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Divided Valleys

Disciplines > Warfare > The Six Secret Teachings > 5.8 Divided Valleys

Teaching set  | Observed lessons | Discussion | See also

Teaching set

Leopard Secret Teachings 5.8 (50)

Observed lessons

• When you are on one side of a mountain, be prepared for an attack from the other side.
• Think about what you cannot see.
• Be prepared to cross rivers. Bring pontoons and temporary bridges.
• In valleys, guard the ways in and out.
• Those in the front should widen the road for those behind.

Discussion

When you are standing on a mountain, you most likely look downhill. You may also look uphill. Many do not wonder what is on the other side of the hill. In business paying attention to what you cannot see and what you do not yet know can be important.

Transporting an army is a significant task as you have to get them through many difficult terrains, including rivers, marshes and rocky mountain areas. Even aircraft are limited by the numbers of troops that can be carried.

See also

• High places, Rivers

Sawyer, R.D. (1993). The Seven Military Classics of Ancient China, Basic Books