[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":17},["ShallowReactive",2],{"metaeast_iching64_en-iching-07":3},{"slug":4,"archived":5,"date_created":6,"date_updated":7,"title":8,"content1":9,"content2":10,"seotitle":11,"seodescription":12,"htmlcode":13,"content0":14,"number":15,"seo_keywords":16,"og_title":8,"og_description":12},"iching-07",false,"2026-08-11T00:57:00.580Z","2026-07-04T14:35:04.000Z","Zhouyi I Ching Hexagram 7: The Army, Earth over Water, Kun above Kan below","Detailed explanation of Zhouyi Hexagram Seven\n \u003Cbr>The original text of the Army hexagram\n \u003Cbr>The Army. Correctness; the elder is auspicious; no blame.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: Water exists within the earth—The Army. Thus the noble person accommodates the people and nurtures the multitude.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>The Army hexagram: Divining about the military situation of the commander-in-chief brings no calamity.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: The lower trigram is Kan, which is water; the upper trigram is Kun, which is earth—like “water within the earth.” This is the image of the Army. The noble person observes this image and follows the earth that contains rivers, accepting and nurturing the multitude.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation from The Heavenly Mechanism of Divining Changes\n \u003Cbr>The Army hexagram has Kun above and Kan below and is a Returning-Soul hexagram of the Kan palace. The Army means troops. Only by choosing a respected elder of high virtue to command the army can there be good fortune and no blame.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Labor over the people and the troops; changes are endless. Be fair and selfless, overcoming every difficulty.\n \u003Cbr>Those who obtain this hexagram face difficulty upon difficulty and worry over exhausting the people. They should be tolerant of others, work hard, and eliminate every difficulty.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing: Be tolerant of others, cultivate yourself, and wait for the right time.\n \u003Cbr>Wealth: There is wealth in the treasury; cherish it carefully.\n \u003Cbr>Home: Marriage with an old family connection; cause for celebration.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Abdominal distension; regulate the qi and there will be no worry.\n \u003Cbr>Traditional interpretation of the hexagram\n \u003Cbr>This is a contrasting hexagram, with Kan below and Kun above. “The Army” means troops. Kan is water and danger; Kun is earth and compliance, suggesting soldiers hidden among farmers. Weapons and war are ominous and dangerous; military force is used by sages only as a last resort. Yet it can resolve contradictions smoothly because it follows circumstances and the army has a just cause, thus turning danger into good fortune.\n \u003Cbr>Great image: The image of raising troops and gathering the multitude to launch an attack; both sides suffer harm, and peace is hard to attain.\n \u003Cbr>Fortune: Difficulties abound. Handle everything through proper procedures; avoid acting arbitrarily or using opportunistic shortcuts, and beware hidden enemies.\n \u003Cbr>Career: Resistance is great and difficulties are numerous; you are in fierce competition. Cooperate closely with others, be meticulous and cautious, act decisively, and never act blindly or recklessly. Moderation is enough; protect yourself. Be flexible and strict with yourself. Deal calmly and steadily with everything, and success will follow.\n \u003Cbr>Business: You have accumulated some savings and can undertake a major marketing campaign, but you will inevitably be drawn into fierce commercial warfare. With firm, tenacious spirit and high business ethics, supplemented by flexible methods, do not seek small profits or become careless. Strengthen communication with others and you can escape difficulty and turn danger into safety.\n \u003Cbr>Seeking fame: You possess excellent conditions, but need proper guidance. Demand strict standards of yourself, overcome interference from unfavorable factors, and through solid effort you will achieve both fame and profit.\n \u003Cbr>Marriage and love: Be cautious and focused, or you will fall into a “triangle” dispute. Devoted pursuit can achieve the goal.\n \u003Cbr>Decision-making: You are intelligent by nature, flexible in temperament, strong-willed, and devoted to pursuing your career, advancing despite difficulties. You can accomplish great things. You enjoy competition, are good at debate, and have an adventurous spirit, which inevitably brings trouble. Be mature and steady, do not crave credit, and make central correctness your priority.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The philosophical meaning of the seventh hexagram\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The Army hexagram is a contrasting hexagram with Kan below and Kun above. “The Army” means troops. Kan is water and danger; Kun is earth and compliance, suggesting soldiers hidden among farmers. Weapons and war are ominous and dangerous; military force is used by sages only as a last resort, yet it can resolve contradictions smoothly because it follows circumstances and has a just cause, thus turning danger into good fortune. Obtaining this hexagram is very favorable for leading an army on a military expedition and brings no calamity. The Army is the hexagram of a heavenly horse emerging from the herd, an image of the few subduing the many.