師
Hexagram 7 · 師
Upper trigram: 坤 · Lower trigram: 坎
Shi (The Army): the hexagram of organized collective effort. Choose responsible leadership, establish discipline, and protect the group.
The image
Earth lies above water, suggesting water stored within the ground. A quiet surface contains a considerable reserve of strength. Shi means an army or organized multitude. Its image concerns the responsibility needed whenever many people gather around a demanding task.
Judgment
貞丈人吉，无咎。
Constancy. A mature leader brings good fortune. No blame.
The commentary joins firm central leadership with willing cooperation. A team facing a difficult deadline often needs someone experienced enough to organize effort without treating people as expendable.
Great Image
地中有水，師；君子以容民畜衆。
Within the earth there is water: The Army. The exemplary person accordingly embraces the people and nurtures the multitude.
Collective strength grows from ordinary care before any demanding mobilization. A workplace that trains and supports staff has a stronger foundation for shared effort when pressure increases.
Line texts
Line 1 · 初六
師出以律，否臧，凶。
The army sets out under discipline. If its order is unsound, misfortune.
Six in the first place is yin at the beginning of collective action. The Small Image warns about losing discipline, like starting a volunteer event without clear roles or agreed procedures.
Line 2 · 九二
在師中吉，无咎；王三錫命。
At the army's center: good fortune, no blame. The king grants commands three times.
Nine in the second place is the central yang leader corresponding with the fifth yin. The Small Image connects recognition with care for all domains, like a coordinator trusted because the whole team matters.
Line 3 · 六三
師或輿尸，凶。
The army perhaps carries corpses in its wagons. Misfortune.
Six in the third place is yin in an unsuitable commanding position. The Small Image speaks of great failure, inviting reflection on a project burdened by confused authority and poorly assigned responsibility.
Line 4 · 六四
師左次，无咎。
The army makes camp to the left. No blame.
Six in the fourth place is fitting yin able to pause and withdraw. The Small Image says ordinary order remains intact, like rescheduling a launch when the team lacks essential preparation.
Line 5 · 六五
田有禽，利執言，无咎。長子帥師，弟子輿尸，貞凶。
There is game in the fields. It is beneficial to take hold of it; no blame. Let the eldest son lead the army. If younger sons carry corpses in wagons, constancy brings misfortune.
Six in the fifth place is central yin needing a capable commander. The Small Image contrasts balanced leadership with unsuitable appointments, like selecting a project manager by experience rather than favoritism.
Line 6 · 上六
大君有命，開國承家，小人勿用。
The great ruler gives commands, establishing states and granting households. Do not employ petty people.
Six at the top is yin overseeing the settlement after collective effort. The Small Image emphasizes just rewards and sound appointments, like distributing lasting responsibility according to character as well as performance.
When asking about
Career
Coordinated effort often matters more than individual brilliance. Put experienced people in roles with clear authority.
Love
Shared responsibilities can benefit from explicit agreements. Avoid treating a partner as someone to command.
Money
Group resources tend to need transparent oversight. Set responsibilities for spending and record decisions clearly.
Home
A demanding family task often needs practical coordination. Divide work fairly and check that everyone has support.
Study
A structured group can help sustain difficult learning. Choose a coordinator who encourages preparation and participation.
Health
Collective demands can crowd out personal rest. Protect regular breaks, and see a doctor for any health concern.
Advice
Organize people around a legitimate shared purpose. Keep discipline proportionate, appoint leaders carefully, and make room for a prudent retreat.
Related hexagrams
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Cast a hexagramReference content based on the I Ching classic, not a prediction.