Shih (Strategic Configuration / Energy)

From The Art of War by Sun Tzu
The concept of strategic positioning that generates overwhelming force, like pent-up water released or a drawn crossbow — situational power rather than individual heroism.
Chapter 5 (Energy), verses 1-15

Direct (cheng) and indirect (ch'i) maneuvers. 'The onset of troops is like the rush of a torrent which will even roll stones along in its course.' The locus classicus for the concept of shih.

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Chapter 5, verse 21

The clever combatant looks to the effect of combined energy, not to individual soldiers — he selects his men and they exploit the situation.

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