Three Strategies of Huang Shih-kung

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The Three Strategies of Huang Shih-kung is a text on military strategy, one of the Seven Military Classics of ancient China.^[1]

[edit] History and authorship

Like the Six Secret Teachings, the Three Strategies is commonly attributed to Jiang Ziya, also known as Taigong. However, four other theories on the origins of the work have been put forth. The first is that the text was actually written and compiled by later followers of Taigong, rather than by the man himself. Another theory is that Huang Shih-kung himself may have written the text. Conservative classical scholars have declared the book a forgery. The final view is that the text was written around the end of the Former Han Dynasty by a reclusive follower of the Huang-Lao school of thought.^[2]

[edit] Content

As its title would suggest, the Three Strategies of Huang Shih-kung is organized into three sections, which can be interpreted as a hierarchy of importance or as simple indicators of position in the work. The work itself states that all three types of strategy are necessary for different styles of government. Much of the work is concerned with administrative control, but some important tactical concepts are also developed. Generals are placed in a high position, and must be unquestioned once they assume command. Attacks should be swift and decisive.^[3]

[edit] References

Seven Military Classics of China

The Art of War | Wuzi | The Methods of the Ssu-ma| Six Secret Teachings | Wei Liao-tzu | Three Strategies of Huang Shih-kung | Questions and Replies between T'ang T'ai-tsung and Li Wei-kung