\n \u003Cbr>The Army hexagram follows the Conflict hexagram. The Sequence says: “Conflict must cause a multitude to arise, therefore it is followed by the Army. The Army means the multitude.” As people in litigation increase, they eventually form an army.\n \u003Cbr>The Image explains the Army this way: The lower trigram Kan is danger and water; the upper trigram Kun is earth and compliance. The entire image is water beneath the earth. Water hidden underground is inexhaustible, just as soldiers come from among farmers. Thus this image symbolizes the Army. The noble person observes it and follows its spirit: ordinarily accommodating and nurturing the people like the earth stores water, accumulating among the people the strength of troops so it can be inexhaustible in wartime.\n \u003Cbr>The image of the Army hexagram contains a tiger, horse, and ox, indicating the earthly branches Yin, Wu, and Wei; a general standing on a platform, controlling military authority; and a person holding a seal bowing on the ground, indicating receiving a reward. It is the hexagram of a heavenly horse emerging from the herd, the image of the few subduing the many.","Detailed explanation of the Initial Nine line of Hexagram 7 of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Initial Six line statement\n \u003Cbr>Six at the beginning. The army goes forth according to discipline; whether good or bad, disorder is ominous.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The army goes forth according to discipline; losing discipline is ominous.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Six at the beginning: An army going to battle must rely entirely on discipline; failure to observe discipline brings danger.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: An army going to battle must rely entirely on discipline; losing the restraint of discipline brings danger.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Ominous: Those who obtain this line and manage affairs properly will see their goods and wealth increase daily. But those who act recklessly will have few successes and many failures. The immoral will face many dangers, punishments, and injuries. An official should carefully hold to the correct path and will then gain the superior’s appreciation.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Fortune in the present: Seeking gain by abandoning the right path will ultimately bring humiliation.\n \u003Cbr>Wealth: In maritime transport business, acting according to righteousness brings good fortune.\n \u003Cbr>Home: Govern the household according to rules; otherwise there will be misfortune.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Cold symptoms predominate over fever; seek treatment early.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Initial Six changing hexagram\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_7_1.png'\" alt='\"周易第7卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr>When the Initial Six line changes, it produces Hexagram 19: Earth over Lake, Approach. This is a contrasting hexagram, formed by Lake below and Earth above. Kun represents Earth; Dui represents Lake. Earth is higher than the Lake, while the Lake is contained by the Earth. It implies that the ruler personally approaches the realm, governing the country and securing peace, with harmony between above and below.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the First Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation of the first line statement of the Army hexagram\n \u003Cbr>Lu means military regulations and discipline. Fou means bad; here it means failing to observe military discipline.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line statement is: An army going to war must have strict and clear discipline; if military discipline is chaotic, there will inevitably be danger.\n \u003Cbr>From the hexagram image, the Initial Six is a yin line in a yang position, and it is also within the lower trigram Kan. It resembles a low-ranking soldier with weak talent, poor ability, and no return to the proper path. Such a soldier must be governed by strict military discipline and tightly controlled; otherwise, the entire army will be like loose sand and have no fighting power.\n \u003Cbr>Those who obtain this hexagram: If you are a boss or leader, you must pay attention to strict discipline. Good people are less important than good systems. If standards are set for all conduct and activities and strictly enforced, the subordinates’ work will be orderly. You must strictly restrain those below you; otherwise the company or organization will face danger.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the Second Nine line of Hexagram 7 of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Statement of the Second Nine line\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the second place. In the midst of the army, good fortune and no blame; the king bestows the mandate three times.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: In the midst of the army, good fortune—receiving Heaven’s favor. The king bestows the mandate three times—embracing the myriad states.