7. Shih; The Army Above; K'un the Receptive earthBelow; K'an the Abysmal, water
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21st century | Comparisons |
| Knowledge can be dangerous when it is disordered
and not used to improve the affairs of the community. Like an army life of
itself is full of the potential for violence and it is the order that one
brings through discipline that the intrinsic entropy of life does not
shiver apart the best made plans and arrangements. To earn the hearts of
those that might look to you for leadership you have to present a well
reasoned and ordered plan. People are not stupid and will bring to bear
the required attention.
However when even the plans have been exhaustive there is the danger of human error and that of plans being miscarried. When this happens then there is no blame and it is the person best suited to the situation who survives. To conduct one's affairs without restraint will cause bad luck; the wheels will fall off. Moderation in all things. |
Below are the interpretations of a) Legge, b) Willhelm, c) Riefler, d) Crowley
a) The host going forth according to the rules (for such a movement)). If these be not good, there will be evil.
b) An army must set forth in proper order. If the order is not good misfortune threatens.
c) The soldiers set forth under orders. Ominous if the orders are not good.
d) mark well the rules of martial strategy.
e) Before marshalling your strength clarify your purpose. When purpose is clear order follows.
a) (the leader) in the midst of the host. There will be good fortune and no error. The king has thrice conveyed to him orders (of his favor).
b) In the midst of the army. Good fortune. No blame. The king bestows a triple decoration.
c) The leader is among the soldiers. The chief commends him three times. Auspicious. No mistakes.
d) Chief of the host, the king confers the post.
e) Know all the parts in your plan and it shall respond, as soldiers to orders.
a) how the host may, possibly, have many inefficient leaders. There will be evil.
b) Perchance the army carries corpses in the wagon. Misfortune.
c) The soldiers in the wagon are dead. Ominous.
d) Divided counsel - inefficiency!
e) Uncertainty and indecision bring misfortune in concert.
a) the host in retreat. There is no error.
b) The army retreats. No blame.
c) The soldiers retreat. No mistake
d) Retreat is not an error, if need be.
e) Retreat when its right. That is only sensible.
a) 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 the younger men (idly occupy offices assigned to them), however firm and correct he may be, there will be evil.
b) There is game in the field. It furthers one to catch it. Without blame. Let the eldest lead the army. The younger transports corpses; Then perseverance brings misfortune.
c) There are birds in the field. It would be wise to seize and destroy them. The eldest son is sent to lead the soldiers; his officers are idle young men. Ominous if you keep to your course.
d) Seek and destroy bad faith and mutiny.
e) There is no blame in seizing opportunity. We are the sum of the consequences of our decisions.
a) 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).
b) The great prince issues commands, Founds states, vests families with fiefs. Inferior people should not be employed.
c) The great ruler appoints his governors of states and chiefs of clans. Small men should not be used.
d) But find good men for posts of dignity!
e) Entrust important matters only to the trustworthy.