Hexagram 7 · King Wen sequence
Organized Effort
師 · shī
Modern reflection
Coordinated discipline turns many efforts into one.
Lower trigram: 坎 Water
Upper trigram: 坤 Earth
Historical source
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.
(The trigram representing) the earth and in the midst of it that representing water, form Sze. The superior man, in accordance with this, nourishes and educates the people, and collects (from among them) the multitudes (of the hosts).
James Legge, 1882, public domain. Historical wording is shown for source transparency, not as a guaranteed prediction.Changing-line passages
- Line 1The 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.
- Line 2The 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).
- Line 3The third SIX, divided, shows how the host may, possibly, have many inefficient leaders. There will be evil.
- Line 4The fourth SIX, divided, shows the host in retreat. There is no error.
- Line 5The 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.
- Line 6The 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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