This is a new interpretation of The Art of War by Sun Zi (孙子，usually translated as Sun Tzu, however, this course uses the pronunciation of Sun Zi in Putonghua to refer to Sun Wu instead of Sun Wu's descendant Sun Bin, another master of art of war). Enrolled members may have the opportunity to discuss the most important principles to deal with conflicts (as in war), enjoy discussions with others in forums about varied cases, blog their own studies on any factor of different wars, prophesy the consequences of the wars, apply the methodology as presented by Sun Zi in other studies of human activities, and more. In fact, Sun Zi's The Art of War is a science of cognition and practice, as well as a philosophy on contradictions. The current price to enrol and to study important principles of Sun Zi (here refers to Sun Wu) is only $10. You can use your paypal account to pay the fee. Click the button bellow to enrol in this course with either paypal account or credit card. Bingjia-Sunwu-001@1788k.com $10.00 USD for each 6 months
Read the following story translated by Lionel Giles, M. A., and join the discussion in the forum:
Training Soldiers in the Palace of He Lu, King of Wu State
Sun Wu Zi (Zi, an appellation to address respectful ones in ancient China) was a native of the Qi State. His ART OF WAR brought him to the notice of He Lu, King of Wu State. He Lu said to him: "I have carefully perused your 13 chapters. May I submit your theory of managing soldiers to a slight test?" Sun Wu Zi replied: "You may." He Lu asked: "May the test be applied to women?" The answer was again in the affirmative, so arrangements were made to bring 180 ladies out of the Palace. Sun Wu Zi divided them into two companies, and placed one of the King's favorite concubines at the head of each. He then bade them all take spears in their hands, and addressed them thus: "I presume you know the difference between front and back, right hand and left hand?" The girls replied: "Yes." Sun Wu Zi went on: "When I say "Eyes front," you must look straight ahead. When I say "Left turn," you must face towards your left hand. When I say "Right turn," you must face towards your right hand. When I say "About turn," you must face right round towards your back." Again the girls assented. The words of command having been thus explained, he set up the halberds and battle-axes in order to begin the drill. Then, to the sound of drums, he gave the order "Right turn." But the girls only burst out laughing. Sun Wu Zi said: "If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, then the general is to blame." So he started drilling them again, and this time gave the order "Left turn," whereupon the girls once more burst into fits of laughter. Sun Wu Zi: "If words of command are not clear and distinct, if orders are not thoroughly understood, the general is to blame. But if his orders ARE clear, and the soldiers nevertheless disobey, then it is the fault of their officers." So saying, he ordered the leaders of the two companies to be beheaded. Now the king of Wu was watching the scene from the top of a raised pavilion; and when he saw that his favorite concubines were about to be executed, he was greatly alarmed and hurriedly sent down the following message: "We are now quite satisfied as to our general's ability to handle troops. If We are bereft of these two concubines, our meat and drink will lose their savor. It is our wish that they shall not be beheaded." Sun Wu Zi replied: "Having once received His Majesty's commission to be the general of his forces, there are certain commands of His Majesty which, acting in that capacity, I am unable to accept." Accordingly, he had the two leaders beheaded, and straightway installed the pair next in order as leaders in their place. When this had been done, the drum was sounded for the drill once more; and the girls went through all the evolutions, turning to the right or to the left, marching ahead or wheeling back, kneeling or standing, with perfect accuracy and precision, not venturing to utter a sound. Then Sun Wu Zi sent a messenger to the King saying: "Your soldiers, Sire, are now properly drilled and disciplined, and ready for your majesty's inspection. They can be put to any use that their sovereign may desire; bid them go through fire and water, and they will not disobey." But the King replied: "Let our general cease drilling and return to camp. As for us, We have no wish to come down and inspect the troops." Thereupon Sun Wu Zi said: "The King is only fond of words, and cannot translate them into deeds." After that, He Lu saw that Sun Wu Zi was one who knew how to handle an army, and finally oppointed him general. In the west, he defeated the Chu State and forced his way into Ying, the capital; to the north he put fear into the States of Qi and Jin, and spread his fame abroad amongst the feudal princes. And Sun Wu Zi shared in the might of the King.
A place to discuss Sun Wu and his The Art of War is now available
A place to discuss Sun Wu and his The Art of War is now available.
For information, visit our mainpage www.1788k.com.
Currently we are offering a course on Sun Zi (孙子，usually translated as Sun Tzu)and his masterpiece The Art of War. This interpretation of Sun Zi's art of war may be different from other editions. It, however, attempts to probe into the thoughts of Sun Zi, a philosopher as well as a general nourished in the cultural heritage of China. This new interpretation of Sun Zi's The Art of War is the property of the author who has granted our site the rights to make it a course for possible learners. All rights reserved. We may offer courses on other ancient philosophers of China, as well as courses on modern Chinese and Chinese cultures, perhaps ancient Chinese if demanded in the future. To enrol in a course, you shall first register, and then pay relevant fee to obtain the key to access the course. If you want to enrol in the courses, register now and pay with paypal.
