Chapter 31: Tools of Violence (第31章：偃武)

夫兵者，不祥之器，物或惡之，故有道者不處。
君子居則貴左，用兵則貴右。
兵者不祥之器，非君子之器，不得已而用之，恬淡為上。
勝而不美，而美之者，是樂殺人。
夫樂殺人者，則不可得志於天下矣。
吉事尚左，凶事尚右。偏將軍居左，上將軍居右。言以喪禮處之。
殺人之眾，以悲哀泣之，戰勝以喪禮處之。
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Translation

Weapons are tools of ill omen, detestable to all things.
Therefore, the follower of the Dao does not dwell in them.

In peacetime, the noble man values the left (the side of life).
In war, he values the right (the side of death).

Weapons are tools of ill omen, not the tools of a noble man.
He uses them only as a last resort, valuing peace and quiet above all.
Even in victory, he does not rejoice. To rejoice is to delight in killing.
He who delights in killing cannot find fulfillment in the world.

Auspicious events favor the left; inauspicious events favor the right.
A victory in war should be observed like a funeral rite.
When many are killed, they should be mourned with sorrow and compassion.

✦ ◆ ✦

📜 Liuren Perspective

In Liuren Fajiao, we have both "Civil" (Wen) and "Martial" (Wu) methods. The Martial methods (such as those used for exorcism or aggressive protection) are "Tools of ill omen" (不祥之器). They are necessary at times, but they should never be "rejoiced in."

"Valuing the Left and Right" is reflected in our ritual positions and hand seals. The Left Hand is often associated with the Lineage/Life, while the Right Hand is for Execution/Command. We always prioritize the "Left" (Peace/Life) over the "Right" (Force/Death).

If a practitioner is forced to use "Martial" magic to banish or strike a spiritual threat, they should do so with "Sorrow and Compassion" (悲哀), not with pride. To enjoy the destruction of any being, even an evil one, is to lose the De (Virtue) of the Dao. A true master treats a victory in spiritual combat like a funeral ceremony.

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