Classical Text 古典文獻 · Sun Tzu Art of War 孫子兵法
Chapter 4 — Tactical Dispositions
軍形 (Tactical Dispositions)
軍形
Tactical Dispositions
Chapter 4
Chapter Summary
本章概要
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.
Key Quote
重要引語
昔之善戰者，先為不可勝，以待敵之可勝。不可勝在己，可勝在敵。
“To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself.”
Application in the Five Arts
五術應用
In Life Pattern Analysis: One cannot force wealth (Victory) when the Ten-Year Luck Pillar is poor; one must first secure one's health and baseline resources (Defense) and wait for the precise year the energy shifts.
Study Translation
導讀譯文
Core teaching. Emphasizes the importance of securing defensive positions until safe advancement is possible, and teaches commanders to recognize and seize strategic opportunities.
Canonical maxim. To secure ourselves against defeat lies in our own hands, but the opportunity of defeating the enemy is provided by the enemy himself. 昔之善戰者，先為不可勝，以待敵之可勝。不可勝在己，可勝在敵。
Chapter frame. Chapter 4 (軍形 (Tactical Dispositions)) presents the doctrine of first ensuring invincibility and then awaiting the enemy's moment of vulnerability.
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 Life Pattern Analysis: One cannot force wealth (Victory) when the Ten-Year Luck Pillar is poor; one must first secure one's health and baseline resources (Defense) and wait for the precise year the energy shifts.
Interpretive note. In Liuren Fajiao, this chapter instructs practitioners to establish a stable foundation before acting, and to act only when cosmic conditions are favorable.
Research note. This chapter details the tactical patience required to transform defensive strength into offensive opportunity.
Source Note
來源說明
Source: Sun Tzu Art of War (孫子兵法), Chapter 4