09.027 If birds gather, he is not there.

If birds gather, he is not there.

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Observe. You have two eyes.

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This excerpt is an excellent example of how Sun Tzi was so in tune with his environment that he was able to link and relate the presence or absence of birds, to gather intelligence and prepare estimates of enemy troop location. This is precisely what Wise Generals due, they use whatever practical tools or methods are at their disposal in order to protect their nation from harm.

The flight of birds is a tell tale sign that something or someone lurks below the treetops.

-BingFa

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POV

quote:

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Originally posted by sonshi
If birds gather, he is not there.

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{* CARDINAL999 *}

"In the Field of Observation, Fortune Favors the Prepared (and the Bold)."

"The stillness in stillness is not the true stillness; only when there is stillness in motion does the universal rhythm manifest." - Old Daoist Text

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Pay attention to your natural surroundings. A skittish animal like a bird or a fox will not be bold enough to advance into an area where there is danger.

Gonzo

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Sun Tzu said, "If birds gather, he is not there."

The general understands natural behavior and knows that prey will not gather in the presence of a predator.

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Apparently if birds do not fly away and animals do not run in fear, he is not there. I must admire Sun-tzu, although he states the obvious, but he also shows his acumen in nature, the weather, and animal behavior. He knows that there are more factors in warfare than just weapons and formation.

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The enviroment

Look around, are there tell tale signs of activity. These are means of assesing the enemy. Know the signs of activity in yourself and your opponent. One has to know the signs of the opponent or prey.

When I used to trap as a young boy I could always tell the natural signs of activity of what I hunted. In the example of beaver there were fresh cuttings of trees or well travelled paths. These things let me know that I was close to my prey.

Today as a young man in the working world my outward appearnces are signs as to what is going on with me. I look for this in potential employers and so on. What are the signs of a good work enviroment and happy employees.

I try not to tip my hand to my weakness but there are always signs to a good observer . That is why Sun Tzu looked for the movement of birds around enemy encampments for a truer assesment of enemy activity.

This still happens today in job interviews. A good hr rep can pick the duds from the best choices for work. They look for signs of activity not that diifent or less tell tale than for that of the activity of birds some 2000 years ago.

Pawn12

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Look for indications of the enemy

quote:

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Originally posted by sonshi
If birds gather, he is not there.

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Suffering is the breaking of the shell that encloses our understanding


"Truth is narrowed down and made a plaything for those who are weak, for those who are only momentarily discontented. Truth cannot be brought down; rather the individual must make the effort to ascend to it."

Krishnamurti

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You have to observe the nature. If you do not see any disturbances to it then your opponent is not at this place most likely.

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MonteChristo
And there is only blue sky above us.

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Nature of the Environment

Birds are generally skittish and are often wary of humans even when the humans are not presenting any overt threat. They only congregate in areas where they believe it is safe. If you can see birds gathering in a particular spot, even one with plenty of hiding spaces, it is most likely that your opponent is not over there.

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Be adaptive to you surroundings, and you will survive, observe your surroundings and you will gain wisdom, utilize your surroundings and you will gain victory.

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knowledge of your surroundings provides understanding of both yours and your enemy's strategic position.

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