䷆ Shi shī
Core Meaning
The Shi hexagram symbolizes an army and leading the multitude. Water within the Earth, like people gathered into an army. It emphasizes the importance of discipline, leadership, and strategy. 'One who can lead the multitude righteously can become king.' Only a righteous army can win the hearts of the people; an immoral person leading troops is bound to fail.
The Judgment
Perseverance. A great man. Good fortune. Without blame.
Interpretation:
The Shi hexagram symbolizes an army. Adhering to righteousness, led by a venerable elder, brings good fortune and no blame.
The Image
Water within the Earth: this is The Army. The superior person nourishes the people and gathers the masses.
Structure
Earth above, Water below. Water hidden within the Earth. Earth represents multitude and submission, Water represents danger and multitude, symbolizing an army of the populace.
The Lines
The six lines are read from bottom to top, representing the progression from the foundation to the culmination.
Initial six: An army goes forth with discipline. If not, misfortune.
Nine in the second place: In the midst of the army. Good fortune. No blame. The king bestows thrice.
Six in the third place: The army, perhaps carrying corpses. Misfortune.
Six in the fourth place: The army retreats to the left. No blame.
Six in the fifth place: In the field there is game. It is advantageous to seize the word (give orders). No blame. The eldest son leads the army. The younger brother carries corpses. Firm perseverance brings misfortune.
Top six: The great ruler issues a command. To found states and establish families. Petty people should not be employed.
Modern Interpretation
💼 Career & Business
Requires organizing teams and leading people. Nine in the second place's 'in the army, good fortune' indicates that a leader should manage from the center, gaining trust from superiors. 'An army goes forth with discipline' emphasizes the importance of rules and regulations. 'The eldest son leads the army' reminds us to select talented and virtuous individuals, not petty people.
❤️ Relationships
In relationships, order and principles need to be established. 'Nourishes the people and gathers the masses' means being inclusive and cohesive, but also having boundaries. 'The army retreats to the left' tells us to withdraw when necessary, not to stubbornly persist. Choose a partner based on virtue, not just appearance.
🎯 Decision Making
Currently, you need to organize forces and build a team. However, pay attention to 'an army goes forth with discipline,' meaning action should be methodical. Major actions require guidance from experienced individuals. Remember 'petty people should not be employed;' the choice of partners is crucial.
⚠️ Warning & Caution
The greatest dangers are lax military discipline and improper appointments. 'If not (disciplined), misfortune' means a lack of discipline inevitably leads to failure. 'The younger brother carries corpses' warns that appointing immoral individuals will lead to disastrous defeat. 'The army, perhaps carrying corpses' indicates severe consequences for strategic errors.
Applicable Scenarios
The Shi hexagram can provide guidance and inspiration when you encounter the following situations:
Historical Context & Cultural Heritage
Zhuge Liang marched out of Qishan six times. Although his northern expeditions were not successful, his army was disciplined and fair in rewards and punishments, earning deep loyalty from his troops. As a 'great man,' he led the Shu army with 'discipline,' enabling him to retreat unscathed even after defeat. This embodies the Shi hexagram's 'Perseverance. A great man. Good fortune. Without blame.' Conversely, Ma Su's loss of Jieting due to disobeying orders is a lesson in 'the younger brother carries corpses.'
Related Hexagrams
Based on the connections between hexagrams, the following are also worth exploring:
Deepen Your Understanding
This interpretation provides a foundational understanding of the Shi hexagram. For a deeper comprehension, consider:
- • Reading commentaries from classical scholars and modern interpreters
- • Studying the hexagram's position within the overall sequence of the 64 hexagrams
- • Reflecting on how its wisdom applies to your current life situation
- • Exploring the changing lines and their resulting hexagrams in divination
Authoritative Resources
Want to explore the I Ching more deeply? These authoritative resources provide scholarly perspectives: