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Tao Te Ching · 69 of 81

Chapter 69

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.

Asked of Guide

Why does Lao Tzu praise staying defensive and avoiding starting wars?

Lao Tzu shows a commander who refuses to seize the initiative and prefers to “retire a foot” rather than advance an inch; this models a strategy of creating battle where there is none and holding power without provocation. The passage says lightly engaging in war is the greatest calamity and that preserving gentleness is precious, so restraint prevents needless loss and preserves moral advantage.

When conflict becomes unavoidable, the text values the posture of the one who laments the clash: “he who deplores (the situation) conquers,” meaning moral authority and the reluctant defender win lasting influence. This echoes Chuang Tzu’s emphasis on effortless virtue and the Bhagavad Gita’s warning about rash action, both warning against prideful aggression.

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Echoes elsewhere

Chuang Tzu · Taoism70. 1. My words are very easy to know, and very easy to practise; but there is no one in the world who is able to know and able to practise them. 2. There is an originating and all Lotus Sutra · Buddhismborn in this world of men, they immediately see me revealing the law, owing to their good works. 17. I never speak to them of the infinitude of my action. Therefore, I am, properly Bhagavad Gita · Hinduismthose three qualities of being-- Wotteth not Me Who am outside them all, Above them all, Eternal! Hard it is To pierce that veil divine of various shows Which hideth Me; yet they w