Commentary on Military Secrets: Methods of the Sima

The Way of the State is to universally love both its own people and those of its neighbors. Therefore, one does not raise an army in the winter or the summer; this is how one shows universal love for the people.

Thus, even if a state is large, if it delights in war it will surely perish; even if the world is at peace, if it forgets war it will surely be in peril. Once the world is already at peace, the Son of Heaven Son of Heaven (Tianzi): the traditional title of the Chinese Emperor, implying a divine mandate to rule holds a grand celebration, yet he still conducts the rituals of the Spring Hunt and Autumn Cull (Chunsou Qiuxian): ancient seasonal hunts that served as large-scale military maneuvers and troop reviews Spring Hunt and the Autumn Cull. The feudal lords likewise conduct "Army Shaking" reviews in the spring and "Military Ordering" drills in the autumn. This is how they do not forget the reality of war.

In ancient times, pursuing a fleeing enemy did not exceed a hundred paces, and following a retreating army did not exceed three stages Original: "three she" (三舍). A "stage" was the distance covered in one day's march, approximately 30 li or 15 kilometers. Following for three stages—about 45 kilometers—was a gesture of restraint.. This was to demonstrate Propriety (Li): the ritualized behavior and codes of conduct that maintain social and moral order Propriety. The character "Zong" (to let go) here acts as "Cong" (to follow); if the enemy retreats without a fight, the army’s pursuit is considered "slow" or "relaxed." One did not press those in extremity nor fail to pity the wounded and sick; this was to demonstrate Benevolence. One waited for the enemy to form their ranks before sounding the drums for the attack; this was to demonstrate Trustworthiness. One contended for The three virtues are seen returning to the self Righteousness rather than profit; this was to demonstrate the quality of Righteousness. Furthermore, being able to spare those who have surrendered was to demonstrate our Courage. Knowing the end of an action as well as its beginning was to demonstrate Wisdom.

These Six Virtues are taught in harmony with the seasons, serving as the fundamental principles of order for the people. This has been the method of governance since antiquity. By teaching the Six Virtues and gathering the masses according to the seasons to instruct them, one establishes the path of order for the people. This was the way of the former kings...

Technical Vocabulary Summary:
Methods of the Sima (Sima Fa); Commentary on Military Secrets (Bing Jue Ping); Six Virtues (Liu De): Benevolence, Propriety, Righteousness, Trustworthiness, Courage, Wisdom; Spring Hunt and Autumn Cull.