Tao of the Day

Tao of the Day

Your Daily Dose of Taoism

 

Chapter Sixty-Nine

[display_podcast]

 Chapter Sixty-Nine

A master of the art of war has said, ‘I do not dare to be the host to commence the war; I prefer to be the guest to act on the defensive.¬† I do not dare to advance an inch; I prefer to retire a foot.’¬† This is called marshalling the ranks where there are no ranks; baring the arms to fight where there are no arms to bare; grasping the weapon where there is no weapon to grasp; advancing against the enemy where there is no enemy.

There is no calamity greater than lightly engaging in war.  To do that is near losing the gentleness which is so precious.  Thus it is that when opposing weapons are actually crossed, he who deplores the situation conquers.

Share This Post

Leave a Reply

Sign Up



Additional Info

Tao of the Day is a site for all things related to the Tao (also spelled Dao). We'll cover the entire Tao Te Ching several times each year, with one chapter being the center of attention each day. You can always comment on past days, but let's try to keep it flowing as the days progress.

Meta