Hexagram 7 師 - Shī / The Army

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Trigrams

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• Above: Kūn, The Receptive, Earth
• Below: Lower Kǎn, The Abysmal, Water

This hexagram consists of the trigrams Kǎn (Water) below and Kūn (Earth) above. It symbolizes groundwater accumulating within the earth. In the same way, military power gathers within the masses of the people: invisible during peacetime, yet always available as a source of power. The attributes of these trigrams are danger within and obedience without. This points to the essence of an army, which is inherently dangerous, while discipline and obedience must prevail externally.

Looking at the individual lines, the ruler of the hexagram is the strong nine in the second place, to which the other yielding lines subordinate themselves. This line signifies the commander because it occupies the center of the lower trigram. However, because it rests in the lower rather than the upper trigram, it does not represent the ruler, but rather the capable general who maintains obedience within the army through his authority.

The Judgment

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The army needs perseverance and a strong man. Good fortune without blame.

An army is a mass that requires organization to become a cohesive force. Nothing can be achieved without firm discipline. However, this discipline cannot be forced through coercion alone; it requires a strong leader who wins the hearts of the people and inspires enthusiasm. To fully develop his capabilities, he needs the absolute trust of his ruler, who must grant him full responsibility for the duration of the war.

Yet war is always a dangerous endeavor that brings destruction and devastation. Therefore, it should never be undertaken lightly, but rather used like a poisonous medicine as a last resort. An experienced leader must clarify the just cause and a clear, understandable objective to the people. Only when a specific goal exists - one for which the people can consciously dedicate themselves - does the unity and strength of conviction emerge that leads to victory. Furthermore, the commander must ensure that nothing unjust occurs during the passion of war or the euphoria of victory, lest it fail to win general approval. Justice and perseverance are the fundamental requirements for a successful outcome.

The Image

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Groundwater is in the midst of the earth: the image of the Army. Thus the superior man increases his masses by generosity toward the people.

Groundwater is invisibly present within the earth. In the same way, the military power of a nation is invisibly present within its masses. When danger threatens, every peasant becomes a soldier, returning to his plow once the war ends.

Whoever shows generosity toward the people wins their affection, and a population living under a benevolent government becomes strong and resilient. Only an economically robust nation can be significant as a military power. Therefore, one must cultivate this power by fostering the economic well-being of the people and maintaining a humane government. Only when this invisible bond exists between the government and the people - where the people feel as secure under it as groundwater within the earth - is it possible to wage a war successfully.

The Individual Lines

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Six at the beginning means:

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An army must march out in good order. If order is lacking, misfortune threatens.

At the beginning of a military campaign, order must prevail. There must be a just and compelling cause, and the obedience and coordination of the troops must be well-organized; otherwise, failure is the inevitable consequence.

Nine in the second place means:

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In the midst of the army! Good fortune! No blame. The king confers a threefold decoration.

The commander must be in the midst of his army. He must maintain a close connection with it and share both good fortune and hardship with the masses he leads. Only in this way can he meet the heavy demands placed upon him. He also requires the recognition of the ruler. The honors he receives are justified because they do not represent personal favoritism; instead, the entire army is honored through the leader who dwells in its midst.

Six in the third place means:

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The army carries corpses in the wagon, perhaps. Misfortune!

One explanation points to a defeat caused by someone other than the chosen leader interfering in command. Another explanation aligns with this meaning but interprets the expression “carrying corpses in the wagon” differently.¹ Perhaps the entire difficulty can be resolved by assuming a scribal error, substituting fán (all) for shī (corpse). In that case, the meaning would simply be: if the multitude takes control of the army and rides in the wagon, it brings misfortune.

Six in the fourth place means:

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The army retreats. No blame.

When facing a superior enemy against whom conflict is hopeless, an orderly retreat is the only correct course of action, as it preserves the army from defeat and dissolution. It is by no means a sign of courage or strength to insist on fighting a hopeless battle under any circumstances.

Six in the fifth place means:

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There is game in the field. It furthers one to catch it. No blame. Let the eldest lead the army. The younger carries corpses; then perseverance brings misfortune.

The game is in the field, meaning it has left its habitat in the forest and invaded the fields, causing devastation. This indicates an enemy invasion. In such a case, energetic combat and defense are entirely justified. However, the fight must be conducted according to established rules. It must not degenerate into a wild, chaotic free-for-all where everyone fights on their own initiative; that would lead to disaster despite the greatest perseverance and bravery. Instead, the army must be guided by an experienced commander. War must be conducted systematically; the multitude must not simply slaughter whatever comes to hand, otherwise defeat is suffered, and despite all persistence, misfortune threatens.

Six at the top means:

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The great prince issues commands, founds states, vests families with fiefs. Inferior people should not be employed.

The war has ended in victory. With the triumph achieved, the king distributes fiefs and family estates among his loyal followers. However, it is crucial that inferior people are not allowed to attain power. If they have assisted, they may be compensated with money, but they must not be granted territories or sovereign rights, preventing any abuse of authority.

Reference links

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• Hexagram look-up table
• Advanced hexagram correspondence table