The finest weapons are the worst evils.
They are universally loathed.
Therefore, help guide your nation to the non-aggressive path.
The wise hold steady on the passive yin path.
Those who are aggressive prefer the active yang.
Weapons are instruments of coercion and devils of death.
Resort to them only in dire necessity.
Peace is our natural state of being.
If weapons must be wielded to defend ourselves,
and we are victorious, never rejoice.
Can there be joy over the slaughter of others?
On joyous occassions,
we attune with the yang side.
On the sad occassions, with the yin.
During battle, the soldiers are on the left yang side,
engaging in the combat.
The commanders are on the right yin side,
observing the action.
After the battle, the soldiers who have slain others,
move to the yin side of mourn,
while the commanders, now on the yang side,
are celebrating victory even though it is a funeral.
“The Tao Te Ching, A New Translation”
By: Ralph Alan Dale
ISBN: 0-7607-4998-1