David Given Schwarm

師
Hexagram 7: SHIH

THE ARMY

In times of war it is desirable
to be led by a cautious and humane general.

The hexagram Shih is a guide to proper conduct in the face of adversity. It is inevitable that we sometimes face trials and challenges in life. How we prepare ourselves, by whom we are led, and how we conduct ourselves during these “wars” determines whether we are victorious or not. The I Ching counsels us to follow the example of a first-rate army.

A truly powerful army always consists of a number of devoted soldiers who discipline themselves under the leadership of a superior general. If he has achieved his position through force, the general will not last for long and he will lose the support of his army when he needs it most. If on the other hand he has become a leader through superior conduct and even-handed treatment of his fellow soldiers, then his power is well consolidated and it endures.

So it is with us. Only by conducting ourselves humanely and with persevering balance can we have a genuine influence in trying times. There is always the temptation to be led into battle by our egos, but we are guaranteed a humiliating defeat if we turn our inferiors loose in this way. A superior person achieves victory in the same fashion as a superior army: by putting his inferior emotions under the guidance of his superior emotions, and by proceeding cautiously, modestly, and with the continual goal of achieving peace and detachment.

You are advised to prepare for a trial now. Your chances of success will be determined by how you conduct yourself within and without. If you remain alert, modest, just, and independent, all will go well. If you are gentle and humane, you will have the allegiance of those around you. Advance cautiously when the time is right, and when it is not, do not allow your ego to stand in the way of retreat and disengagement.

Remember that the ultimate victory in any battle comes when we regain our inner independence, our neutrality, and our equanimity. These can only be won by placing our inferiors under the leadership of our superiors. Do this now, and success will be yours.

FIRST LINE

Be certain that your cause is truly just. If so, next be certain that your conduct is modest, generous, and balanced. Otherwise your ego leads you into disaster.

SECOND LINE

It is the task of the superior self to reassure the inferior self. Follow the Sage at every step, reminding yourself regularly of the wisdom of this path.

THIRD LINE

Inferior influences have taken control of the situation. Unless the ego is disciplined, there is defeat and humiliation in store. Patience and disengagement are called for now.

FOURTH LINE

When inferiors are at work in us or in others, it is wise to disengage and retreat. No victory can be won until detachment and equanimity are restored.

FIFTH LINE

Evil has come back into the open. To correct it, withdraw into stillness and contemplate proper principles. Lashing out will only compound the misfortune.

SIXTH LINE

If victory is sought immodestly, there will be humiliation. Lasting progress is won slowly and steadily through the exercise of proper principles.

Further guidance from the
Wei Wu Wei Ching

Why
wait around
for a teacher? Pick up a
staff and knock the sense
out of yourself, so
you can enter
eternity.

The ancestors
are everywhere around you,
offering the silent light of truth.
Put down what you’re doing with
your mind and pick up that up.
Do non-doing, and you’ll
inherit the whole
universe.