Hexagram 31 咸 changing to hexagram 7 師
Changing lines (counted from the bottom): 2, 3, 4, 5.
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 6
大君有命，開國承家，小人勿用。
The topmost line, divided, shows 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).
The two hexagrams
Hexagram 31 咸 — judgment
亨。利貞。取女吉。
Hsien indicates that, (on the fulfilment of the conditions implied in it), there will be free course and success. Its advantageousness will depend on the being firm and correct, (as) in marrying a young lady. There will be good fortune.
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 31
| Line | Chinese | Legge |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 咸其腓，凶，居吉。 | The second line, divided, shows one moving the calves of his leg. There will be evil. If he abide (quiet in his place), there will be good fortune. |
| 3 | 咸其股，執其隨，往吝。 | The third line, undivided, shows one moving his thighs, and keeping close hold of those whom he follows. Going forward (in this way) will cause regret. |
| 4 | 貞吉悔亡，憧憧往來，朋從爾思。 | The fourth line, undivided, shows that firm correctness which will lead to good fortune, and prevent all occasion for repentance. If its subject be unsettled in his movements, (only) his friends will follow his purpose. |
| 5 | 咸其脢，无悔。 | The fifth line, undivided, shows one moving the flesh along the spine above the heart. There will be no occasion for repentance. |
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.