The Martial Philosophy

Strategy for Living

Sun Zi's (Sun Tzu) philosophy was that the peak efficiency of knowledge and strategy is to make conflict unnecessary.  Compared to the development of Martial Theory by Sun Zi, Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince is more about political power with some martial components.  There are a good contrast as the Prince is has been the West's basis for modern political strategy and martial thought and activity.  The book Thunder in the Sky is more like the Prince in that it is about the psychology of the development and practice of power. 
There were three martial artists setting in a bar.  One said to the others that his master could beat anyone in the bar in a fight.  The second man taking a higher ground said that if a fight broke out, his master could beat anyone in the room.  The third person said that his master studied Tai Ji Quan and would sense that a fight was going to break out 3 days ahead of time and not show up.

 
One of the many saying that my studies of the Yi Jing (I Ching) has given me is "One who knows danger creates peace for themselves,  One who takes things lightly, creates their own downfall." 

Wen-Tzu - Chapter 49 
Lao-tzu said: 

There are three kinds of death that are not natural passing away. 
   If you drink an drink and eat immoderately and treat the body carelessly and cheaply, then illness will kill you. 
   If you are endlessly greedy and ambitious, then penalties will kill you. 
   If you allow small groups to infringe upon the rights of large masses and allow the weak to be oppressed by the strong, then weapons will kill you.
 
 

Reading List

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Scholar Warrior
by
Deng Ming-Dao
An introduction to Daoism with a martial influence.  A bit controversial as Deng's teacher is doubted to exist by several people.  One thing that this book does is layout several Daoist concepts in very good ways.  The section on Masters and Students is very good.  The sections on Qi Gong are likewise.  I love the use of the Chinese character blocks when a concept is introduced.  It allows for learning the chinese.
 The Art of War
Translated by
Thomas Cleary
A very good introduction to the Art of War.  This book has several commentaries and Cleary's insight into the Daoist concepts.
Mastering the Art of War
Translated by
Thomas Cleary
Additional Thoughts on the Art of War by two prominent generals of Classic China.
The Lost Art of War
Translated by
Thomas Cleary
A lost text until found in a recent tomb excavation.  This book is the Art of War of Sun Bin, Sun the Mutilated.  His story illustrates the need for such philosophy against those who would destroy the worthy and innocent.
Thunder in the Sky
Translated by
Thomas Cleary
Out of Print
 This book deals worth the psychology of the development and practice of power.  It is said to be written by the teacher of Sun Bin who wrote The Lost Art of War.
The Book of Leadership and Strategy
Translated by
Thomas Cleary
A classic book of Daoist states craft.  It covers various facets of how to lead and rule.
The Six Secret Teachings on the Way of Strategy
Translated by
Ralph D. Sawyer
One of the classic martial teachings.  This book is a companion to the Art of War.  This book likewise balances the need for survival with the need to be spiritual.
The Prince
Translated by
George Bull
A straight forward translation used in schools.  This is what the average college student uses to acquire an introduction to office politics.  One of my former co-workers went right from the book.  Having studies the Doaist texts, it was fairly easy to flow around their efforts to control.
 

Links

  • Sun Tzu's _Art_Of_War_
  • Asian martial arts - Via Media Publishing Company 
  • The Virtual Library: Martial Arts 
  • UCMAP - U.C. Martial Arts Program 
  • BCCMA Directory for Chinese Martial Arts Associations 
  • The MARTIAL-ARTS HYPERBANNER ! 
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    This page was last updated on May 16, 1999