Hexagram 7 師 changing to hexagram 23 剝
Changing lines (counted from the bottom): 2, 6.
What to read
Two changing lines: read both line texts of the original hexagram; the upper one is the main one. (Rule set out by Zhu Xi in the Yixue qimeng.)
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).
Hexagram 7 師, line 2
在師中吉，无咎；王三錫命。
The second line, undivided, shows (the leader) in the midst of the host. There will be good fortune and no error. The king has thrice conveyed to him the orders (of his favour).
The two hexagrams
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.
Hexagram 23 剝 — judgment
不利。有攸往。
Po indicates that (in the state which it symbolises) it will not be advantageous to make a movement in any direction whatever.
The changing lines of hexagram 7
| Line | Chinese | Legge |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 在師中吉，无咎；王三錫命。 | The second line, undivided, shows (the leader) in the midst of the host. There will be good fortune and no error. The king has thrice conveyed to him the orders (of his favour). |
| 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). |
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.