Tao Te Ching Chapter 69 – 玄用 (道德经 第69章)
Paul PengAktie
Tao Te Ching — Chapter 69: The Use of the Mysterious
道德经 第六十九章 · 玄用 · Lao Tzu · Bilingual Edition with Classical Commentaries
Original Text — 原文
English Translation — James Legge
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. As shown in Chapter 67, gentleness is the first of the three treasures — and Chapter 68 shows that the best warrior assumes no martial port and the best victor does not engage.
Thus it is that when opposing weapons are actually crossed, he who deplores the situation conquers.
✦ Key Insight
Chapter 69 opens with a military maxim that inverts conventional wisdom: do not be the aggressor but the defender; do not advance but retreat. This is not cowardice but the deepest strategy — acting where there are no ranks, fighting where there are no arms, advancing where there is no enemy. The greatest disaster in war is underestimating the opponent, because it causes you to lose your most precious quality: compassion. When two armies finally meet, the one that grieves the necessity of war — the compassionate one — will win.
Classical Commentaries — 古典注释
王弼注 Wang Bi's Commentary
Wang Bi quotes a military maxim: do not be the aggressor but the defender, do not advance an inch but retreat a foot. March in ranks where there are no ranks. Underestimating the enemy is the greatest calamity. When opposing forces meet, the one with compassion wins.
河上公注 Heshang Gong's Commentary
Heshang Gong discusses military strategy. The Dao’s master does not strike first but responds; does not advance but retreats. The greatest disaster is underestimating the enemy. The compassionate commander who feels the suffering of war wins.
About the Author
Paul Peng
Paul Peng is a Zhengyi Taoist priest from Longhu Mountain, Jiangxi — the ancestral home of the Celestial Masters' tradition. Ordained at 25 after a dream from the Celestial Master, he has practiced for 25 years under Master Zeng Guangliang. He is the curator of this store, which is officially authorized by Tianshi Fu. All items are consecrated at the temple by the resident priest team.
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