Questions about the Master and Padawan Bond, Bonding

I've read it implied many times that there is a Bond formed between Jedi knight-masters and their padawans through the Force.

Is there a specific ceremony or sequence of events that happen when a Jedi takes a padawan?

Is there anything like the Vulcan mind-meld (I know, I know, that's Trek, but you get the idea), or is it more like a gradual process through constant proximity?

Is it detailed in a novel anywhere, and if yes, which one(s)? Haven't had a chance to get to the local book store yet to pick up the Jedi Apprentice books.

I've seen it written in fan fiction once, as a ceremony in the presence of the Council, very formal, almost like a marriage. It was pretty cool, too.

Any hep here would be hot. (Never thought I'd have ocasion to quote JarJar!)

 

I've always thought of it as a combination of a physical thing through the Force and a relationship that develops between them. Of course, the Jedi would never actually call it a relationship so 'bond' sounds more safe

-sj loves kevin spacey

 

Hey! My Beta! Wow! ::grins::

Um, my impression is sorta a tunnel from one mind into another that is formed when a Master and Padawan start training. The strength of it, of course, depends greatly on the strength of the relationship between the two. It's possible for one, especially the Master, to block his/her end of the tunnel off to a certain extent, but it's difficult. I think that the really strong bonds can actually transfer verbal throught from one person to the other, and the ones not as strong can at least transfer emotional queries (if you understand what I mean).

I think that in the case of a darkside bond (like Palpatine and Mara's) the strength can be manipulated by the master.

In terms of breaking the bond, I think that if it's done naturally, like during a knighting ceremony, it can be painless. Probably rather than completely dissolving the bond during the knighting itself, the Master and Padawan gradually pull it apart over time following. If, on the other hand, one person is killed or chooses to tear the bond down, or if an outside force like a Sith shatters it, it's one of the most painful experiences a force sensitive can have.

Yeah. This is entirely based on my own thought. No proof at all. None. This is just always how I've imagined it.

 

What Erela said pretty much clears up my views on a Master/Padawan bond. Also if you have a strong Force bond with another and one dies, the other can die from the shock as well. As that was clearly shown in the Battle Of Jabiim arc in Star Wars: Republic. And then a Master can also sense (at least in fics) when a Padawan is trying to break their bond, or keeping it from happening. I like that also as it shows when a Padawan is very cold and not open, he doesn't even want his/her Master to intrude. There are alot of different ways to make this, and it can be done very kewl and interesting.

 

My personal feeling is that far too much is made of the "bond." I truly believe that it is the same type of bond formed between two average, non-Force sensitive people who have worked together, fought together, trained together, dined together, etc. enough to know each other's moods and thoughts. Throw in a bit of Force-related empathy, and you have a deep bond.

I mean, I cannot tell you how often I have gone to the phone to call a close friend only to have it ring and BINGO! She's on the other end. Or if we're someplace and see something funny or interesting, we only need to look at each other to know EXACTLY what the other is thinking. Simply because we know each other so well. A few other people think we're psychic or "have the Force." We don't.

 

Hmmm, interesting ideas. Thanks to all who contacted me, either by posting here or by PM.

It's an interesting concept, isn't it? (Also a great plot device, when warranted...)

 

I think the bond depends wholy upon the persons it is with. If the two are really close then the bond will actually even be stronger. I would also think that those that are strong in the Living Force would have better connections if the other person allows it.

If the two aren't really 'close' then the bond would be more like a working bond instead of a empathic/feeling/talking bond. For in some fics and actual sanctioned stories some Jedi can't talk to each other thru the bonds because of the lack of closeness. While others who are really close can actually have conversations. While they aren't as 'lengthy' as most fics have them. I do believe that some conversations can cross the bond if the two are close.

For instance with Master Windu - him being so 'Unifying' he would probably have a hard time comuting with his Padawans unless he established a close relationship. While with Master Jinn (our favorable Jedi! hehehe), he would not have that much of a difficulty if his bond with his Padawan is strong.

I do believe it comes down to the closeness of the relationship. Rather it is just trainee/trainer or friend as well as trainee/trainer.

As for the bonding... I would think it would happen over a period of time, but would have to be instigated by the two willingly; as I did with my two OCs in my story. It could be forced but the pain would be terrible for both the Master and Padawan I would think. The two would have to be willingly to open their minds to each other. Perhaps not fully so one could look into their memories, but enough to establish the beginning of the link.

Well *shrugs* that's my two cents.

(edit: minor booboos)

 

I agree with everyone who says it is something that happens over time, from working together and knowing each other. It takes time to build that level of understanding and trust. The Force might give them an empathic edge with the ability to sense powerful emotions from the other, but I see it as only a part of the bond. There is so much more that makes it up, after all, these beings are emotionally invested in each other, whether it be the bonds of love, friendship or training.

I can?t imagine there being a ceremony or something that turns it on and off like a light switch. There might be something that says the bond has formed or signifying the end of a training bond, but I don?t see it actually having an affect on the bonding itself.

 

I agree that the bond isn't just all of a sudden "there," but I think that when a Master takes a Padawan there's probably something like a groundbreaking ceremony where the two I guess...lower their shields enough to let the bond start to build.