title: The Jedi in the Lotus: Star Wars and the Hindu Tradition
author:  Steven J. Rosen 
description: 'By the end of the book, readers have gained a convincing overview of Rosen's argument that the Hindu tradition, specifically Vaishnava or devotional Hinduism, plays a critical role in the "Star Wars" ethos. I highly recommend the book to fans of "Star Wars" and anyone interested in the millennial roots of a contemporary entertainment phenomenon. ' - Joshua M. Greene, Adjunct Professor of Religious Studies, Hofstra University<br /><br />
zlib_text: 
  
  
  
  
  
  _Warmaster, we think too often in terms of dualism: Jedi or Sith, light or
  dark, right or wrong. But there are three sides to this blade, not two,
  opposed and similar at the same time. The third edge is the Mandalorian. All
  three sides care nothing for caste or species, only adherence to a code that
  unites. The Mandalorians remain the most formidable enemy of the Jedi: but the
  Sith are not always their allies. The Mandalorians even worshipped war itself,
  then simply turned their backs on their god. You might begin to understand
  them one day._
  
  
  —Vergere, explaining galactic politics to the Yuuzhan Vong shortly before
  their invasion of the galaxy, 25 A.B.Y.
  
  
  **Coruscant, 24 A.B.Y.: lowest level, in a quarter where nobody in their right
  mind would venture at night.**
  
  
  Boba Fett leveled the blaster and sighted up.
  
  
  “You can run,” he said. “But you’ll only die tired.”
  
  
  His voice rasped through an amplifier. He never needed to shout: he could
  always be heard. His target—a Rodian c