Daily Times

Masterpiece The Art of War is written by late general and military strategist Sun Tzu more commonly and rightly called as Master Sun.

This legend by sun Tzu is about two thousand years old. The art of war as it’s by name a book of strategy and Management. It is read by almost all of the generals from different countries, and is held as most considerable in military practices. It is translated in more than ten languages by different prominent writers. It’s translation in English language is offered by more than one translator. Out which Thomas cleary’s Translation has much attractive viewership

Cleary has added commenters to support or present another view of what Master Sun has explained. From commenters CAO CAO has great command over sun Tzu explained strategies. And Zhang Yu has canny ways to explain what Sun has missed or left for others to elaborate in more detailed conversation.

Master Sun has divided the work into 13 chapters.

First Chapter stresses on due consideration for evaluation and assessment before doing battle as war is gravest of matters. He talks about five factors the Way, the weather, terrain, leadership and discipline. And seven elements that determine the outcomes of military engagements. By carefully thinking, assessing and comparing these points, a commander can know where he stands in battle. Going for battle without performing these calculations will ensure failure via improper action.

Second Chapter approaches to fast and decisive decisions in order to ensure victory without getting harmed. It emphasizes that successful military missions require expedite actions and limitations on providing lavish food. It says rather than taking enough food with yourself, you should win over enemies and feed them off.

Master Sun has divided the work into 13 chapters

Third Chapter tells that unity is a valuable source for attainment of ultimate strength that is needed to be successful in any war or conflict and not the size that is commonly believed for ensuring victory. And also tells about the five factors that should be perceived as fundamentals for shaping victory as your fate. In order of importance, these critical factors are: Attack, Strategy, Alliances, Army and Cities. It tells that if you penetrate deeply into opponent’s territory and cut off the communication between inside and outside then if opponent surrender, it is best. Otherwise if you attack their city mercilessly and take a nation by force then it is lesser accomplishment.

Fourth Chapter explains the importance of defending existing positions until a leader is capable of advancing from those positions in safety. It aware commanders of the importance for considering strategic opportunities. And advice for not giving a benefit to enemy by availing him an opportunity.

Fifth Chapter explains the importance of timing in building an army’s momentum.

Sixth Chapter explains the importance of making your army full meanwhile finding out where opponent is empty. Making yourself Full means to not leave any place where opponent can attack your army. And finding out emptiness in opponent’s army means to trace the vulnerable positions of opponent so that you can attack over them successfully and can win over them.

Seventh Chapter cautions of not be deluded by the prospect of gain or swallow any bait thrown be enemy rather scheme plans to create disorder in the ranks of opponents and then attack them. It stresses to leave an option free for besieged enemy so that they can run for saving their lives if they have succumbed to siege. And advice not to attack any army who is returning home.

Eighth Chapter focuses on the need for flexibility in an army’s responses. It explains how to respond to switching circumstances successfully. And advice to consider five main characteristics of leaders and that too in order of importance before sending them for any battle.

Ninth Chapter describes the different situations that an army experience as it passes through enemy territories. And tells how one should respond to any new situation. Much of this chapter focuses on evaluating others intention.

Chapter number ten gives a view at the three areas of defence (route , hazards and hurdles) and tells that a witty general will capture whatever his opponent like. And he should be swift in reaching the routes where his opponents failed to reach. Also talks about the six types of ground positions that arise from them. Each of these six field positions offer certain advantages and disadvantages.

ELEVENTH CHAPTER — describes the nine common situations or stages in a campaign, from scattering to deadly. and the specific focus that a leader is the only one who can handle them and show way to his army.

Twelfth Chapter explains the plotting of fire attack and the use of the environment as a weapon. This section examines the five targets for fire and environmental attack and the appropriate responses to such attacks.

Thirteenth Chapter sheds light over understanding of the spy’s specific work and names we call them with. And talks about how they can be used more effectively.

With the help of Sun Tzu described tactics and strategies we can reach victory without engaging yourself in actual conflict. Not only on the battlefield but art of war is of much use in Solving daily life problems too.

The Art of War is an ancient Chinese military treatise dating from the Late Spring and Autumn Period (roughly 5th century BC). The work, which is attributed to the ancient Chinese military strategist Sun Tzu (“Master Sun”, also spelled Sunzi), is composed of 13 chapters. Each one is devoted to an aspect of warfare and how it applies to military strategy and tactics. For almost 1,500 years it was the lead text in an anthology that would be formalised as the Seven Military Classics by Emperor Shenzong of Song in 1080. The Art of War remains the most influential strategy text in East Asian warfare and has influenced both Eastern and Western military thinking, business tactics, legal strategy, lifestyles and beyond.

The book contained a detailed explanation and analysis of the Chinese military, from weapons and strategy to rank and discipline. Sun Tzu also stressed the importance of intelligence operatives and espionage to the war effort. Because Sun Tzu has long been considered to be one of history’s finest military tacticians and analysts, his teachings and strategies formed the basis of advanced military training for centuries to come.

The book was translated into French and published in 1772 (re-published in 1782) by the French Jesuit Jean Joseph Marie Amiot. A partial translation into English was attempted by British officer Everard Ferguson Calthrop in 1905 under the title The Book of War. The first annotated English translation was completed and published by Lionel Giles in 1910. Military and political leaders such as the Chinese communist revolutionary Mao Zedong, Japanese daimy? Takeda Shingen, Vietnamese general Võ Nguyên Giáp, and American military general Norman Schwarzkopf Jr. have drawn inspiration from the book.

The writer is based in Ghotki, Sindh. He can be reached at kamrankhanmhr@gmail.com