of your body to be the Living Force then all exterior forms of the Force are the Unifying Force. Or does the Living Force also encompass what is happening in the here and now. Or finally: alternately there could be three parts: 'soul' Force (your lifeforce and that which is 'you'); Living Force (the here and now, changes every split second); Unifying Force (covers all of time and space and ultimately links the other parts of the Force together).

So I've got a 'work in progress' theory.

Tom W