Years ago I read the intro of a translations of Sun Tzu's Art of War a legend of the great General.
Seeking to gain employment he sat with an Emperor (I think it was kingdom of Wu, but can't recall now) who asked him to give a demonstration of lining up the troops into formation and called out his 100 concubines for this purpose. The 3 favoured concubines were placed as 1st 2nd and 3rd lietenants respectively.
On giving the order the girls simply giggled, Sun Tzu commented "If the troops will not comply it is the fault of the generals imcompatence in giving the orders.
Second time he gave the order again the girls laughed, Sun Tzu said "If on clarification of the orders the trrops will not submit they are disobedient and unruly." He took out his sword and beheaded the chief concubine placing the next in line in her place.
This time when called all the girls took up their swords and performed all maneuvers perfectly.
The emperor was shocked, Sun Tzu told him "Your Majesty's army is now battle ready."
-------------------------------------------
There are a few lessons here, first it seems the empeoror did not think through the matter of asking for a demonstration of ability and got something not quite intended.
Second, Sun Tzu took this seriously, not just as a way to demonstrate his ability and took up the challenge to turn these women into good soldiers. He was aware of what the emperor was doing but went and proved his importance to a man not unrstanding the importance of these matters.
Third we have the concubines, fooling around the chief concubine bore the consequence of her inabilty to respect, however her sucesser learned very well.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Friday, September 21, 2007
What do you do after......
numbing pain long enough to think clearly and seeing you have really fucked up and overreacted is putting it mildly.
Whatever the doctor says even if very serious I doubt will excuse this time.
Whatever the doctor says even if very serious I doubt will excuse this time.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
1 Samuel 30
Scripture - 30:22 - 25
... all the evil men and troublemakers among Davids followers said, "Because they did not go out with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered. However each man may take his wife and children and go.'
David replied "No my brothers, you must not do that with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the forces that came against us. Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike."
David made this statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this.
Observation -
The issue was based on a failure to see the contribution of all the men in David's camp, it would have been hard for those who stayed behind not to be able to fight on behalf of their wives and children that had been taken away.
Holding back the plunder shows greed and other motives in why they may have joined up.
Application -
Sometimes ew can be so caught up in our roles that we fail to see the support others have given to our being able to fulfill them. Ensuing arrogance and/or resentment can tear apart Christian Communities.
Prayer - LORD, open my eyes to see how others contribute, to allow them due reward. And grace to forgive those who withhold from me. Amen.
... all the evil men and troublemakers among Davids followers said, "Because they did not go out with us, we will not share with them the plunder we recovered. However each man may take his wife and children and go.'
David replied "No my brothers, you must not do that with what the LORD has given us. He has protected us and handed over to us the forces that came against us. Who will listen to what you say? The share of the man who stayed with the supplies is to be the same as that of him who went down to the battle. All will share alike."
David made this statute and ordinance for Israel from that day to this.
Observation -
The issue was based on a failure to see the contribution of all the men in David's camp, it would have been hard for those who stayed behind not to be able to fight on behalf of their wives and children that had been taken away.
Holding back the plunder shows greed and other motives in why they may have joined up.
Application -
Sometimes ew can be so caught up in our roles that we fail to see the support others have given to our being able to fulfill them. Ensuing arrogance and/or resentment can tear apart Christian Communities.
Prayer - LORD, open my eyes to see how others contribute, to allow them due reward. And grace to forgive those who withhold from me. Amen.
Monday, September 17, 2007
1 Samuel 24
Scripture - 24:1,2
After Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, "David is in the Desert of En Gedi." So Saul took three thousand able young men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men near the Crags of the Wild Goats.
Observation -
In the historical and religious context the crags of wild goats can be seen as a significant locations.
Leviticus 16 describes the ritual practice for the day of Atonement, one goat is the be sacrificed, the other has the sins of the community laid upon it and is driven out into the wilderness.
Being a highly farmed animal it is unusual for a flock of goats to be left wild, unless of course these we're the scapegoats, no one would want to touch or go near these lest they become unclean.
It is common sense for David to hide in such a place as he would be left alone, and symbolically it relects well the situation. Sauls shortcoming were placed upon David and he was driven out, the men with him were largely outcasts.
Application -
Like The goats and David we can feel driven out of the community.
It can be hard to understand when GOD has spoken, yet some people do not want to acknowledge that message from GOD about you.
It can be hard to trust and hope like David, it may be preferable and safer to go away from GOD's people for the sake of one who is disturbed by your presence for safety and out of respect that while they may be in error they are still in the place GOD has put them.
Being promised by GOD and called to a place is not an easy path, the scapegoat has freedom but lacks the protection of the shepherds etc.
