Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back Spirituality Quotes

How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.

Quote #7

LUKE: Master, moving stones around is one thing. This is totally different.
YODA: No, no different. Only different in your mind. You must unlearn what you have learned.

The concept of "unlearning what you have learned" is ripped straight from the tenets of Zen Buddhism. In the religion, as in this scene, this concept is used to illustrate both that our assumptions limit us, as well as the idea that there are complex spiritual forces (or, in this case, Force) at work beneath the physical world.

Quote #8

YODA: No. Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.

This statement echoes Yoda's previous statement that "there is no why." Once again, he uses strange, circular logic to highlight Luke's lack of faith.

Quote #9

YODA: Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter. You must feel the Force around you. Here, between you, me, the tree, the rock, everywhere. Yes, even between this land and that ship.

Here, Yoda adds to our understanding of the Force by likening it to a "luminous" substance that binds together all living beings. In addition, he also illustrates the conflict between the spirit and the body, which can be found in practically every major religion, from traditional Native American spiritual practices to Christianity to Buddhism.