Classical Text 古典文獻 · Sun Tzu Art of War 孫子兵法
Chapter 1 — Laying Plans
始計 (Laying Plans)
始計
Laying Plans
Chapter 1
Chapter Summary
本章概要
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.
Key Quote
重要引語
兵者，國之大事，死生之地，存亡之道，不可不察也。
“The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.”
Application in the Five Arts
五術應用
In Metaphysics: Before attempting any ritual or remediation, one must assess the Five Elements (Wu Xing), the Heavenly Timing (Tian Shi), the Earthly Advantage (Di Li), and Human Harmony (Ren He).
Study Translation
導讀譯文
Core teaching. 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.
Canonical maxim. The art of war is of vital importance to the State. It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected. 兵者，國之大事，死生之地，存亡之道，不可不察也。
Chapter frame. Chapter 1 (始計 (Laying Plans)) presents a systematic method for evaluating the five fundamental factors and seven elements to assess victory prospects prior to any engagement.
Source note. Source: Sunzi Bingfa (孫子兵法), public-domain classical editions; portal synthesis for bilingual study.
Liuren Fajiao Commentary
六壬法教評注
Five Arts application. In Metaphysics: Before attempting any ritual or remediation, one must assess the Five Elements (Wu Xing), the Heavenly Timing (Tian Shi), the Earthly Advantage (Di Li), and Human Harmony (Ren He).
Interpretive note. In Liuren Fajiao practice, this chapter serves as the initial protocol for calculating timing, spatial advantage, and force balance before committing to any ritual action.
Research note. As the opening chapter, it establishes the core analytical framework that underpins all subsequent tactical discussions in the text.
Source Note
來源說明
Source: Sun Tzu Art of War (孫子兵法), Chapter 1