All hexagrams · ← 6 · 8 →
師 7 · Shī · The Collective Effort
Earth over Water — upper Kūn 坤 (receptive, yielding, nourishing); lower Kǎn 坎 (deep, dangerous, flowing)
Hexagram 7, The Collective Effort (Shī, 師), is Earth over Water. Water under the earth. A disciplined group under a seasoned leader, moving for a just cause.
The situation
Water under the earth. A disciplined group under a seasoned leader, moving for a just cause.
The counsel
Order, clear roles, and a cause worth the effort. Lead with experience and care for those who follow.
The six lines
Line 1 — Set out in good order, or fail before starting.
Line 2 — A leader in the midst of the ranks. Honoured; good fortune.
Line 3 — Corpses in the wagon. Divided leadership brings misfortune.
Line 4 — Retreat in good order. No blame.
Line 5 — Take only what is legitimate. Let experience lead; the inexperienced mishandle it.
Line 6 — Reward the deserving. Do not elevate the unworthy.