One With the Universe

He is an extraordinary and gifted person, and a wonderful teacher. A good teacher learns as much from his or her students as they teach and Qui-Gon admitted to Obi-Wan that his Padawan would surpass him, and he did this without jealousy anger, ego.

Yes, he is unconventional and unorthodox, and I believe this strengthens his character. The rules of life guide us in a straight line, though our journey is never a straight line and it takes a wise person to know when those rules must be bent or broken. The Jedi Council respect him, despite this, but if Qui-Gon were a by-the-book man he wouldn’t be Qui-Gon. He doesn’t break the rules for the sake of it, he does what must be done in order to complete his missions successfully, for noble purposes, to save lives and worlds and the Universe. When Obi-Wan stressed that he could be on the Council, Qui-Gon knew it was not his destiny to be on the Jedi Council, nor did he wish it.

Qui-Gon did not gamble, steal and lie for his own personal gain. He truly believed Anakin was the Vergence in the Force that would bring Balance to the Universe and he did everything he could to secure Anakin’s future as a Jedi. He did not want to risk Anakin in the podrace, though Shmi could think of no other way and Anakin himself wanted to.

I believe the reason that Qui-Gon appeared so ‘puffed out’ when he fought Darth Maul for the first time on Tatooine was not because he was old and tired. Qui-Gon had been on Tatooine for three days, in the scorching heat, with two blazing suns, with a thick poncho over his already thick long sleeved Jedi outfit, and had quite an ordeal on the planet with the podrace and all. Whereas Maul was barely on the planet for a day, and spent most of his time inside his probably air conditioned Infiltrator, only emerging to send and receive his probe droids upon which he sped off on a speeder bike to the Jedi.

Likewise on Naboo, I don’t believe Darth Maul bested Qui-Gon because the Jedi was lacking in strength or he was old and tired. The Sith seemed to be more adept at martial arts than the Jedi, though Qui-Gon is a master swordsman. Qui-Gon had a great deal on his mind – he worried about Obi-Wan - I believe he rushed ahead for this reason, not be because he was overconfident. The Council had refused to allow him to train Anakin, the Sith were back with a vengeance and he had a planet, and ultimately the Universe to protect and save. I believe with so much going on, he let slip, if only for a moment and unfortunately Maul got lucky, with an underhanded trick, {unlucky for Qui~Gon and the Universe} , proving Maul is as honourless as he is evil. {In Maul's journal he says he is not evil. Bah! Evil and delusional!} I also believe Qui-Gon even endeavoured to sense even a shred of compassion in Darth Maul.

I perceive Qui-Gon Jinn to be a compassionate, patient gentle and wise individual. He’s not perfect, but then no one is. He is highly attuned to the Living Force, and the Universe which is why he looks much younger than his years (65). He respects all living things and devotes his life for peace in the Universe. It is my belief that he wishes for peace between the Jedi and the Sith.

Although Obi-Wan may not share his Master’s compassion and empathy for living things, and although they disagree at times, he deeply respects, cares for and loves Qui-Gon. Qui-Gon cares deeply for life, from the smallest butterfly with its wings stuck together after a storm to the largest world in peril.

I read an article by someone who thought Qui-Gon was rude for not saying ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’ when he contacted Obi-Wan on the communicator. What ludicrous notion! They are not having a friendly chat about what happened on their weekend! The Universe is in jeopardy and unfortunately Qui-Gon didn’t have time for pleasantries. I also read in a newspaper article review of Star Wars Episode I that Qui-Gon looked scruffy. The first thing I saw when I looked at Qui-Gon was true majesty. Qui-Gon is majestic, beautiful and graceful. I bet 50 wuipipi that if that Journo had long hair, that it would not remain immaculate after a furious lightsabre battle! Scruffy indeed! Ppft!

Some people are annoyed with Qui-Gon for rescuing Jar Jar and to a certain extent I can understand this. The Gungan does have an annoying voice! Though Qui-Gon sensed the bigger picture. Not only did he feel sorry for Jar Jar, he sensed that the Gungan had a bigger role to play and he did. It is Jar Jar who helped bring the Gungans and the Naboosians together in peace to fight a common enemy to free their world. It is Qui-Gon who saw the greater purpose in this ‘pathetic life form.’ And Qui-Gon also expressed his concern for the Gungans' safety in the looming battle.

