The occasion should be regarded as lamentable

[tensegritydan]

Weapons are instruments of killing and destruction,

which are contrary to the nature of life.
Thus, they are avoided by those who follow

the subtle Way of the universe.
According to ancient social custom,

in times of peace a gentleman regards the left side, the soft hand,
as the place of honor,
in times of war, the right side, the strong hand,
is considered the place of honor.
Because weapons are inauspicious,

they are not to be the instruments of a gentleman.
Only when one has no other choice may one resort to using them,

and if their use is necessary,
one must employ calmness and restraint,
for peace and quiet are the normal nature of universal life.
Even in victory there is no cause
for excitement and rejoicing.
To rejoice over a victory
is to delight in killing and destruction.
He who delights in killing and destruction

cannot be expected to thrive for long in the world.
Therefore, on happy occasions

the left side has precedence,
while on sad occasions,
it is the right side.
When this rite was applied in the army,

the lieutenant-commander stood at the left
while the commander in chief stood on the right.
This indicates that war is treated

as the equivalent of a funereal service.
Because many people

have been caused an unnatural death in war,
it is only right that the survivors should mourn them.
Even when a victory is won,

the occasion should be regarded as lamentable.
 - Tao Teh Ching, chapter 31, translated by Hua-Ching Ni

Another nice translation.