Hexagram 7
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師 (Shī)
•
Shī
The Army
The Army (師 (Shī)): Upper Earth, Lower Water. Discipline guided by elder wisdom leads to blameless victory.
Upper Trigram
Earth
Lower Trigram
Water
⚖ The Judgment
Discipline guided by elder wisdom leads to blameless victory.
✧ The Image
Water hidden within earth; the noble person nourishes the multitude through generosity.
Philosophical Interpretation
In the I Ching (Book of Changes), Hexagram 7 (The Army / 師 (Shī)) embodies the cosmic dynamic between Earth above and Water below. It teaches that wisdom arises from understanding seasonal transitions and adhering to moral constancy.
The Six Changing Lines
- 1 Line 1: Beginning phase of The Army; observe quiet reserve.
- 2 Line 2: Inner equilibrium aligned with virtuous company.
- 3 Line 3: Transition point; rash action invites complication.
- 4 Line 4: Deep breakthrough; sincerity dissipates lingering doubts.
- 5 Line 5: Central sovereign seat; radiant integrity guides the collective.
- 6 Line 6: Culmination and apex; beware hubris as the cycle turns.