31 - AGAINST WAR

Even the best weapon

is an unhappy tool,

hateful to living things.

So the follower of the Way

stays away from it.

Weapons are unhappy tools,

not chosen by thoughtful people,

to be used only when there is no choice,

and with a calm, still mind,

without enjoyment.

To enjoy using weapons

is to enjoy killing people,

and to enjoy killing people

is to lose your share in the common good.

It is right that the murder of many people

be mourned and lamented.

It is right that a victor in war

be received with funeral ceremonies.