shīAlso known as “The Army” (Wilhelm/Baynes) and “Sze” (Legge)
disciplineleadershipcollective effort
In plain words
Water held within the earth: an army, a disciplined multitude. Success needs a seasoned, upright leader and strict order; force is justified only for a right cause.
The attitude it asks for
Lead with discipline and clear command, choose experienced hands, and keep the cause just.
Structure
Upper trigram☷坤Kun (the Receptive)地 · earth · Earth
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.
Commentary on the Judgment
師，眾也，貞正也，能以眾正，可以王矣。剛中而應，行險而順，以此毒天下，而民從之，吉又何咎矣。
(The name) Sze describes the multitude (of the host). The 'firmness and correctness' (which the hexagram indicates) refer to (moral) correctness (of aim). When (the mover) is able to use the multitude with such correctness, he may attain to the royal sway.
There is (the symbol of) strength in the centre (of the trigram below), and it is responded to (by its proper correlate above). The action gives rise to perils, but is in accordance (with the best sentiments of men). (Its mover) may by such action distress all the country, but the people will follow him;—there will be good fortune, and what error should there be?
The Image
地中有水，師；君子以容民畜眾。
(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).
爻辭 The six lines
When one line moves, the hexagram becomes another:
上六Six at the top
大君有命，開國承家，小人勿用。
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).
Its symbolism
大君有命，以正功也。小人勿用，必亂邦也。
'The great ruler delivers his charges:'—thereby he rightly apportions merit. 'Small men should not be employed:'—they are sure to throw the states into confusion.
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.
Its symbolism
長子帥師，以中行也。弟子輿尸，使不當也。
'The oldest son leads the host:'—its movements are directed by him in accordance with his position in the centre. 'Younger men idly occupy their positions:'—the employment of such men is improper.
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).
Its symbolism
在師中吉，承天寵也。王三錫命，懷萬邦也。
'He is in the midst of the host, and there will be good fortune:'—he has received the favour of Heaven. 'The king has thrice conveyed to him the orders (of) his favour:'—(the king) cherishes the myriad regions in his heart.
Shown in the classical Chinese with James Legge's English (1882).
Questions about this hexagram
What does Hexagram 7, Troops, mean?
Water held within the earth: an army, a disciplined multitude. Success needs a seasoned, upright leader and strict order; force is justified only for a right cause.
Which trigrams form Troops?
坤 above 坎 — earth over water. Its nuclear hexagram (lines 2–5) is 復 Returning.
What happens when a line of Troops changes?
A moving line turns the hexagram into another one; the list above shows all six. With several moving lines, the guide to changing lines explains which text to read.
How do I get Troops in a reading?
Build six lines from the bottom up with three coins or yarrow stalks; the pattern - - — - - - - - - - - is Troops. You can also cast a reading here — the lines are decided by code, the text is this page's.