By Manuwant Choudhary
Lord Ling asked Confucius about battle formations.
And Confucius replied, "I have learned about the disposition of ritual vessels, but I have not studied military matters,' and left the next day.
This story represents the disappearance of humanity (Confucius left the next day) from the thoughts and considerations of rulers in the coming centuries of war.
Thomas Cleary tells another story in his translations of The Art of War by Sun Tzu.
Yen Hui, the most enlightened disciple of Confucius, went to the teacher and asked about going to the State of Wei.
Confucius said, "What are you going to do there?"
Yen Hui said, "I have heard that while the ruler of Wei is in the prime of life, his behaviour is arbitrary - he exploits his country whimsically and does not see his own mistakes. He exploits his people frivolously, even unto death. Countless masses have died in that state, and people have no one to turn to."
I have heard you say, "Leave an orderly state, go to a disturbed state - at the physician's gate, many are the ailing.' I would like to use what I have learned to consider the guidance it offers, so that the state of Wei might be healed."
Confucius said, "You are bent on going, but you will only be punished."
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