⚔️ Sun Tzu's Art of War

Strategic Foundations of Daoist Magic (孫子兵法)

Sun Tzu's Art of War (孫子兵法) is not merely a military manual; it is a profound treatise on how to interact with the material world to achieve predetermined outcomes with maximum efficiency and minimum destruction.

In the Five Arts tradition, we recognize that Ritual Magic, Feng Shui remediation, and Destiny Navigation are all forms of "warfare" against chaotic, entropic, or hostile energies (Sha Qi). Sun Tzu provides the strategic framework; the Five Arts provide the tactical tools.

Chapter 1 始計 (Laying Plans)

Laying Plans

Describes the five fundamental factors (The Way, seasons, terrain, leadership, and management) and seven elements that determine the outcomes of military engagements. By thinking, assessing and comparing these points, a commander can calculate his chances of victory.

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Chapter 2 作戰 (Waging War)

Waging War

Explains how to understand the economy of warfare and how success requires winning decisive engagements quickly. This section advises that successful military campaigns require limiting the cost of competition and conflict.

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Chapter 3 謀攻 (Attack by Stratagem)

Attack by Stratagem

Defines the source of strength as unity, not size, and discusses the five factors that are needed to succeed in any war. In order of importance, these critical factors are: Attack, Strategy, Alliances, Army and Cities.

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Chapter 4 軍形 (Tactical Dispositions)

Tactical Dispositions

Explains the importance of defending existing positions until a commander is capable of advancing from those positions in safety. It teaches commanders the importance of recognizing strategic opportunities.

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Chapter 5 兵勢 (Energy)

Energy (Shi)

Explains the use of creativity and timing in building an army's momentum. Emphasizes the creation of "Shi" (Energy/Momentum) which is the kinetic force created through dynamic positioning.

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Chapter 6 虛實 (Weak Points & Strong)

Weak Points and Strong

Explains how an army's opportunities come from the openings in the environment caused by the relative weakness of the enemy and how to respond to changes in the fluid battlefield over a given area.

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Chapter 7 軍爭 (Maneuvering)

Maneuvering

Explains the dangers of direct conflict and how to win those confrontations when they are forced upon the commander. It details how to turn a devious route into the most direct one.

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Chapter 8 九變 (Variation in Tactics)

Variation in Tactics

Focuses on the need for flexibility in an army's responses. It explains how to respond to shifting circumstances successfully. There are routes not to be followed, armies not to be attacked, citadels not to be besieged.

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Chapter 9 行軍 (The Army on the March)

The Army on the March

Describes the different situations in which an army finds itself as it moves through new enemy territories, and how to respond to these situations. Much focuses on evaluating the intentions of others.

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Chapter 10 地形 (Terrain)

Terrain

Looks at the three areas of resistance (distance, dangers and barriers) and the six types of ground positions that arise from them. Each of these six field positions offer certain advantages and disadvantages.

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Chapter 11 九地 (The Nine Situations)

The Nine Situations

Describes the nine common stages (or conditions) in a campaign, from scattering to deadly, and the specific focus that a commander will need in order to successfully navigate them.

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Chapter 12 火攻 (The Attack by Fire)

The Attack by Fire

Explains the general use of weapons and the specific use of the environment as a weapon. This section examines the five targets for attack, the five types of environmental attack and the appropriate responses to such attacks.

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Chapter 13 用間 (The Use of Spies)

The Use of Spies

Focuses on the importance of developing good information sources, specifically the five types of intelligence sources and how to best manage each of them.

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