flanks

The book of changes (I ching) is often considered the oriental apotheosis of adaptation, of flexibility, In this book the recurring them is one of oberving life and blending with its flow in order to survive and develop. In effect, the theme of this work is that everything in existence  can be a source of conflict, of danger, and, ultimately, of violence if opposed from the wrong angle or in the wrong manner - that is, if confronted directly at the point of its maximum strength, since this approach renders the encounter potentially devasting. By the same token, any and every occurence can be dealt with by approaching it from the right angle and in the proper manner - that is, at its source, before it can develop full power, or from the sides (the vulnerable "flanks of a tiger")

Secrets of the samurai, oscar ratti and dele westbrook, 1973