師 Shī · The army

The judgment

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

(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).

The lines, bottom to top

1. Bottom line, broken

   The first line, divided, shows the host going forth according to the rules (for such a movement). If these be not good, there will be evil.

2. Second line, solid

   The second line, 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 favour).

3. Third line, broken

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

4. Fourth line, broken

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

5. Fifth line, broken

   The fifth line, 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.

6. Top line, broken

   The topmost line, 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).