Leading the Ranks
shī · Earth over WaterBring people together under clear rules and a leader they trust.
貞丈人吉，无咎。
Many people must act together, as soldiers do, and that is dangerous work. Hold to what is right and put it in the hands of a seasoned, trusted leader. Then things go well, with no fault.
The six lines
初六：師出以律，否臧，凶。
The troops must march out under clear discipline. Without order, even a promising plan turns bad, and that is dangerous.
九二：在師中吉，无咎；王三錫命。
You stand at the center of the troops, holding the balance. That is good, with no fault. The king honors you three times.
六三：師或輿尸，凶。
The troops may come home carting corpses. Muddled command, or someone unfit in charge, leads to real harm. Take this warning seriously.
六四：師左次，无咎。
The troops fall back and camp on the left. A well-timed retreat is no mistake. Know when to give ground.
六五：田有禽，利執言，无咎。長子帥師，弟子輿尸，貞凶。
Beasts raid your field, so speak out; no fault in that. Let the eldest lead. If juniors command too, carts fill with corpses; persisting is dangerous.
上六：大君有命，開國承家，小人勿用。
The great ruler gives out orders, founding states and establishing houses. As you reward the work, keep power out of small-minded hands.
The I Ching is a tool for reflection. Do not use it as the basis for medical, legal or money decisions.