Some thought that Qui-Gon was dumb for not sensing anything evil in Anakin. I believe nothing could be further from the truth. Qui-Gon sensed only good in the boy. Perhaps if he had trained him, Anakin would not have turned. {Not to undermine Obi-Wan of course, though I feel that he and Anakin did not have the same understanding that he did with Qui-Gon and they didn't seem to connect as well, while Obi-Wan grew in wisdom in later years, I believe Qui-Gon was the wiser Master}. Like, for example, Qui-Gon knew Anakin would be safe in the cockpit. Even though Anakin took off to fight the Trade Federation, he returned unharmed.

I also believe the reason Qui-Gon didn't sense anything aboard the Trade Federation ship was that he was focused on the mission, where as Obi-Wan's mind was wandering a bit and he picked up on something, but then later Qui-Gon sensed the disturbance. I also believe that Qui-Gon didn't react to the Opee under the water as he knew ultimately the ship would have been safe.

I have also heard people say that Qui-Gon was conceited and arrogant. Did these people actually watch the movie? Conceited? Arrogant? What the Nerf!? He is the least conceited person that I have ever seen, real or fantasy. He did all he could to save Naboo and ultimately the Universe. None of what he did was for personal gain. Someone also said he thought Qui-Gon was a bit wimpy. What in Hades?! Was this person referring to Qui-Gon or Jar Jar? In Episode I, Qui-Gon died to save a world he barely knew - ultimately to save the Universe. He was not afraid to die. He shared wisdom, insights and compassion. He was not afraid to voice his beliefs and thoughts. A wimp? I think not! There were even some rumours and people who thought that Qui-Gon was a dark Jedi, Even a Sith Lord. Gods above and below! What were these cynical people thinking??!!

It was obvious Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan knew Padmé was the Queen. I believe that is why he did not want Padmé to come with them on Tatooine, in case she got hurt. Perhaps Anakin was the Chosen One of Jedi Legend. Though the Council did not see what Qui-Gon saw. Anakin had a lot of anger in him, knowing he was full of potential and his destiny was to become a Jedi - and to live the life of an unappreciated slave. I do not believe this anger/resentment was dealt with properly. Also, why did he and Obi-Wan not go back for his mother sooner? This would have prevented his rageful outburst in Episode II. Qui-Gon tried to warn him, not to give into that hate, but Anakin was beyond counsel at that stage. Perhaps, like in Buffy: The Vampire Slayer - To Each Generation, a Chosen One is Born. Qui-Gon was obviously the Chosen One in his generation, followed by Obi-Wan, then Anakin (whom Palpatine/Sidious corrupted), then Luke.

I did enjoy the Jedi Apprentice series by Dave Worthington and later Jude Watson, though in books 15 through 16, Qui-Gon's Jedi love, Tahl, gets murdered and he goes out for revenge?? 'Scuse me? No Way, Jose! Not Qui-Gon, and I don't give a Nerf how 'official' these books were. Qui-Gon would never have done such a thing. Sure he was hurt, angry and grieving, but revenge? Never. I don't know who she was writing about in that book, but it certainly was not Qui-Gon Jinn.

His name Qui-Gon Jinn means "One with the Universe". It also means peace, harmony, serenity and good ch'i or qi. (Good energy.)

Jedi Master Jinn possesses strong features and piercing, though gentle oceanic blue eyes. He speaks with a gentle, but determined voice. He wears part of his long hair tied back so as not to obstruct his vision.

I first saw Qui-Gon on the front cover of Time Magazine, about a month before I saw the movie and was totally mesmerised by him, before I even knew his name. I didn't want to read the article in case it spoiled the movie and so I still didn't know his name, only that he was beautiful inside and out. The picture captivated and inspired me. It was obvious he was a Jedi with that majestic green lightsabre. His eyes were so brilliant, I could see the love, compassion and depth in them, and just how centred he was, completely in tune with the Force and the Universe, just from this one picture, I could see I his eyes that he would not fight unless he absolutely had to.

When I went shopping at midnight at Toys R Us, the first action figure I wanted was the lovely Jedi one with the long hair. It was then I discovered his name was Qui-Gon Jinn, although I wasn't entirely sure how to pronounce it until I saw the movie. (Quee-Gon or Kwai-Gon- or something different entirely?) Though Quee-Gon sounds so weird now!!! Usually, never buy actions figures until I see a movie, but I just knew Qui-Gon was incredibly special. I couldn't believe how right I was and when I saw Episode I, I loved him even more.

