Hexagram
Upper TrigramEarthLower TrigramWaterLine 1 · YinLine 2 · YangLine 3 · YinLine 4 · YinLine 5 · YinLine 6 · YinKing Wen Sequence #7 · The Army
I Ching Hexagram #7 Earth / Water

The Army

地水师 (Shi)

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

The Judgment & Decision

[Original Judgment]
贞,丈人,吉无咎。
Vernacular Essence: 地下聚水藏兵,统众行师之象。纪律严明、正义出师,以威严与德行凝聚众人之力。
Translation: The Army. The army needs perseverance and a strong person. Good fortune without blame.
[Commentary on the Decision]

师,众也,贞正也,能以众正,可以王矣。

The Great Symbolism & Virtue

《象》曰:地中有水,师;君子以容民畜众。

The Symbolism: The Army

The Six Lines & Dynamics

First Line
Line 1

初潜修德,厚积薄发。

《象》曰:行事之初,正固为本。

Insight: Early phase: cultivate virtue and build firm foundations.

Second Line
Line 2

得中居正,顺理成章。

《象》曰:居中守正,吉无咎也。

Insight: Progressing in balance: centered action brings auspicious support.

Third Line
Line 3

多凶多惧,终日惕厉。

《象》曰:处于转折,慎终如始。

Insight: Critical juncture: remain vigilant and cautious amidst uncertainty.

Fourth Line
Line 4

审时度势,顺应高明。

《象》曰:顺应高明,获其志也。

Insight: High responsibility: adapt wisely and maintain integrity without arrogance.

Fifth Line
Line 5

居尊当位,光被四表。

《象》曰:大君之位,德施普也。

Insight: Peak position of authority: lead with virtue and broad benevolence.

Top Line
Line 6

高亢知戒,顺应转机。

《象》曰:物极当变,持盈保泰。

Insight: Culmination: beware of extremes and prepare gracefully for renewal.