Hexagram 12 否 changing to hexagram 7 師
Changing lines (counted from the bottom): 2, 4, 5, 6.
What to read
Four changing lines: read the two unchanged lines of the resulting hexagram; the lower one is the main one. (Rule set out by Zhu Xi in the Yixue qimeng.)
Hexagram 7 師, line 1
師出以律，否臧，凶。
The first line, divided, shows the host going forth according to the rules (for such a movement). If these be not good, there will be evil.
Hexagram 7 師, line 3
師或輿尸，凶。
The third line, divided, shows how the host may, possibly, have many inefficient leaders. There will be evil.
The two hexagrams
Hexagram 12 否 — judgment
否之匪人，不利君子貞，大往小來。
In Phî there is the want of good understanding between the (different classes of) men, and its indication is unfavourable to the firm and correct course of the superior man. We see in it the great gone and the little come.
Hexagram 7 師 — judgment
貞丈人吉，无咎。
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.
The changing lines of hexagram 12
| Line | Chinese | Legge |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 包承，小人吉，大人否。亨。 | The second line, divided, shows its subject patient and obedient. To the small man (comporting himself so) there will be good fortune. If the great man (comport himself) as the distress and obstruction require, he will have success. |
| 4 | 有命，无咎，疇離祉。 | The fourth line, undivided, shows its subject acting in accordance with the ordination (of Heaven), and committing no error. His companions will come and share in his happiness. |
| 5 | 休否，大人吉。其亡其亡，繫于包桑。 | In the fifth line, undivided, we see him who brings the distress and obstruction to a close,—the great man and fortunate. (But let him say), 'We may perish! We may perish!' (so shall the state of things become firm, as if) bound to a clump of bushy mulberry trees. |
| 6 | 傾否，先否後喜。 | The sixth line, undivided, shows the overthrow (and removal of) the condition of distress and obstruction. Before this there was that condition. Hereafter there will be joy. |
English: James Legge (1882), public domain. Chinese: Zhou Yi.
Data: English Wikisource (Public domain texts; transcription CC BY-SA 4.0); Chinese Wikisource (Public domain texts; transcription CC BY-SA 4.0). Retrieved 2026-10-22.