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Above; Earth, the
passive
Below; Dangerous deep waters.
The water lies
beneath the earth like a subterranean stream about
to rise to the surface as a spring. So the soldiers
lie hidden ready to burst forth when needed.
With firm and correct action, and a leader of age
and experience, there will be good fortune without
reproach.
The firmness and correctness of the hexagram refer
to moral strength. The man who can lead the army is
fit to be king.
Water hidden in the earth is the image of the army.
The Superior Man wins followers by his generosity.
One who is fair, ethical and not overbearing will
draw to him others to support his objectives.
Line 1
The soldiers must
set out in good order. Disorder leads to misfortune.
Discipline is essential
in all military organisations and the secret of victory.
The troop that goes into battle in disarray is certain
to be defeated. The man who begins any undertaking
without carefully considering his strategy is doomed
to failure. He must also take into account the good
faith of those who support him.
Line 2
He stands surrounded
by his forces. There is good fortune and no reproach.
Three times the king awards battle honours.
The leader should
always be in the midst of his army. He should not
be at the front exposing himself to unnecessary danger,
nor at the rear losing the loyalty of his men. Whatever
the enterprise, the leader is only ensured of success
if he plans to share the profits with his associates.
Line 3
The army that
carries corpses in its wagons is assured of failure.
An army that carries
its corpses is not maneuverable and to be victorious
maneuverability is essential.
Line 4
The army retreats
but there is no disgrace.
There is no shame
in withdrawing in the face of a superior force. It
is better to reserve strength to fight another day.
Line 5
When wild beasts
roam the field there is no disgrace in capturing them.
The eldest son is in command. The youngest carries
away the dead. Persistence brings misfortune.
The enemy occupies
the battlefield, looting and triumphing. Now is the
time to attack and destroy them. But the fight must
not be allowed to sink into unthinking slaughter.
A strong leader is necessary who knows when to call
a halt to the slaughter. Any breakdown in organization
or direction leads to disasterous results.
Line 6
The king issues
his commands, grants estates and titles of nobility,
but power should not be given to the inferior.
After victory in
battle the leader of an army and his officers are
rewarded with honours, but the rank and file should
be given only material reward. Their inexperience
may mean they will rule badly. Everyone should be
rewarded appropriately, fairly, and according to their
contribution and ability.
© 1979 Neil
Powell
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