The lion will never survive in the jungle without his friends.  The lion and his friends protect each other.  The lion and his friends keep each other alive. The lion always remembers his ancestor's advice. 

 “The military is a great matter of the state.  It is the ground of death and life, The Tao of survival or extinction.” (Page 3)

Sometimes the lion is away from home for a long time. The lion must look for new ways to find food.  The lion cannot take a lot of food with him for his journey.  The lion must find food on his own.

“If soldiers are long in the field, the state’s resources are insufficient.” (Page 7)

Are you guys okay?

The lion has to make sure his friends are ready before they fight the water buffaloes.  If the lion does not know how he is feeling then he will not be ready to fight.  If the lion does not know how his friends are feeling then they will not be ready to fight.

“And so in the military-Knowing the other and knowing oneself, In one hundred battles no danger.” (Page 14)

The lion has to protect his own home before attacking the water buffaloes. This is how the lion achieves victory. If the lion attacks first he leaves his home open to attack.  It is better to let the evil water buffaloes attack him first so the lion is ready.

“Defend and one has a surplus.  Attack and one is insufficient.” (Page 16)

They left scraps so lets wait for them here.

The lion must not fight his enemy head on.  The lion needs to lead the water buffaloes to where he wants.  The lion cannot leave the water buffaloes an alternative plan. The water buffaloes will choose it as if it was their own idea.  

“One skilled at moving the enemy-Forms and the enemy must follow, Offers and the enemy must take.  Move them by this and await them with troops.” (Page 21)

The lion cannot try to fight the water buffaloes when they have the high ground.  The lion will be easily defeated.  The lion should take the high ground before they do.

“And so the method of employing the military--Do not face them when they are on a high hill.” (Page 32)