Sun Tzu! That is not my pet name!
That is the name of the author of one of the most famous books on the strategies of war! So much that it is called THE ART OF WAR!
Using his wide experience Sun Tzu has told about the powers of observation and they are astute!
Listen to some pearls!
When the enemy is close at hand and remains quiet, he is relying on the natural strength of his position!
If his place of encampment is easy of access, he is tendering a bait!
Then by analysis of the movement in and around the enemy you can get to know a lot!
Movement amongst the trees of a forest shows that the enemy is advancing!
The appearance of a number of screens in the midst of thick grass means that the enemy wants to make us suspicious!
While the rising of birds in their flight is the sign of an ambush!
While startled beasts indicate that a sudden attack is coming.! Then again when there is dust rising in a high column, it is the sign of chariots advancing; when the dust is low, but spread over a wide area, it betokens the approach of infantry!
Finally when the dust branches out in different directions, it shows that parties have been sent to collect firewood while a few clouds of dust moving to and fro signify that the army is encamping!
You can even get to know the state of the enemy by simply watching the soldiers!
All you have to do is observe the soldiers!
When the soldiers stand leaning on their spears, they are faint from want of food! Which means that they are tired and weary!
Another observation is that if soldiers have been sent to draw water begin by drinking themselves, the army is suffering from thirst!
Finally a war is not fought on the land but in the minds! A prepared General or a leader would win always!
Even after so many years, most of the PEARLS from this book hold true! If you do go into any battle, be it in life or otherwise you must read this one and you will surely win! Or at least you will get to know how you lost!
Then again life is not just a battle! Sometimes you can simply laugh it off!
Just like how Tiku Talsania does it!
Now don’t FIGHT your urge to sleep and sleep!
Shubh ratri…
ramadocblog 