Tao Te Ching

Chapter 31
[Original text]

He who assists the master with the way does not strengthen the world with soldiers.It's a good thing [1].Where the teacher [2] is, thorns grow.After the army, there must be a bad year [3].

The fruit of the good is just [4], and dare not take the strong.Don't be arrogant because of it, don't cut it because of it, don't be arrogant because of it, don't be forced because of it, and don't be strong because of it.

Things grow old when they are strong, that is to say, they are not Dao, and they have long been in Dao.

【Note】

[1] also: return, return.This refers to retribution.

[2] Division: troops.This refers to marching.

[3] Fierce year: famine year.

[4] Fruit: result.This refers to the result of victory.

【Analysis】

Those who use the "Tao" to assist the king will not rely on the army to conquer the world by force.The matter of conquering the world has always repeatedly brought due retribution to the conquerors.Wherever the army goes, it is always covered with thorns.After the army has fought, there will always be famine years that make it difficult for the world to survive.

Those who are good at using troops only seek to achieve victory, and dare not rely on their own force to dominate.Don't be conceited after victory, and don't show off, let alone be complacent. Victory is a last resort. After victory, don't bully the weak.

When everything develops to a strong state, it starts to age. This means that if you don't follow the "Tao", you will easily die in advance if you don't follow the "Tao".

Although there are victors and losers in wars, both the victors and the losers are victims, because the law of nature is cyclical, and both sides have to pay the price for the war.On the other hand, for the victors, although they are already strong, being strong is not eternal. It is fine if they can restrain themselves after victory. If they become arrogant, it will only speed up the process of turning from prosperity to decline.

【Explanation by Famous Artists】

Mr. He Shang:
It is said that the master can assist himself with the Tao.The master who assists himself with the way, does not use military tactics, obeys the virtues of the sky, and the enemy submits himself.He blames himself for doing good things, and does not blame others.Farming is abolished, and the fields are not repaired.Heaven responds with evil spirits, which will harm the five grains, and when the five grains are exhausted, it will hurt people.

Those who make good use of soldiers should only be brave, not beautiful.Don't take the name of being strong with boldness.Be bold and humble, and don't be arrogant.When you dare to give in, don't cut yourself and take the beauty.Pride, deceit also.Be bold, don't deceive others with arrogance.When you are courageous and sincere, you should not be forced to do so.Be bold, don't think that strong soldiers and armor are used to invade others.

When vegetation is extremely strong, it will wither, and when people are extremely strong, they will grow old.The strong can't last long.A withered old man cannot speak while sitting.Those who do not practice Taoism will die early.

(End of this chapter)