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Nine in the second place: The commander-in-chief is in the army directing operations; good fortune and no calamity. The king issues three commendatory commands.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: The commander-in-chief is in the army directing operations, which is auspicious because he receives Heaven’s favor. The king issues three commendatory commands because the commander can win the allegiance of all nations.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Auspicious: Those who obtain this line will meet a benefactor and accomplish their plans. An official will be appreciated by superiors and have an opportunity for promotion. A scholar will achieve excellent results.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing: An outstanding talent will receive great appreciation.\n \u003Cbr>Wealth: With outstanding strategy, the leader gains profit.\n \u003Cbr>Home: Respected by neighbors; marriage is auspicious.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Get the blood and qi moving; the illness will ease.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Transformation of the Second Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_7_2.png'\" alt='\"周易第7卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr>When the Second Nine line changes, it produces Hexagram 2: Kun as Earth. This is a same hexagram, with Kun below and Kun above, and it is yin in nature. It symbolizes Earth, opposite to Qian, obeying Heaven and bearing all things, extending without limit. The Kun hexagram uses the mare as its symbol, showing that the way of Earth gives birth to and nurtures all things while following Heaven and adapting to the seasons, with a gentle disposition. Through “first becoming lost, then gaining,” it proves that Kun follows and accompanies Qian; only in this way can one grasp the right direction, follow the proper path, and obtain auspiciousness.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the Second Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Wang means king. Bestowing the mandate means granting an order, here meaning issuing an order of commendation.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line is: Serving as commander in the army, remaining centered and impartial brings good fortune and no calamity; the king repeatedly bestows commendatory orders.\n \u003Cbr>From the hexagram image, the Second Nine occupies the central position of the lower trigram. The Second Nine and Fifth Six are in correct correspondence. The Fifth Six is the position of Heaven or the Son of Heaven and gives the Second Nine full support, so it will reward the Second Nine and entrust it with important responsibilities.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: “In the midst of the army, good fortune”—receiving Heaven’s favor. “The king bestows the mandate three times”—embracing the myriad states.\n \u003Cbr>Those who obtain this hexagram should learn from Shao Gong Hu: walk uprightly and act correctly, and there will be no disaster; you will receive commendation and promotion.\n \u003Cbr>As commander in chief of the three armies, the Second Nine holds great authority, so it is naturally auspicious and free of disaster. Being entrusted with such an important responsibility shows the Son of Heaven’s trust and favor. The ruler bestows commands on it three times, showing the ruler’s high hopes that it will pacify the country and secure the state. The Second Nine corresponds with the Sixth Five in the ruler’s position, so it can receive the ruler’s commands. The Rites of Zhou says: “With the first command, one receives office; with the second, one receives robes; with the third, one receives rank.” Clearly, these three commands confer tremendous power. The ancients believed that this line referred to King Wu receiving King Wen’s reward for his military achievements. Since King Wu had not yet succeeded to the throne at that time, he could not yet be called the ruler.\n \u003Cbr> \n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the Third Nine line of Hexagram 7 of the Zhouyi\n \u003Cbr>Six in the third place line statement\n \u003Cbr>Six in the third place. The army may carry corpses in carts; ominous.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: The army may carry corpses in carts; there is great failure and no achievement.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Six in the third place: The army goes on campaign, and some return carrying corpses; this is an ominous sign.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: The army goes on campaign, and some return carrying corpses; this means the front has suffered defeat.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Ominous: Those who obtain this line will experience much sorrow, or a family member may die of illness. An official will wait for a vacancy after being appointed.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing: Without virtue but occupying a position, misfortune is unavoidable.\n \u003Cbr>Wealth: Goods are consumed and wealth lost; extremely dangerous.\n \u003Cbr>Home: There will be no peace; be cautious above all.\n \u003Cbr>Health: One may possibly pass away.