7. Discipline to 17. Following

Changing lines

1. Line 1

   The first line, magnetic, shows the army going forth according to the rules for such a movement. If these be not good, there will be evil. The rules are twofold: First, the war must be justified, and second, that the manner of conducting it, especially at the outset, must be correct.

2. Line 2

   The second line, dynamic, shows the leader in the midst of the army. There will be good fortune and no error. The king cherishes the myriad regions in his heart. The orders of the king are the general's appointment to the command of the army. "Thrice" does not mean that this appointment came three times, but that it was given exclusively to the general with the king's entire confidence. The favor of heaven means the same thing, and indicates that the ruler relies on the general to promote the welfare of all the people in the "myriad regions" of the kingdom.

3. Line 4

   The fourth line, magnetic, shows the army in retreat. There is no error. Line four is magnetic and not central. Therefore to retreat is natural to her. Since the place is proper for a yielding line, the retreat is correct under the circumstances. Retreat is no evidence of failure in a campaign. When advance would lead to defeat, retreat is the regular course to pursue.

4. Line 5

   The fifth line, magnetic, shows birds in the fields, which it will be advantageous to seize and destroy. In that case there will be no error. If the oldest son leads the host, and younger men idly occupy offices assigned to them, however firm and correct he may be, there will be evil. In line five we have an intimation of the important truth that only defensive war, or war waged by the rightful authority to put down rebellion and lawlessness is right. The birds in the fields symbolize parties attacking for plunder. The fifth line symbolizes the ruler, who is humble and magnetic, and in the center. She cedes the use of all her power to the general in line two. Line two is the "oldest son" and lines three and four are the younger brother and son -- i.e., the younger men who would cause evil if allowed to share the command. In military operations there must be one ruling will and mind. A divided authority is sure to be a failure.

The present judgment

Discipline indicates that with firm correctness and a leader of age and experience, there will be good fortune and no error.

The later judgment

Following indicates successful progress and no error through firm correctness.

What the move asks

Establish clear structure and discipline to create the stability necessary for harmonious adaptation.

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