06

Weak Points and Strong (虚实篇 - Xu Shi)


Original Content

Military tactics are like unto water; for water in its natural course runs away from high places and hastens downwards. So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong and to strike at what is weak.

Description

The core art of command. Maneuvering the enemy to achieve concentration of our own forces against their fragmentation.

Related Hexagrams

Hexagram No.29

Hexagram Kan (The Abysmal): 'Water flows on.' The nature of water—avoiding the solid and striking the void.

Hexagram No.30

Hexagram Li (The Clinging): 'Brightness doubled.' Insight into void and solid; the wisdom found in their mutual transformation.

Hexagram No.11

Hexagram Tai (Peace): 'The small departs, the great arrives.' Internal cohesion used to strike at external weakness.

Hexagram No.12

Hexagram Pi (Standstill): 'Greatness departs.' Seizing the moment when the enemy falls into a state of weakness.

Hexagram No.61

Hexagram Zhong Fu (Inner Truth): 'A central pillar.' Maintaining a steadfast core intent amidst unpredictable changes.