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.

「投之亡地然後存,陷之死地然後生。」

"Throw your soldiers into positions whence there is no escape, and they will prefer death to flight."

Metaphysical Application

In BaZi: The "Death and Emptiness" (Kong Wang) or a chart completely devoid of Resource can force the "Abandoning the Life" (Cong Shi) pattern, where total surrender leads to ultimate survival and success.

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