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The Army

师 (Shī)

Hexagram #7

Hexagram Structure

Yin Line

Yang Line

Yin Line

Upper Trigram

Earth

Lower Trigram

Water

Core Essence

Keywords

leadershipdisciplineorganizationstrategy

Meaning

Represents the need for leadership, discipline, and organized effort.

Guidance

Lead with discipline and integrity. Organize your resources effectively.

Classical Texts

Judgment

The Army. The army needs a persevering man. Good fortune without blame.

师：贞，丈人吉，无咎。

Image

In the middle of the earth is water: the image of the Army. Thus the superior man increases his masses by generosity toward the people.

地中有水，师；君子以容民畜众。

Hexagram Story & Origin

The Army hexagram embodies the wisdom of military organization and leadership. Ancient military strategy emphasized that 'war is a matter of vital importance to the state,' and the Shi hexagram stresses using troops like a god, winning through orthodox and surprise tactics. Legend tells that Jiang Ziya assisted King Wu of Zhou in overthrowing the Shang, embodying the strategic thinking of the Shi hexagram. The Shi hexagram applies not only to military affairs but is equally important in modern management: having clear goals, strict discipline, and leadership that can unite everyone's will.

Detailed Analysis

**Hexagram Composition:** Upper Trigram: Earth Lower Trigram: Water **Judgment Analysis:** The Army. The army needs a persevering man. Good fortune without blame. 师：贞，丈人吉，无咎。 **Image Wisdom:** In the middle of the earth is water: the image of the Army. Thus the superior man increases his masses by generosity toward the people. 地中有水，师；君子以容民畜众。 **Modern Application:** In today's society, the wisdom of The Army can guide us: • Lead with discipline and integrity. Organize your resources effectively. • Keywords: leadership, discipline, organization, strategy • Core Concept: Represents the need for leadership, discipline, and organized effort.

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