It is in GOD's hands for the community once it has laid hands and driven out to overcome its sins, a matter of trust to not take matters into our own hands when this may open up to further pain.
Prayer -
Lord, in this time where still physically in the community I feel ostrasized and unable to fully participate in communion with others who would rather label me and push their desire over anothers needs give me grace to not lash out and understand and respect. Amen
After Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, "David is in the Desert of En Gedi." So Saul took three thousand able young men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men near the Crags of the Wild Goats.
Observation -
In the historical and religious context the crags of wild goats can be seen as a significant locations.
Leviticus 16 describes the ritual practice for the day of Atonement, one goat is the be sacrificed, the other has the sins of the community laid upon it and is driven out into the wilderness.
Being a highly farmed animal it is unusual for a flock of goats to be left wild, unless of course these we're the scapegoats, no one would want to touch or go near these lest they become unclean.
It is common sense for David to hide in such a place as he would be left alone, and symbolically it relects well the situation. Sauls shortcoming were placed upon David and he was driven out, the men with him were largely outcasts.
Application -
Like The goats and David we can feel driven out of the community.
It can be hard to understand when GOD has spoken, yet some people do not want to acknowledge that message from GOD about you.
It can be hard to trust and hope like David, it may be preferable and safer to go away from GOD's people for the sake of one who is disturbed by your presence for safety and out of respect that while they may be in error they are still in the place GOD has put them.
Being promised by GOD and called to a place is not an easy path, the scapegoat has freedom but lacks the protection of the shepherds etc.
It is in GOD's hands for the community once it has laid hands and driven out to overcome its sins, a matter of trust to not take matters into our own hands when this may open up to further pain.
Prayer -
Lord, in this time where still physically in the community I feel ostrasized and unable to fully participate in communion with others who would rather label me and push their desire over anothers needs give me grace to not lash out and understand and respect. Amen
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
I Believe Sep 12...
God wants to - nurture the relationships HE has put into my heart as part of the vision/purpose HE has given me.
I can - respond by putting trust where I know it can be placed instead of places of doubt.
People will - listen to the SPIRIT in what they hear/receive instead of KOGAE as I move furthwer according to the SPIRIT rather then KOGAE.
I can - respond by putting trust where I know it can be placed instead of places of doubt.
People will - listen to the SPIRIT in what they hear/receive instead of KOGAE as I move furthwer according to the SPIRIT rather then KOGAE.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Sun Tzu Said...
Art of War Chapter 1
The art of war is of vital importance to the State.
It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.
The art of war, then, is governed by five constant factors, to be taken into account in one's deliberations, when seeking to determine the conditions obtaining in the field.
These are: (1) The Moral Law; (2) Heaven; (3) Earth; (4) The Commander; (5) Method and discipline.
The Moral Law causes the people to be in complete accord with their ruler, so that they will follow him regardless of their lives, undismayed by any danger.
Heaven signifies night and day, cold and heat, times and seasons.
Earth comprises distances, great and small; danger and security; open ground and narrow passes; the chances of life and death.
The Commander stands for the virtues of wisdom, sincerely, benevolence, courage and strictness.
By method and discipline are to be understood the marshaling of the army in its proper subdivisions, the graduations of rank among the officers, the maintenance of roads by which supplies may reach the army, and the control of military expenditure.
These five heads should be familiar to every general: he who knows them will be victorious; he who knows them not will fail.
Therefore, in your deliberations, when seeking to determine the military conditions, let them be made the basis of a comparison, in this wise:--(1) Which of the two sovereigns is imbued with the Moral law?(2) Which of the two generals has most ability?(3) With whom lie the advantages derived from Heaven and Earth?(4) On which side is discipline most rigorously enforced?(5) Which army is stronger?(6) On which side are officers and men more highly trained?(7) In which army is there the greater constancy both in reward and punishment?
By means of these seven considerations I can forecast victory or defeat.
The general that hearkens to my counsel and acts upon it, will conquer: let such a one be retained in command! The general that hearkens not to my counsel nor acts upon it, will suffer defeat:--let such a one be dismissed!
While heading the profit of my counsel, avail yourself also of any helpful circumstances over and beyond the ordinary rules.
According as circumstances are favorable, one should modify one's plans. All warfare is based on deception.
Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him.
If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.
If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them.
Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.
These military devices, leading to victory, must not be divulged beforehand.
Now the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Lost count of the number of times I've read this text, one day would love to be able to read the original and not rely on translations.
Hear a lot of battle metaphors, not many seem willing to read the books and wisdom on strategy. Others may do so but back out when it comes to the possibility of real combat.
My blood is mostly north european, the british were masters at making deals that is why they are today known as Anglo-Saxons who we're in fact invaders, most had one thing in common - WE DO NOT LIKE TO BACK DOWN FROM A FIGHT. I take great pride in knowing how much trouble my ancestors caused the romans, well Ghengis Khan made his mark there as well, raping and pillaging along the way who knows how many descendants that guy has...
