勢備

Sun Bin said: Those with sinking teeth and upraised horns, with front claws and rear spurs, coming together in joy and fighting in anger — this is the Way of heaven and cannot be stopped. Therefore providing one's own defenses when lacking nature's weapons — this is the work of the sage. The Yellow Emperor invented the sword, which serves as a metaphor for formation. Yi invented the bow and crossbow, which serves as a metaphor for momentum. Yu invented boats and chariots, which serve as a metaphor for adaptability. Tang and King Wu invented the long weapon, which serves as a metaphor for tactical leverage. These four things are the applications of warfare.

How do we know the sword represents formation? You wear it morning and night but do not necessarily use it. Therefore it is said: deploying formation without fighting — this is the sword as formation. A sword without an edge — even with the courage of Meng Ben, one would not dare [lacuna]. A formation without a vanguard — anyone who is not as brave as Meng Ben yet dares to lead an advance does not understand the essence of warfare. A sword without a hilt — even a skilled warrior cannot advance [lacuna]. A formation without a rear guard — anyone who is not a skilled warrior yet dares to lead an advance does not understand the realities of warfare. Therefore when there is both a vanguard and a rear guard, mutually supporting and holding firm, the enemy will surely flee. Without a vanguard and without a rear guard — [lacuna] is contrary to the Way.

How do we know the bow and crossbow represent momentum? They are released from between the shoulders, killing men a hundred paces away, and the target does not perceive the path of the bolt. Therefore it is said: the bow and crossbow are momentum. How do we know boats and chariots represent adaptability? On high ground [...]. How do we know the long weapon represents leverage? It strikes regardless of high or low [...] smashing shoulders. Therefore it is said: the long weapon is leverage.

All these four [...] appear close but strike far. Leverage means using many flags by day and many drums by night to direct the battle. These four things are the applications of warfare. [Lacuna] all use them, but none thoroughly masters the Way of them [...]. The four paths of warfare are: formation, momentum, adaptability, and leverage. Understanding these four is the means by which one defeats a strong enemy and captures a fierce general.