Spoiler-Alert!
This article contains spoilers for the series “The Mandalorian”.
“This is the way” is a formula Mandalorians use when following the way of Mandalor. On a superficial level, this can be described by the principles of never taking off one’s helmet and always helping other Mandalorians. But the events of the series “The Mandalorian” show in my eyes that there is much more behind this statement. It reflects an ethos that the Mandalorians live by and that is about more than their helmets.
“This is the way” comes up in many situations where decisions must be made. The Mandalorians who help Din Djarin and Grogu escape from Nevarro, abandoning their previous safe hiding place, use the formula. When Bo-Katan and Din Djarin part ways so that the latter can take the child to the Jedi, the words fall.
One can understand the meaning of the sentence as that something is done because it must be done, because it is right to do so. It is not about what the consequences of this right action are, what consequences one might have to accept and what possibilities have to be given up. It is done because it is right to do so, because that is the way. It is right to help Grogu, because he is dependent on this help and must be protected from the Empire. After initial difficulties Din Djarin also recognizes this and from now on it is his task to bring Grogu to his own, the Jedi, and from this task he does not let himself be diverted, because this is the way.
The one who follows the path does what is right. He or she helps others in their need. Not out of calculation, not because of their own advantage or tactical considerations, but out of charity. There is no long weighing, but action, because that is the way. What I see here in the formula is, of course, a special ethic that demands a lot and, because of this nature, is not always observed. So what I described before is not always meant by the words “This is the way.” But it is a point of orientation and a constant aid to decision-making. One could probably also formulate “This is the way and I will follow it”.
Since we are still in the Christmas season, I would also like to give a biblical example to which I definitely see parallels. Mary says to the angel, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Lk 1:38), after the angel has announced the birth of Jesus to her. She makes a free decision here. She could have decided against it, but she knows that God has good things in mind for mankind and so she lets herself in and trusts in God. She leaves her doubts behind and is not deterred by the consequences. She follows the way of the Lord.