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Six in the third place changing hexagram\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_7_3.png'\" alt='\"周易第7卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr>When the Six in the Third place moves, it changes to Hexagram 46 of the Zhouyi: Sheng, Earth over Wind. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Xun below and Kun above, doubled together. Kun represents earth and compliance; Xun represents wood and modesty. Trees grow from the earth, gradually developing and becoming taller and useful timber—an image of a career rising step by step and a grand future. Hence it is called “Rising.”\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>The philosophical meaning of the line of Nine in the third place\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Explanation of the Third Line Statement of the Shi Hexagram\n \u003Cbr>Yu: vehicles or carts. “Transporting corpses in carts” describes using carts to carry bodies, an image of military defeat.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line is: Soldiers periodically return from the battlefield carrying the bodies of those killed in battle; this is ominous.\n \u003Cbr>In the hexagram image, the Six in the Third place is a yin line in a yang position. Its qualities are weak, yet it advances rashly and restlessly. It is at the upper end of the lower trigram Kan, which symbolizes danger. Thus this line is in extreme danger and must be guarded with great caution; it must not advance blindly. Yet the Six in the Third place rides above the Nine in the Second place, meaning that it ignores the commander’s arrangements, disobeys military orders, underestimates the enemy, and advances recklessly. It will therefore inevitably suffer a crushing defeat and return.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: “The army sometimes transports corpses in carts”—it has achieved nothing great. This means that “soldiers periodically return carrying the bodies of those killed in battle” shows an inability to know oneself and the enemy. Attacking despite being outmatched, without knowing one’s limitations, results in defeat and no achievement whatsoever.\n \u003Cbr>When the army returns from battle, the carts carry no spoils, only the bodies of fallen soldiers. How could this not be ominous? On one hand, it certainly means returning defeated after just experiencing the dangers of battle; on the other, the commander surely will not spare the officers responsible for the expedition. That is the danger awaiting them after returning.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the Nine-Five line of the Seventh Zhouyi hexagram\n \u003Cbr>Six in the fourth place line statement\n \u003Cbr>Six in the Fourth place: The army camps on the left; no blame.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: “Camping on the left brings no blame,” for it has not departed from the usual way.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Six in the Fourth place: The army camps on the left; there is no danger.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: “The army camps on the left; there is no danger,” because whether the army stations itself left or right depends on the terrain and the situation between enemy and self; it has not violated the normal principles of marching.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Neutral: Those who obtain this line can live and work peacefully, without the disaster of rash action. Officials will have poor career prospects and should not indulge in unrealistic hopes.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing: Career prospects are poor; do not indulge in unrealistic hopes.\n \u003Cbr>Wealth: Lower-grade goods can still bring profit.\n \u003Cbr>Home: Living near the east and facing southwest is auspicious; marrying into the wife’s family brings no blame.\n \u003Cbr>Health: With the life force returning in spring, illness can be cured.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Six in the fourth place changing hexagram\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_7_4.png'\" alt='\"周易第7卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr>When the Six in the Fourth place moves, it changes to Hexagram 40 of the Zhouyi: Jie, Thunder over Water. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Kan below and Zhen above. Zhen is thunder and movement; Kan is water and danger. Danger is within, movement without. In severe winter, heaven and earth are closed and stillness reaches its extreme, then movement begins. All things renew; winter passes and spring arrives, removing everything—this is Release.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fourth place line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Explanation of the meaning of the Fourth Line of the Shi Hexagram\n \u003Cbr>Left: In ancient armies, the right was honored; the right meant advancing, while the left meant withdrawing. Ci means being stationed for more than two days. The Zuo Commentary contains the sentence: “For an army, one night is lodging, two nights are a stay, and beyond that is ci.” This explains “ci.”\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line statement is: Temporarily withdraw the army to avoid suffering losses.\n \u003Cbr>Let us examine the Six in the Fourth place. It is a yin line in a yielding position, so it has the image of retreating.\n \u003Cbr>The Image explains this line as: “Camping on the left brings no blame”—it shows a loss of the norm.