Society has moved from hunter-gathers to warriors to business, but still the tactics remain some will be reckless and show no regard for others on the battlefield seeking only glory for them self. It seems more honest to run at someone with a sword then to manipulate stocks or play the social games but they are all part of the one art and each has its place.
Imagine if ordinary people dissatisfied with the corruption in the world banded together and thought beyond their petty differences, stopped fighting each other and focused on the dehumanizing systems and cycles, waging war instead of just replacing one regime with another.
The art of war is of vital importance to the State.
It is a matter of life and death, a road either to safety or to ruin. Hence it is a subject of inquiry which can on no account be neglected.
The art of war, then, is governed by five constant factors, to be taken into account in one's deliberations, when seeking to determine the conditions obtaining in the field.
These are: (1) The Moral Law; (2) Heaven; (3) Earth; (4) The Commander; (5) Method and discipline.
The Moral Law causes the people to be in complete accord with their ruler, so that they will follow him regardless of their lives, undismayed by any danger.
Heaven signifies night and day, cold and heat, times and seasons.
Earth comprises distances, great and small; danger and security; open ground and narrow passes; the chances of life and death.
The Commander stands for the virtues of wisdom, sincerely, benevolence, courage and strictness.
By method and discipline are to be understood the marshaling of the army in its proper subdivisions, the graduations of rank among the officers, the maintenance of roads by which supplies may reach the army, and the control of military expenditure.
These five heads should be familiar to every general: he who knows them will be victorious; he who knows them not will fail.
Therefore, in your deliberations, when seeking to determine the military conditions, let them be made the basis of a comparison, in this wise:--(1) Which of the two sovereigns is imbued with the Moral law?(2) Which of the two generals has most ability?(3) With whom lie the advantages derived from Heaven and Earth?(4) On which side is discipline most rigorously enforced?(5) Which army is stronger?(6) On which side are officers and men more highly trained?(7) In which army is there the greater constancy both in reward and punishment?
By means of these seven considerations I can forecast victory or defeat.
The general that hearkens to my counsel and acts upon it, will conquer: let such a one be retained in command! The general that hearkens not to my counsel nor acts upon it, will suffer defeat:--let such a one be dismissed!
While heading the profit of my counsel, avail yourself also of any helpful circumstances over and beyond the ordinary rules.
According as circumstances are favorable, one should modify one's plans. All warfare is based on deception.
Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.
Hold out baits to entice the enemy. Feign disorder, and crush him.
If he is secure at all points, be prepared for him. If he is in superior strength, evade him.
If your opponent is of choleric temper, seek to irritate him. Pretend to be weak, that he may grow arrogant.
If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them.
Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected.
These military devices, leading to victory, must not be divulged beforehand.
Now the general who wins a battle makes many calculations in his temple ere the battle is fought. The general who loses a battle makes but few calculations beforehand. Thus do many calculations lead to victory, and few calculations to defeat: how much more no calculation at all! It is by attention to this point that I can foresee who is likely to win or lose.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Lost count of the number of times I've read this text, one day would love to be able to read the original and not rely on translations.
Hear a lot of battle metaphors, not many seem willing to read the books and wisdom on strategy. Others may do so but back out when it comes to the possibility of real combat.
My blood is mostly north european, the british were masters at making deals that is why they are today known as Anglo-Saxons who we're in fact invaders, most had one thing in common - WE DO NOT LIKE TO BACK DOWN FROM A FIGHT. I take great pride in knowing how much trouble my ancestors caused the romans, well Ghengis Khan made his mark there as well, raping and pillaging along the way who knows how many descendants that guy has...
Society has moved from hunter-gathers to warriors to business, but still the tactics remain some will be reckless and show no regard for others on the battlefield seeking only glory for them self. It seems more honest to run at someone with a sword then to manipulate stocks or play the social games but they are all part of the one art and each has its place.
Imagine if ordinary people dissatisfied with the corruption in the world banded together and thought beyond their petty differences, stopped fighting each other and focused on the dehumanizing systems and cycles, waging war instead of just replacing one regime with another.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
I Believe 5 Sep...
Gof wants to - Show that the KINGDOM is here now, nothing more needs to be done other than see it/ believe it/ live it.
I can - stop making/accepting excuses on how things are & conceding further to the corruption in our world.
People will - make their own choices on where they stand & accept honestly their true stance along with the consequences if they refuse to move if need be
I can - stop making/accepting excuses on how things are & conceding further to the corruption in our world.
People will - make their own choices on where they stand & accept honestly their true stance along with the consequences if they refuse to move if need be
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)