Hexagram 7
Upper · Kūn (Earth) | Lower · Kǎn (Water)
military leadership · discipline · organization · strategy · collective action · righteous authority
Hexagram 7, Shī (師), is about military leadership, discipline, and organization. When an army moves, it must be guided by just cause and wise leadership.
Sze indicates how, with firmness and correctness, and a leader of age, there will be good fortune.
When an army moves, it must be guided by just cause and wise leadership. Success comes through discipline, clear principles, and a commander worthy of trust. The strength of any collective endeavor rests on the integrity of those who direct it.
The host goes forth according to rules; if these be not good, there will be evil.
Every action requires proper foundation and clear purpose. Without sound principles guiding your steps, even the most ambitious effort will fail. Begin only when your cause is just.
The leader in the midst of the host—there will be good fortune and no error. The king has thrice conveyed his orders of favor.
A trustworthy center of authority earns deep confidence and repeated recognition. When you lead with fairness and remain grounded in your role, others naturally grant you their trust and support.
The host may have many inefficient leaders. There will be evil.
Weak or unfit commanders undermine the whole. When those in charge lack capability or character, collapse follows. Ensure that responsibility rests with those truly able to bear it.
The host in retreat. There is no error.
Strategic withdrawal is not defeat—it is wisdom. When circumstances turn unfavorable, the courage to step back preserves strength for a better moment. Know when to yield.
Birds in the fields—it will be advantageous to seize them. If the eldest son leads the host and younger men idly occupy their posts, there will be evil.
Place capable people in positions of true responsibility; do not let the unfit hold office merely for show. Right people in right roles bring success; misplacement brings ruin.
The great ruler delivers his charges, appointing some to rule states and others to lead clans; but small men should not be employed in such posts.
After victory, reward those who have earned it with real authority and honor. Yet never entrust high office to those of small character, no matter their service. Integrity in leadership endures.
This is a time when leadership roles may come your way. If you step into such a position, lead with clear vision and fair judgment—your team will respond with loyalty and effort. Remember that true authority comes from being worthy of trust, not from command alone.
In matters of the heart, avoid trying to control or dominate. Instead, build trust through honesty and mutual respect. A relationship that rests on shared values and open communication will endure far longer than one based on authority or persuasion.
Set your learning goals with clarity and pursue them with discipline. Study groups and collaborative learning will serve you well now. If you take on a leadership role in your studies, you will deepen your own understanding while helping others grow.
Organize your enterprise with clear systems and fair role assignments. Do not try to do everything yourself; build a capable team and delegate with confidence. When everyone knows their part and understands the shared purpose, even large projects succeed.
Avoid heavy-handed or dictatorial leadership—it breeds resentment and resistance. Listen to those around you and make decisions with their input. Actions without just cause will erode trust quickly. Hold yourself and others to consistent, fair standards.
Read the line statement for each changing line above. With two or more changing lines, Zhu Xi’s rules decide which text leads the reading.
Original English translation by James Legge, 1882 (Public Domain). Editorial adaptation © Yijing.