The Book of War: The Military Classic of the Far East / The Articles of Suntzu; The Sayings of Wutzu

[1] The five virtues of humanity, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and faith are known as The Way.

[2] The Yin and Yang are the two principles into which natural phenomena are divided in Chinese philosophy. Yin is the masculine, active, or light principle, and Yang is the feminine, passive, or dark principle. In this connection, day and night, rain, mist and wind are designated.

[3] The Chinese army consisted of 12,500, the “lu” of 500, “tsu” of 50, and the “wu” of 5 men.

[4] The “Chuyin” was a large tower or work constructed to give command over the interior of the enemy’s fortress.

High poles were also erected, from the top of which archers, each encased in an arrow-proof box and raised by a rope and pulley, shot at the besieged.

[5] Literally 9th heaven, and 9th earth. The Chinese divided the earth and sky each into 9 strata.

[6] An animal’s coat is thinnest in autumn.

[7] The drum was used to beat the assembly and in the advance, the bell as a signal to halt. Flags were of two kinds, signalling flags and distinguishing banners.

[8] The normal and the abnormal refer to what in modern phrase are termed the frontal or holding force and the flanking or surprise force.

[9] The five cardinal tastes are, acridity, bitterness, sourness, sweetness and saline taste.

[10] Sun, as has been said, was a man of Wu. Wu and Yueh were continually at war.

[11] Wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

[12] This passage was written on the standard of Takeda Shingen, one of Japan’s most famous generals.

[13] This and the following are so called because the men are continually thinking of, and slipping back to their homes.

[14] The population was divided, for military purposes, into groups of eight families. In time of war, each group sent one man into the field, furnished his wants, and provided for his family. Therefore if 100,000 men are taken, 700,000 homes are affected.

[15] So called because they are put to death when the enemy finds out that he has been tricked.

[16] Messengers and others, who do not disguise their identity, are included under this heading.

[17] Literally, right and left men, i.e. they who sat on either side.

[18] All numbers connected with weapons were Yin, that is to say—even, or belonging to the negative principle of Chinese philosophy from their connection with death.

[19] The back of a turtle was burnt, and the answer was ascertained by the manner in which the shell split.

[20] Halberd, shield, javelin, pike, and short pike.

[21] Silently.