Weapons may be beautiful,
but they are tools of misfortune.
They are hated by all beings.
Those who follow the Tao
avoid using them.

The noble person values stillness.
In times of peace,
the left is honoured.
In times of war,
the right is given to the general —
the side of mourning.

Weapons are not for celebration.
They are used only when there is no other choice.
Victory is never cause for joy.
To celebrate killing
is to lose your place in the world.

In times of joy, we stand to the left.
In mourning, we stand to the right.
So too in war —
the general takes the place of sorrow.

Those who have taken many lives
should grieve deeply.
Even in victory,
one should stand in mourning.