Weapons are not auspicious tools
some things are simply bad
thus the Taoist shuns them
in peace the ruler honours the left
in war he honours the right
weapons are not auspicious
weapons are not a ruler's tools
he wields them when he has no choice
dispassion is the best
thus he does not beautify them
he who beautifies them enjoys killing others
he who enjoys killing others achieves no worldly rule
thus we honour the left for joy
we honour the right for sorrow
the left is where the adjutant stands
the commander on the right
which means at a funeral when you kill another
honour him with your tears
when the battle is won treat it as a wake
the first distinction gives us names
after we have names we should know restraint
who knows restraint knows no trouble

taoteching. verse 31
tr. red pine