"A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense. Never for attack."
— Yoda

Ashla was the name that the ancient forerunners of the Jedi gave the light side of the Force.

The light side of the Force was concerned with the ideals of goodness, benevolence, and healing. A follower of the light side strove to live in harmony with the world around them, acting out of wisdom and logic rather than anger and hasty judgment. In order to achieve harmony with the light side of the Force, its practitioners would often meditate to clear themselves of emotion; particularly negative emotions such as aggression, anger, and hatred, since these were thought to bring on acceptance of the dark side. Some believed that positive emotions such as love, compassion, and courage nurtured the light side of the Force and provided insight into its ethical use.

The largest group of proponents and teachers of the light side were the Jedi Order, who strove to maintain peace and justice throughout the Galaxy. The Jedi were well aware of the dangers of the dark side of the Force and frowned upon its use, as it represented corruption and a disregard for the natural order of the universe. The dark side was considered the domain of the Sith, whom the Jedi attempted to destroy in order to keep the Force in balance. The Jedi embodied their feelings about the Force in their Jedi Code.

The Force played a big part in the Jedi use of a lightsaber, giving them a heightened awareness that kept them from accidentally injuring themselves in combat and allowing them to perform other feats, such as using a lightsaber to deflect incoming fire (as from a blaster bolt). The Force came into play during the construction of a Jedi's lightsaber as well, for both assembling its intricate innards and the initial charging of the power cell.