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What would Yijing Tell Sun Tzu how to Fight in War?

What Would Yijing Tell Sun Tzu About How to Fight in War?

Sun Tzu’s Art of War is rooted in strategy, timing, and advantage, and Yijing would not contradict him—but rather deepen his view by embedding it within the natural cycles of change and energy.

Yijing’s Message to Sun Tzu:

“Victory is not won by strength alone but by alignment with Dao—the unseen flow of nature. Understand the timing (Tian 天), the terrain (Di 地), the people (Ren 人), and your own inner clarity (Xin 心). Act when Universe and Earth are aligned.”

Wisdom in Hexagrams:

Hexagram 2 Kun (Receptive): True power lies in stillness and timing, not aggression. Wait for the right moment to strike, as a tiger waits in the grass.

Hexagram 23 Bo (Splitting Apart): Overreaching leads to collapse. Withdraw to preserve strength when the world is in decay.

Hexagram 49 Ge (Revolution): Change must be timely and backed by moral clarity. Only act when your values align with the greater good.

Yin-Yang Advice:

“Let Yang prepare the army, but Yin choose the moment. The unseen creates the seen.”

Conclusion: Yijing would advise Sun Tzu to win without fighting by becoming the invisible force that shapes all battles: harmony with cycles, energies, and timing. The greatest general is one who never has to fight—because his enemies fall into imbalance on their own.

Note: Yijing book https://asiatrainers.org/dwcyjbook
Sun Tzu book https://asiatrainers.org/wwfbook

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