Also known as The Army, Leading, The Troops.
The character 師 means an army, and also a master or teacher. Hexagram 7 is about getting many people moving toward one goal. It works only with discipline, a clear purpose and an experienced person in charge.
The figure
Earth over Water. Water hidden under the ground is like groundwater: strength stored among ordinary people until it's needed. One solid line, the second, stands among five broken ones, like a commander among the troops.
The judgment
Hold the line, and put someone experienced in charge. Then nothing goes wrong.
An organized effort needs two things: steady discipline and a leader people trust. With both in place, the effort carries no fault, even when it is hard.
The image
Water held inside the ground, out of sight. Take people in and keep them, and the numbers are there when you need them.
A leader's real strength is the people. Treat them well in ordinary times and they are there when it counts.
The six lines
Counted from the bottom, the way the figure is built when you cast it.
- Line 1, at the bottom. The army sets out in good order. If the order is poor, trouble follows, however good the cause.
- Line 2. At the center of the army. It goes well, and no one can fault it. The ruler honors the commander three times: trust flows from the top.
- Line 3. The wagon may be carrying the dead. It goes badly. Too many people are giving orders, or the wrong one is leading.
- Line 4. The army pulls back. Not a mistake. Retreating from a fight you can't win is the right call.
- Line 5. There is game in the field, and it's right to go after it. Let the experienced one lead. If the inexperienced take over, even steady effort fails.
- Line 6, at the top. The ruler gives the orders, founds states and rewards families. Don't put small-minded people in charge. After a win, choose carefully whom you reward.
Reading it for a question
Hexagram 7 points to a team effort, a campaign or a hard push at work. Make the chain of command clear and give it one leader. Keep discipline, and look after the people doing the work.