7. Shī 師
THE ARMY, COLLECTIVE ENERGY
Key Concepts:
gathering one's forces, war, army, collective battle, leader, steadfastness
Be a fair and noble leader, find harmony between your strengths and weaknesses.
Above is the trigram Kun (Earth), below is the trigram Kan (Water). The metaphorical image of the hexagram Shi is a leader who cares for and leads his army, and an army that venerates and obeys its general. The Army means governing the masses through one. The strength of Earth is in its power and grandeur, and the nature of Water is in its generosity and nourishment. In the Earth, there is Water; one Earth encompasses (collects) many waters, and the multitude of waters nourishes one earth. The richness of the I Ching's imagery speaks of the heart-ruler, as the one who governs all the internal organs and systems of the whole organism. Napoleon said that an army of lions led by a sheep will surely be defeated in battle by an army of sheep led by a lion. The hexagram Shi warns us against both scenarios: the general must serve as a paragon of valor, courage, and kindness for his army, and his army must be disciplined and ready for battle.
Although it is said that the best fight is the one that didn't happen, sometimes conflict (battle, competition) cannot be avoided. In such a case, discipline and martial arts, the ability of one to manage many, a fusion of will and wisdom, collective and individual, are necessary. One should enter war prepared, knowing the battlefield and striving to win the war with the least losses, to defeat the enemy before the battle begins.
An army represents a tremendous force, like water, but if led carelessly and without training its warriors, they become dangerous to their own state. It is said that he who does not feed his own army will feed the enemy's. Therefore, Shi indicates that the commander of the military forces must be a reliable, experienced, and dedicated to the common good person. In battle, the success of the army depends on the soldiers' trust in their commanders. Since the goal of military affairs must always be just, only a person with a truly noble character should take command of the army.
Shi indicates that we must develop our own leadership qualities in our affairs or in public life, but it also calls us to establish correct relationships between the strong and weak elements of our individuality. Like an army, our personality needs self-discipline and noble management — in this case, from our awareness.
Although it is said that the best fight is the one that didn't happen, sometimes conflict (battle, competition) cannot be avoided. In such a case, discipline and martial arts, the ability of one to manage many, a fusion of will and wisdom, collective and individual, are necessary. One should enter war prepared, knowing the battlefield and striving to win the war with the least losses, to defeat the enemy before the battle begins.
An army represents a tremendous force, like water, but if led carelessly and without training its warriors, they become dangerous to their own state. It is said that he who does not feed his own army will feed the enemy's. Therefore, Shi indicates that the commander of the military forces must be a reliable, experienced, and dedicated to the common good person. In battle, the success of the army depends on the soldiers' trust in their commanders. Since the goal of military affairs must always be just, only a person with a truly noble character should take command of the army.
Shi indicates that we must develop our own leadership qualities in our affairs or in public life, but it also calls us to establish correct relationships between the strong and weak elements of our individuality. Like an army, our personality needs self-discipline and noble management — in this case, from our awareness.
I Ching Talking
The great ruler possesses destinies. He establishes the kingdom. Let the insignificant people not act.
Hexagram Line Descriptions
The army acts according to the law. Without integrity – misfortune.
Having made a decision, do not be tempted to change tactics.
Staying at the center of the army. Happiness. No slanders. The king bestows orders three times.
Treat those below you with compassion and respect.
In the army, there may be a carriage of corpses. Misfortune.
There's a likelihood that a multitude of advisers will spoil everything.
The army retreats to its rear. No slanders.
Having achieved some progress, it would now be prudent to temporarily retreat.
It is favorable to hold to one’s word. For the elder son – to lead the army. For the younger son – a carriage of corpses. Steadfastness leads to misfortune.
A dishonorable victory is worse than defeat.
The great ruler possesses destinies. Let the insignificant people not act.
Praise and reward those who are worthy.