\n \u003Cbr>Those who receive this hexagram should adjust their arrangements in time according to objective circumstances. It is best to retreat temporarily; this is to achieve their goals more effectively.\n \u003Cbr>This tells people that warfare does not always require seeking victory. When victory cannot be achieved, one must know how to retreat and preserve strength. Only this prevents great disaster. The guerrilla warfare advocated by Mao Zedong embodies this meaning. The strategic principle “When the enemy advances, we retreat; when the enemy retreats, we harass” both preserves one’s fighting strength and effectively destroys the enemy. As the ancient saying goes, victory and defeat are ordinary matters in military affairs. Yet in defeat, one must know how to preserve strength and reduce losses. For example, Zhuge Liang made six expeditions to Mount Qi and lost every battle, but he arranged his withdrawals skillfully, causing no major casualties and preserving his fighting capacity. Thus, although Zhuge Liang suffered six defeats at Mount Qi, this did not diminish his brilliant reputation as a master of warfare.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the Nine-Five line of the Seventh Zhouyi hexagram\n \u003Cbr>Six in the fifth place line statement\n \u003Cbr>Six in the Fifth place: There is game in the fields; it is beneficial to state the case; no blame. The elder son leads the army; the younger sons transport corpses. Constancy is ominous.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: “The elder son leads the army”—he acts according to the middle path; “the younger sons transport corpses”—the deployment was improper.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Six in the Fifth place: While hunting, game is obtained; in battle, prisoners are captured, and there is no disaster. The elder son commands the army, while the second son is defeated and killed in battle; this is an ominous indication.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: “The elder son commands the army”—this is acting according to the proper middle way. “The second son is defeated and killed in battle”—this is because the wrong person was assigned.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Neutral: Those who obtain this line will see their wealth increase daily. If they appoint the right people, their plans can succeed, but they must guard against danger from petty people. Officials may hold real power or rise to prominence because of their remonstrances. Scholars will achieve good results.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing: Virtue must exceed talent; otherwise there is danger.\n \u003Cbr>Wealth: Mature and experienced; profits can be made.\n \u003Cbr>Home: Favorable for the eldest son; marriage arranged by a matchmaker succeeds.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Jogging and physical exercise.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Six in the fifth place changing hexagram\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_7_5.png'\" alt='\"周易第7卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr>When the Six in the Fifth place moves, it changes to Hexagram 29 of the Zhouyi: Kan, Water doubled. This is the same hexagram, with Kan below and Kan above. Kan is water and danger; two Kans mean danger upon danger and obstacles everywhere. One yang is trapped between two yin lines. Fortunately, yin is empty and yang substantial, so sincerity can open a clear passage. Though dangers are repeated, they reveal the radiance of human nature.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the Nine in the fifth place line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Explanation of the Line Statement of the Fifth Line of the Shi Hexagram\n \u003Cbr>“Beneficial to state the case”: This is language concerning hunting. There are wild animals in the fields, and it also refers to rebellious troublemakers in the state. These provide the reason for sending out the army, so making the reasons clear to the people means the expedition has a just cause and will avoid disaster.\n \u003Cbr>In the hexagram image, the Six in the Fifth place is a yin line in the ruler’s position, centered but not properly placed. A yin line in the ruler’s position generally lacks yang strength but possesses yin virtue: it will not initiate aggression, advocates peace and justice, treats ministers humbly, honors the worthy, and respects the lowly. In this hexagram, an enemy has certainly invaded, so it is a just war. The ministers strongly support the Six in the Fifth place and are highly enthusiastic about fighting. The key is whether the Six in the Fifth place can recognize people and assign them appropriately.\n \u003Cbr>Regarding the line statement of the Six in the Fifth place, the Image explains it as follows: “The elder son commands the army”—he acts according to the middle path; “the younger sons transport corpses”—the deployment was improper. Looking at the entire line statement, the first part says that the army has a just cause and that there is no disaster.\n \u003Cbr>Detailed explanation of the Upper-Six line of the Seventh Zhouyi hexagram\n \u003Cbr>Upper Six line statement\n \u003Cbr>Top Six: The great ruler issues a mandate: establish states and continue families; do not employ petty people.