7/ 師 / ䷆ / The Army

the judgement

THE ARMY. The army needs perseverance

And a strong man.

Good fortune without blame.

the image

In the middle of the earth is water:

The image of THE ARMY.

Thus the superior man increases his masses

By generosity toward the people.

the lines

Six at the beginning means:

An army must set forth in proper order.

If the order is not good, misfortune threatens.

Nine in the second place means:

In the midst of the army.

Good fortune. No blame.

The king bestows a triple decoration.

Six in the third place means:

Perchance the army carries corpses in the wagon.

Misfortune.

Six in the fourth place means:

The army retreats. No blame.

Six in the fifth place means:

There is game in the field.

It furthers one to catch it.

Without blame.

Let the eldest lead the army.

The younger transport corpses;

Then perseverance brings misfortune.

Six at the top means:

The great prince issues commands,

Founds states, vests families with fiefs.

Inferior people should not be employed.

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7/ 師 / ䷆ / The Sze Hexagram

Explanation of the entire figure by king Wăn

Sze indicates how, in the case which it supposes, with firmness and correctness,

and (a leader of) age and experience, there will be good fortune and no error.

Explanation of the separate lines by the duke of Kâu

The first SIX, divided,

shows the host going forth according to the rules (for such a movement).

If these be not good, there will be evil.

The second NINE, undivided,

shows (the leader) in the midst of the host. There will be good fortune

and no error. The king has thrice conveyed to him the orders (of his favour).

The third SIX, divided,

shows how the host may, possibly, have many inefficient leaders.

There will be evil.

The fourth SIX, divided,

shows the host in retreat. There is no error.

The fifth SIX, divided,

shows birds in the fields, which it will be advantageous to seize (and destroy).

In that case there will be no error. If the oldest son leads the host, and

younger men (idly occupy offices assigned to them), however firm and correct he may be,

there will be evil.

The sixth (or topmost) SIX, divided,

shows the great ruler delivering his charges, (appointing some) to be rulers of states, and

others to undertake the headship of clans; but small men should not be employed (in such positions).

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7/ 師 / ䷆ / Multitude/ Shi

decision

Multitude.

Be steadfast and upright.

For a person of noble spirit,

Good fortune.

No fault.

commentary on the symbol

Water contained under Earth.

An image of Multitude.

In correspondence with this,

The superior person embraces people

And cares for the multitude

yao text (the lines)

Initial Six

Sending out a multitude,

It should be kept under control.

Otherwise, no good:

Misfortune.

Second Nine

In the midst of the multitude,

Good fortune.

No fault.

The king bestows thrice.

Third Six

The multitude perhaps takes charge:

Misfortune.

Fourth Six

The multitude retreats.

No fault.

Fifth Six

In the field there are birds

Favorable for capture.

No fault

The elder should command the multitude.

The followers taking charge,

Being steadfast: misfortune.

Top Six

The great prince issues commands:

Establish states and hereditary families;

Inferior persons should not be employed.

All Nines

There appears a group of dragons without a chief.

Good fortune.

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