Chapter 30
Fine weapons are instruments of ill omen. All beings may detest them. Therefore, one who has the Way does not dwell with them.
The noble person in ordinary life honors the left; when employing weapons, honors the right.
Weapons are instruments of ill omen, not instruments of the noble person. When their use cannot be avoided, calm detachment is best.
To be victorious yet take no pleasure in it - for one who glorifies victory is one who delights in killing people.
One who delights in killing people cannot fulfill their purpose in the world.
In auspicious matters, the left is honored; in inauspicious matters, the right is honored.
The lieutenant general is positioned on the left, the supreme general is positioned on the right - this indicates that military affairs are conducted according to funeral rites.
When the slain are many, one should weep for them with grief and sorrow. A victory in battle should be observed with funeral rites.