The real-world inspiration behind ‘The Acolyte’s Barash Vow

It’s common knowledge that Star Wars draws extensively from cultures worldwide, with Japan playing a pivotal role in shaping the aesthetic and thematic elements of the beloved galaxy far, far away. George Lucas’s fascination with Japanese culture, sparked by his exposure to Akira Kurosawa’s films while studying at USC in the late ’60s, heavily influenced the creation of Star Wars.

From the concept of the Jedi to the iconic appearance of Darth Vader, Japanese fashion and concepts served as significant sources of inspiration for the franchise. While opinions may vary on the latest television series, The Acolyte, it pays homage to Lucas’s admiration for Japanese culture.

 

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But what exactly is the Barash Vow, and how does it tie into Star Wars lore?

In the Star Wars universe, the Barash Vow is a solemn commitment undertaken by certain Jedi as a form of penance or spiritual purification. Although mentioned in Star Wars lore for years, The Acolyte is the first time this vow has been portrayed on screen. Jedi who take the Barash Vow disengage from their duties and isolate themselves, devoting their lives solely to reconnecting with the will of the Force.

The origins of the Barash Vow can be traced back to Master Barash Silvain, who lived around 400 years before the rise of the Empire. Feeling responsible for the deaths of innocent civilians due to a lapse in judgment, Silvain withdrew from the Jedi Order and pledged to rediscover her connection to the Force.

The concept of the Barash Vow bears striking resemblance to Asceticism, a practice found in various religious and philosophical traditions worldwide. Ascetics renounce worldly pleasures in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and redemption. The Buddhist variation of asceticism, popularized by the Buddha himself, involves leading a life of simplicity and abstinence from indulgences.

Similarly, the Barash Vow aims to realign Jedi with the spiritual realm of the Force, allowing them to reintegrate with their fellow Jedi after a period of solitude and introspection. However, some instances within Star Wars lore depict extreme cases where Jedi Masters, unable to abandon their missing Padawans, resort to a form of spiritual practice akin to Japanese Buddhist Sokushinbutsu, or self-mummification.

Sokushinbutsu, a process that takes up to 3000 days to complete, involves gradual dehydration and caloric restriction, resulting in the preservation of the monk’s body after death. While the Jedi Masters in the cave of Illum did not have the luxury of such a prolonged process, their unwavering commitment to their missing Padawans reflects the profound sacrifices made in the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment and redemption.

Incorporating elements from diverse cultures and spiritual practices, Star Wars continues to captivate audiences with its rich tapestry of lore and mythology, reflecting the universal themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the search for meaning in the cosmos.