Hexagram 7 · ䷆
The Army needs an appropriate leader. Good fortune.
Leading an army requires the right commander. When proper authority is established, good fortune follows. The leader must be appropriately positioned and commanded with wisdom.
The Army's might is concealed in the earth. Through centralized command, it achieves great accomplishments.
The Tuan shows the Army's might hidden within the earth, like seeds waiting to sprout. Only through unified command can the Army achieve great deeds. Division leads to defeat.
The earth contains the mountain—the image of The Army. The noble person, broad-minded and 容, cultivates their moral character to receive the people's support.
The mountain beneath the earth represents the Army concealed and resting. The noble person develops massive, inclusive virtue to lead and unify the people, understanding that true military strength comes from moral authority.
The Army marches in ranks; misfortune.
The Army marches in disorganized ranks—this invites only misfortune. Organization and discipline are essential.
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Marching in ranks brings only misfortune to the Army.
Marching in ranks invites only misfortune to the Army.
In the midst of the Army, good fortune. No error. The ruler possesses central authority three times.
Having an army under proper leadership brings good fortune and no error. The ruler holds central authority over three armies.
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In the midst of the Army, receiving the ruler's mandate brings good fortune and no error.
In the army's center, good fortune comes from the ruler's mandate.
The Army's carriages advance; there may be the stench of meat in the field. There is also retrieval.
War chariots advance across the field, yet the smell of death lingers. Despite victory,retrieve what was lost.
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Carriages advancing shows the Army's proper movement, yet the battlefield's stench reminds of warfare's cost.
Chariots advancing shows the Army's proper movement, yet warfare's stench lingers.
The Army retreats; there is no error.
The Army's strategic retreat preserves its strength and prevents unnecessary casualties. This is not error.
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The Army's retreat preserves its strength, showing strategic wisdom.
The Army's retreat represents strategic withdrawal, preserving strength.
The Headlong Birds attack the beasts in the field; fowlers enter the forest. The Headlong general attacks the enemy's left and right; there is no error.
Wild geese threaten the farmland. Fowlers lie in wait among the forests. The general attacks decisively left and right—victory comes without error.
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The Headlong general attacking left and right demonstrates the general's valor and the Army's might.
The general's valianthood attacking left and right shows decisive military action.
The Great Ruler arises to rectify the boundaries. There is no use of small men.
The great leader arises to establish order and rectify boundaries. This is no time for petty men.
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The great ruler arises to establish order, removing inferior men from power.
The great ruler establishing order removes inferior men from power.