The Five Bendai

BEN: Encourage (with regard to completing a goal).
DAI: Large, Great

Bendai:
Great Encouragement
Encourage Greatness

The teachings of the five Bendai is one unique to Zenryoku-kai. Originally stemming from the various directions one can take along the Jedi Way, these five archetypes make up the primary aspects of a Jedi Seeker. While they each hold a name that conjures very strong imagery, keep in mind that these are not meant to act as division points, nor specializations. While each student will be drawn to certain aspects of the Bendai more than the others, no one aspect should ever become the sole focus is the student truly desires to learn the depth and power of the Jedi Way.

As a symbol of the student’s growth along the Way, the Bendai Beads were created, pictured above. Inexpensive and simple to make, students are encouraged to create their own set of beads upon completion Jedi Seeker training.

This simple bracelet is the holder of great insight into the Way. It teaches of the Guardian, who seeks peace by learning to be beyond the dominance of their emotions without attempting to do away with them. It tells of the Shaman, who seeks the inner knowledge of the world, using their ignorance as a map to sources of knowledge. It speaks of the Monk, who reaches for serenity by training themselves to exist beyond the overbearing passions and manias. It teaches of the Healer, who brings harmony by undoing the chaos done on all levels through injury, pain, and disease. It speaks to the Mystic, who reaches for the better connection to the Force, so that they can ascend beyond the bounds of death.