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Vera Dorofeeva-Lichtmann (EHESS,
Paris)
Extrême-Orient Extrême-Occident 18 (1996) 9-33:
WSWG 18, University of Massachusetts
Saturday 6 December 2003
Paper (3)
[Less Characters and Diagrams]
Conclusions
The examination of the spatial arrangements
of the Seven Mighty Kingdoms, found in the "Liao di" chapter
of the Wu-zi, provides a good illustration of how a framework for conceptualizing
space was used for conveying political ideas.
Representing a set of kingdoms as a combination
of spatial "positions" served as a means to establish a sophisticated
system of relationships between these kingdoms. A well-balanced and
harmonious system of relationships expressed a certain political statement.
From this viewpoint, the relationships between the kingdoms, and, consequently,
the conveyed political idea, change dramatically with the alterations
in their "positions."
The principles and patterns according to
which the ancient Chinese conceptualized space effected the determining
of these "positions". Thus, the "ratings" of the
represented kingdoms, and the system of relationships between them,
no matter whether this representation corresponded to their actual respective
locations or not, were determined by the "ratings" of their
"positions" and the relationships among these "positions"
in the classification of space according to these principles and patterns.
The spatial representations of the Seven
Mighty Kingdoms shed new light on the "vertical" and "horizontal"
unions concluded between them during the Warring States period. It is
at least tempting to suppose that these "unions" were conceived
of as a system of complementary sets of "positions" which
filled out a definite spatial pattern. This spatial pattern conveyed
a picture of political differentiation of the world into two rival unions
correlated with the core axes, and the division of power over the delineated
sections of the world between the members of these unions.
The intrusion of spatial thinking into
Chinese political thought poses a series of new questions concerning
the constraining effects this might have. For example, to what extent
the choice of partners in the "vertical"-"horizontal"
unions, and the choice of the number of the Mighty Kingdoms of the Warring
States period in Chinese historiographical tradition were determined
by the principles of conceptualizing space. One may also question why
Wu-zi, who visited many other kingdoms, chose to have this discussion
with the ruler of Wei in order to put forward his political concept.
It seems very likely that his choice was inspired by the "position"
of Wei among the other kingdoms as being the most appropriate for that
of the "observer".
APPENDIX 1
1. Now the "nature" of Qi is
hard.
Its kingdom is rich.
The ruler and the ministers are arrogant [and] extravagant,
and neglect the ordinary people.
Its government is unconstrained, and salaries are unbalanced.
A battle array has two heart/minds,
the front is heavy, the rear is light.
Therefore, "[the battle arrays of Qi] are of double density,
but not solid".
The way to attack them [is as follows]:
It is necessary to divide them into three.
To hunt them down from left and right,
while squeezing [them from the flanks], to follow them.
[Eventually,] its battle arrays can be destroyed.
2. The "nature" of Qin is
strong.
Its land is rugged.
Its government is severe.
Its rewards and punishments are trustworthy.
Its people do not yield,
all have aggressive heart/minds.
Therefore, "[the battle arrays of Qin] are dispersed, and fight
separately".
The way to attack them [is as follows]:
It is necessary first to point them to some profit and make them go
for it.
The soldiers are hungry for loot and will leave their generals.
[Then it is necessary] to follow [them], to hunt [them] down and scatter
[them],
to establish ambushes, to take advantage of the moment.
[Eventually,] their generals can be seized.
3. The "nature" of Chu weak.
Its land is extensive.
Its government violates the rules/order.
Its people are exhausted.
Therefore, "[the battle arrays of Chu] are regular, but not stable.
The way to attack them [is as follows]:
Strike suddenly [and] cause chaos in their camps.
First snatch away their qi.
[Then] make light advances, quick retreats,
[in order to] exhaust and tire them.
[One] should not get engaged in full-scale battle with them.
[Eventually,] their army can be defeated.
4. The "nature" of Yan is
sincere/careful (with the implication of being too
"simple-minded").
Its people are cautious,
love courage and the duty/rules,
rarely deceive [and] make sophisticated plans.
Therefore, ["the battle arrays of Yan] are good at defence, but
not mobile".
The way to attack them [is as follows]:
Butt and press them,
insult [them] and withdraw to a distance,
[and then] race and get behing them.
Under these circumstances their upper ranks will become doubtful and
lower ranks fearful.
[One should] take care of one's own chariots and cavalry,
and should choose roundabout roads.
[Eventually,] their generals can be captured.
5. As far as the Three Jin(s) are concerned,
[these] are the Central Kingdoms.
Their "natures" are harmonious.
Their governments are balanced.
Their peoples are exhausted by war,
[and] experienced in arms,
have little esteem for their generals,
[and] are indifferent to their salaries.
The officers have no commitment to fight to the death.
Therefore, "[the battle arrays of the Three Jin(s)] are [perfectly]
ordered, but do not function".
The way to attack them is [as follows]:
Block the way [in front of] their battle arrays and hamper them.
If [they] approach en masse, resist them.
If [they] depart, pursue them
By means of these their armies can be worn out.
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