Jiang Taigong in Historical Records and his "Six Secret Teachings"

Over 3,000 years ago, in the ancient realm of China, where legends are forged and destinies are shaped, there existed a man whose name would echo through the annals of time, Jiang Ziya, also known as Jiang Taigong, a legendary strategist, advisor, and sage. His wisdom and teachings continue to inspire generations even today. Besides the Jiang Ziya from Investiture of the Gods, who descends from the mountain upon his master's command, holding the list of deities, capable of divination, and controlling the winds and rain, what kind of person was Jiang Taigong in the official historical records? Hello everyone, I'm Sarah. Today I'm going to talk about Jiang Taigong and his six secret teachings. Born in the chaotic period of the Shang Dynasty, Jiang Ziya rose from humble origins to become one of the most revered figures in Chinese lore. Many historical records tell the story of his humble beginnings, describing his poverty and the struggles he faced to survive. He was forced to marry into the wife's family. It's believed he worked as a butcher in Chaoga, the capital of the Shang Dynasty, sold food at the Jijin Ferry Crossing, worked in an inn, and even served as a gatekeeper. According to the records of the grand historian, he once worked for King Zhou, overseeing the construction of the Deer Terrace. But witnessing King Zhou's oppressive rule and lavish lifestyle, he foresaw disaster. Like a sage bird seeking a new perch, he departed Chaoga for Xiqi, where the esteemed Lord Jicheng held sway, driven by his vision to unite the world under wise governance. However, his aspirations were met with a setback as his wife, disillusioned by their societal stagnation, chose to part ways. Jiang Ziya's life underwent a profound transformation at the age of 70 when a chance encounter with Jicheng while fishing along the banks of the Wei River altered the course of his destiny. He was invited by Jicheng to serve as his imperial teacher. Later, he aided King Wu of Zhou and achieved remarkable success. The earliest reference to Jiang Ziya's pivotal role in history can be found in the Book of Songs De Ming, where his instrumental role in the Battle of Mai, aiding King Wu in overthrowing King Zhou, is vividly depicted. Renowned as the progenitor of military strategy, Jiang Ziya's legacy extends to the Six Secret Teachings or Jiang Taigong's Art of War, a work attributed to him that offers profound insights into governance and military tactics. The Six Secret Teachings stand as a testament to the wisdom of ancient China, offering a treasure trove of knowledge on governance, strategy, and warfare. Rooted in the conversations between Jiang Taigong and the legendary Kings Wen and Wu of Zhou, these teachings are divided into six volumes, each dedicated to a different facet of statecraft, civil strategy, martial strategy, dragon strategy, tiger strategy, leopard strategy, and canine strategy. It initially delve into the experiences of sage kings' governance, the handling of relationships between rulers and subjects, the selection and appointment of officials, and methods of defending the country and safeguarding the state. It is hoped that King Wen will prioritize learning from the sages, nurturing the people with care and love, cultivating virtue, and strengthening his own rule. When calamities from heaven and disasters caused by humans are evident, then planning can commence. The strategies section marks the preparatory stage for plotting against the tyrannical rule of the Shang dynasty. Through a specific analysis of the situation, Jiang Taigong emphasizes the pursuit of justice for the world, emphasizing the legitimacy of uprising and raising troops. He then discusses methods of struggle in non-direct confrontation situations, and at the end introduces the military aspect. With the twelve principles in place, military matters are accomplished. Following this, a series of key points in military conflict are further discussed. These teachings are not just ancient military encyclopedias, they are timeless guides for governing countries, harmonizing families, and fostering peace worldwide. For instance, the passage in civil strategy emphasizing that the benevolent are invincible, the righteous are invincible, the trustworthy are invincible serves as a powerful reminder of the strength inherent in moral leadership. It underscores that leaders who embody these virtues are not only resilient but also inspire loyalty and respect, ensuring the stability and prosperity of their realms. Furthermore, the six secret teachings caution against the pitfalls of empty reputation, hypocrisy, and self-interest, urging rulers to exercise vigilance and discernment in their decision-making. It says in Virtuous Superior that having only an empty reputation without genuine talent and practical knowledge, inconsistency between words and actions, concealing others' good deeds while promoting their faults, and seeking advantage everywhere, kings must be cautious when dealing with such individuals and their plans and deliberations. And in Unveiling Initiatives, a profound insight is shared, people with great wisdom do not boast about their wisdom, those with deep plans do not flaunt their strategies, those with great courage do not rely solely on their physical bravery, and those who plan for great profit do not only consider their own interests. Those who work for the benefit of all are welcomed by all, those who harm others are opposed by all. The world does not belong to just one person, it belongs to all the people of the world. It reflects an understanding that true leadership is characterized by selflessness and a commitment to the common good. The remarkable longevity of the Zhou dynasty, lasting for 800 years, can be attributed not only to the invaluable contributions of figures like Jiang Taigong, but also to the willingness of Zhou monarchs to humble themselves, seeking counsel, engaging in introspection, and rectifying their own actions to attain purity and wisdom within. This enabled them to discern heavenly intentions and govern human relationships effectively. King Wu of Zhou sought guidance from Jiang Ziya to preserve their ancestors' wisdom. Jiang Ziya revealed a sacred text called the Damn Book, cautioning King Wu to approach it reverently. Three days later, King Wu received teachings from the book, emphasizing diligence, respect for divine principles, and righteousness. He had these teachings engraved in the palace for future generations. Unfortunately, in later generations, only a few individuals, such as Guan Zhong of Qi, Sun Wu of Wu, and Zhuge Liang of Xu, truly grasped the essence of the six secret teachings. Despite their remarkable achievements on the battlefield, figures like Wu Qi and Bai Qi met tragic ends that leave one lamenting. Even the legendary conqueror Xiang Yu, known as the He Jiamen King of Western Chu, met his demise, embodying the prophetic epitaph that he who wins every battle will ultimately perish. However, the debate over who the true authors are has persisted in scholarly circles without a definitive conclusion. Some believe the six secret teachings to be the creation of later individuals falsely using Jiang Taigong's name, while others argue it to be a compilation of the words of Jiang Taigong passed down through historical records. There are also those who believe it to be directly authored by Jiang Taigong, but later augmented by others. The true authorship remains unverifiable. But in April 1972, a large number of preaching bamboo slips were discovered in the Western Han Dynasty tomb in Yinshuishan, Linyi, Shandong Province. Among them were more than 50 slips containing content from the six secret teachings, indicating that the six secret teachings were widely circulated during the Western Han Dynasty. Furthermore, some of the content involved plotting against the tyrannical rule of the Shang Dynasty. Indeed, the authorship of the six secret teachings may not be as significant as the timeless wisdom it imparts. What truly matters is that it serves as a timeless guide for leaders and generals alike, offering invaluable insights into the art of governance, strategy, and moral leadership. Its teachings provide a framework for ethical decision-making, effective governance, and strategic planning that remain relevant across cultures and throughout history. Ultimately, it is the enduring value of its teachings that makes the six secret teachings a profound and influential work. Thank you for watching today's video. If you enjoyed it, please don't hesitate to leave a comment, like, and share it with your friends. See you next time!