\n \u003Cbr>The Image says: “The great ruler issues a mandate”—to properly recognize merit; “do not employ petty people”—they will surely bring disorder to the state.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation in plain language\n \u003Cbr>Top Six: The ruler issues an order. Some are enfeoffed as feudal lords and receive fiefs; others are appointed as ministers and receive estates. But do not heavily employ people who lack ability and virtue.\n \u003Cbr>The Image Commentary says: “The ruler issues an order conferring rewards on meritorious officials”—this is rewarding according to merit. Do not heavily employ people who lack ability and virtue, because petty people will certainly overturn the state and throw the country into disorder.\n \u003Cbr>Explanation by Shao Yong, a Northern Song scholar of the Changes\n \u003Cbr>Neutral: Those who obtain this line can establish a household or inherit the family business, but should beware of petty people causing obstruction. Officials will gain authority and establish merit. Specialists will become famous for their skills.\n \u003Cbr>Interpretation by Fu Peirong, a Taiwanese master of traditional Chinese learning\n \u003Cbr>Timing: Reward merit according to achievement; do not act like a petty person.\n \u003Cbr>Wealth: Wealth may bring rank, but beware of petty people.\n \u003Cbr>Home: The family prospers; a respected person serves as matchmaker.\n \u003Cbr>Health: Normal exercise.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Upper Six changing hexagram\n \u003Cbr>\u003Cimg src='\"https:\u002F\u002Fmypublicforweb.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com\u002Finching\u002F64_7_6.png'\" alt='\"周易第7卦的其中之一变卦卦的卦图'\" >\n \u003Cbr>When the Top Six moves, it changes to Hexagram 4 of the Zhouyi: Meng, Mountain over Water. This is a contrasting hexagram, with Kan below and Gen above. Gen is the image of a mountain and signifies stopping; Kan is the image of water and signifies danger. The form is danger below a mountain, yet continuing forward without stopping—this is ignorance, hence the name Meng. But because one seizes the opportunity and acts in accordance with the time, it also has the image of enlightenment and free passage.\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr>Philosophical meaning of the Upper Nine line\n \u003Cbr>\n \u003Cbr> Explanation of the Line Statement of the Sixth Line of the Shi Hexagram\n \u003Cbr>The great ruler: the king or Son of Heaven. A state: the territory of a feudal lord, meaning that a meritorious person is enfeoffed as a feudal lord.\n \u003Cbr>A fief is granted; a family: the territory of a minister, meaning that a meritorious official is made a minister and granted land.\n \u003Cbr>The meaning of this line is: After returning triumphantly, the Son of Heaven issues an edict and enfeoffs meritorious officials—some as feudal lords, some as high ministers, and some as ministers—but petty people must never be heavily employed.\n \u003Cbr>The Top Six line refers to the end of the war and the army’s return to court, when merit is assessed and rewards are distributed. This line mainly indicates how the soldiers and officers who fought should be rewarded.\n \u003Cbr>Those who obtain this hexagram, if they are an employer or leader, must reward employees or subordinates according to their achievements and contributions. However, care is needed in the manner of rewarding petty people.\n \u003Cbr>This describes the situation in which King Wu destroyed Zhou and enfeoffed the feudal lords. By then, King Wu had already ascended the throne as Son of Heaven and become leader of the alliance of feudal lords, so he was called “the great ruler.” “Establish states and continue families” means enfeoffing meritorious generals and strategists. The first strategist King Wu rewarded was Jiang Ziya, who was called the ancestor of Qi by the Zhou military because he was the founding leader of the state of Qi, hence “ancestor of Qi.” After establishing a new regime, the most important thing was “do not employ petty people.”","Zhouyi I Ching Hexagram 7, the Shi Hexagram, Earth over Water—Detailed Explanation of the Judgment—Eastern Metaphysics Library","Detailed explanation of Zhouyi I Ching Hexagram 7, the Shi Hexagram (Earth over Water, Kun above and Kan below): the original judgment and its plain-language translation, an analysis of the auspiciousness and inauspiciousness of each line statement, and interpretations of career, relationships, and fortunes.","䷆","\u003Cp>The Army: Correctness; the elder is auspicious; no blame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Tuan Commentary says: The Army means the multitude; correctness means uprightness. If one can lead the multitude with uprightness, one can become king. Firmness in the center responds, proceeding through danger yet following the proper course. If one uses this to discipline the world and the people follow, what further blame could there be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Image says: Water exists within the earth—The Army. Thus the noble person accommodates the people and gathers the multitude.\u003C\u002Fp>",7,"Zhouyi, I Ching, Hexagram 7, Shi Hexagram, the Sixty-Four Hexagrams, hexagram judgment, line statement, detailed plain-language explanation",1787044933158]