Shi
Organized Effort
When you receive Hexagram 7, Shi, the I Ching turns your attention to organized effort. The Army. Below is its judgment, its image, and the meaning of each changing line.
The Judgment
The Army. With steadfastness and a leader of experience, good fortune and no error.
Classical (Legge)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 Image
Water held within the earth forms Shi. The centered one nourishes and educates the people, and draws from them the strength of many.
Classical (Legge)(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).
The Changing Lines
An army must set forth in proper order. If discipline fails, there will be misfortune.
Classical (Legge)An army must set forth according to the rules (for such a movement). If these be not good, there will be evil.
The leader stands in the midst of his forces. Good fortune and no error. The ruler has three times bestowed his trust.
Classical (Legge)(The leader) is 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).
The army has many idle chariots. Misfortune.
Classical (Legge)The host may have many idle chariots. There will be evil.
The army retreats to regroup. No error.
Classical (Legge)The host is in retreat. There is no error.
There are birds in the field. It furthers to capture them. No error. Let the eldest son lead the host. If younger men hold offices idly, however firm and correct, there will be misfortune.
Classical (Legge)There are birds in the field, 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.
The great ruler issues commands, appointing some to govern states and others to lead clans. Small men should hold no such positions.
Classical (Legge)The great ruler issues his commands, (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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