Hexagram 7 of 64

Shī — Under Discipline

地水师 · Legge: Sze · Earth above, Water below

Force is legitimate only when it is disciplined, and only a seasoned hand should hold it.

authorityservicerestraintconflict

The Judgment

Shī. In the case which it supposes, with firmness and correctness, and age and experience, there will be good fortune and no error.

Legge’s 1882 translation

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

VII. (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).

地中有水,师;君子以容民畜众。

The Six Lines

The first six · 初六

The first line, divided, shows the host going forth according to the rules. If these be not good, there will be evil.

Legge’s 1882 translation

The 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.

The second nine · 九二

The second line, undivided, shows in the midst of the host. There will be good fortune and no error. The king has thrice conveyed to him the orders.

Legge’s 1882 translation

The 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 favor).

The third six · 六三

The third line, divided, shows how the host may, possibly, have many inefficient leaders. There will be evil.

Legge’s 1882 translation

The third six, divided, shows how the host may, possibly, have many inefficient leaders. There will be evil.

The fourth six · 六四

The fourth line, divided, shows the host in retreat. There is no error.

Legge’s 1882 translation

The fourth six, divided, shows the host in retreat. There is no error.

The fifth six · 六五

The fifth line, divided, shows birds in the fields, which it will be advantageous to seize. In that case there will be no error. If the oldest son leads the host, and younger men, however firm and correct he may be, there will be evil.

Legge’s 1882 translation

The 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.

The topmost six · 上六

The topmost line, divided, shows the great ruler delivering his charges, to be rulers of states, and others to undertake the headship of clans; but small men should not be employed.

Legge’s 1882 translation

The 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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