The 5 directions

In understanding and utilizing the principles and wisdom of The Art of War, it's helpful to think of your success and fulfillment as a journey. It involves moving from where you are currently to where you want to be.

As such, in order to move safely and effectively on this path, you have to know where to look. In studying The Art of War for over twenty years, I've found that there are five metaphorical directions you must look in order to ensure you are progressing along the path of happiness and serenity.

The first direction is forward. Looking forward means understanding your purpose, anticipating the dangers you may face, and keeping focused on advancing. For Sun Tzu, this is characterized by following the Tao, or the Way.

The second direction is upwards. Looking upwards means understanding the values you want to uphold as you walk this path. These values characterize the ideal qualities or outcomes you want to prioritize and maintain as you keep on the path. For Sun Tzu, these values are clarity, readiness, and wholeness. They are governed by the factor of Heaven.

The third direction is downwards. Looking downwards means understanding your situation - the challenges, opportunities, risks - and the principles you need to deal with it. For Sun Tzu, your situation and the principles you face relate to the Ground.

The fourth direction is inwards. Looking at yourself means looking at your virtues, or your internal qualities and strengths - what is going to keep you committed and faithful to the path. For Sun Tzu, this relates to the factor of the General.

The fifth and last direction is sideways. Looking sideways, right and left, tells you how effective you are at moving forward on the path. These are characterized by the three disciplines of calculation, positioning, and timing. For Sun Tzu, these three disciplines make up the Methods.

There is one direction, for Sun Tzu, that you should never look, and that is backwards. For Sun Tzu, once you have set your purpose and are committed to a path, you must see it through. You must go deep and be united.

This is the same in life. Don't look backwards. Don't run away. If the path is worth it, you must try to walk it.