7. The Army 師
Shi · Water over Earth
The Judgment
Acting in a coordinated, disciplined way is what carries the day, and that requires capable, trusted leadership. Strength here is collective, organized, and directed toward a worthy cause rather than scattered or self-serving. With an experienced leader and a just purpose, the effort can succeed.
The Image
Like water held within the earth, the wise person draws strength from the people they care for and lead, building a reservoir of loyalty and capability.
What it means
This is about marshaling effort, whether a team, a campaign, or your own discipline, into an organized force aimed at a clear goal. Raw energy alone won't do it; structure and direction will.
Leadership matters enormously. The effort needs someone experienced and trusted at the helm, and it needs a cause people can believe is fair. Authority without legitimacy, or force without discipline, tends to collapse.
Move with discipline and restraint. Use only as much force as the situation requires, treat people fairly, and keep the larger purpose in view so the effort doesn't degrade into mere aggression or chaos.
Love and relationships
Bring patience, structure, and clear commitment; a relationship under strain steadies when one person provides calm, trustworthy leadership.
Career and decisions
A time for organized, disciplined effort under sound leadership; rally the team around a fair goal and execute with order rather than improvisation.
The six lines
- 1. Six at the beginning
Any collective effort must start with proper order and clear ground rules. Discipline established at the outset is what makes later success possible.
When changing: Stresses that organization and standards set early are essential to begin well.
- 2. Six in the second place
A good leader stays in the midst of the effort, sharing its burdens and earning trust. Shared commitment and fair recognition keep everyone aligned.
When changing: Marks effective leadership grounded in solidarity and earned trust.
- 3. Six in the third place
Divided command or shifting direction invites failure. Avoid confusion over who is responsible, because mixed leadership undermines the whole effort.
When changing: Warns that unclear or competing authority leads to setbacks.
- 4. Six in the fourth place
Sometimes a strategic retreat is the right call. Pulling back from an unwinnable position is prudence, not failure, and preserves your strength.
When changing: Indicates that an orderly withdrawal can be the wise, blameless choice.
- 5. Nine in the fifth place
Respond to real provocation, but put the right person in charge and don't act on impulse. Clear cause and proper leadership keep action justified.
When changing: Counsels disciplined, well-led response to genuine need rather than rash action.
- 6. Six at the top
When the effort succeeds, reward contributions wisely and don't elevate the wrong people. Distribute credit and responsibility with care to preserve future order.
When changing: Advises thoughtful allocation of rewards and roles after success.
Related hexagrams
師 The Army
Cast this for your questionOn-page guidance is original modern synthesis for reflection, informed by the public-domain Legge text. It is not a reproduction of any copyrighted translation, and not a prediction.