What I love about Master Qui ... His spirit, his kind soul. His love, compassion and wisdom. His respect for all life, no matter how annoying or Evil (Jar Jar, Maul), sticking up for the underdogs. His connection to the Living Force and the Universe. The first time I saw him his eyes touched my soul and I fell in love then and there. His respect for the Jedi Council, even though they don't see eye to eye. He is true to his convictions and beliefs, even when he has to go against the flow. He has the wisdom when to go with the flow and when to go against it. His disregard for what others think of him, as he follows the path he knows is right for him. His resolve. His attitude to problem solving, like the lightsabre through the door ... That was awesome. Many in the audience cheered when he did this!! He commands respect and authority, but does not demand it. His skill, determination. His gentleness, integrity and undying sense of honour. His sense of justice, his grace and serenity, his silent soul, so he can listen to the whispers of the Universe. His strong sense of ethics and his endless patience, his enigma and passion.

Physically: His gentle face, oceanic blue eyes that see into your soul. Soft, gentle voice, with a touch of Irish accent, an embrace all its own. Large, but gentle hands. His broad chest, that I would give anything to lean against. Strong, though gentle arm. To just be held by him. He is a port in a storm. His tall, though not imposing slender frame. Soft long hair, seeming one with the very winds. (Most guys look sexier with long hair!) That subtle smile, his graceful moves. That lovely, interesting nose. His confident, majestic stride, he glides with elegance. His clothes, matching the Autumn colours, his chocolate cape, flowing in the wind, his beige sash, wrapped around his slender waist, those gorgeous, strong boots. (They must be made from a natural substance, as I think leather would be against his morals and I believe he would be vegetarian). His simple, yet elegant verdant lightsabre. And he's one of very few men in the Universe that look stunning with a beard! But even if he looked as ugly as a Hutt cross Toydarian, it is his kind, loving soul that touched mine.

My speculation on why Qui-Gon didn't disappear - and it's not because he wasn’t worthy or that he was bad in any way whatsoever. Jedi need a moment to prepare themselves to become one with the Force (disappear). Even though Qui didn't know/foresee that he was going to die one could argue that Qui-Gon had ample time to prepare himself for the Force, because he didn't die instantly. My two Republic credits are that Qui-Gon was terrified that Anakin would not be trained and so he conserved all his strength to stay alive until Obi-Wan could get to him. My guess is that after Darth Maul ran Qui-Gon through, Qui foresaw that Obi-Wan would kill Maul.

He truly believed Anakin was the one that would bring Balance - The Chosen One and at the end of the day - he does, after all the pain and heartache he causes, he is the father of Luke Skywalker, who turns things around for the Jedi - and Vader/Anakin does kill the Emperor - Rick McCallum said this: "Perhaps Qui-Gon also saw Luke, because Luke plays a very important part in bringing the balance."

Qui-Gon practically begged Obi-Wan to train Anakin, and it as only then that Obi-Wan realised how important the boy was to his Master and didn't want his Master to suffer and promised to train Anakin.

After Obi-Wan promised to train Anakin, Qui-Gon was relieved, but his body simply lacked the strength to entirely prepare himself for the Force and this is my guess on why he did not disappear. When his physical body burned, I believe that it didn't burn the same way an ordinary person’s would have. I believe it disappeared into the flames, into the Force, perhaps transmuted into energy sparkles, even though we didn't see this.

And we learn from Episode III the he was the first Jedi to transcend death. There is an lovely scene in the end of the book version of Episode III, (Not movie to extended DVD scenes, unfortunately) of Qui-Gon appearing to and talking to Yoda. Yoda says to Qui-Gon "A very great Jedi Master you have become, Qui-Gon Jinn. A great Jedi Master you always were, but too blind was I to see it ... Your apprentice, I gratefully become." So in the end, Qui-Gon becomes Yoda's Master. And as I can see, this did not appease Qui-Gon's ego, he was willing to teach and pass on what he had learned, so other Jedi could learn to transcend death and become spiritual beings.

It is a pity that there are not more people like Qui-Gon in the Universe. It would be a much more peaceful, and loving place.

Your focus determines your reality. May The Force Be With You.

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