Hexagram 41: Decrease
Hexagram
41. Decrease · Sun
Structure of the sign
The hexagram represents a decrease of the lower trigram in favor of the upper, because the third line, originally strong, has moved to the top, and the top line, originally weak, has taken its place. What is below is therefore decreased at the expense of what is above. But this is decrease pure and simple. If one diminishes the foundation of a building and reinforces its upper walls, the whole loses its stability. Likewise, a decrease in the prosperity of the people in favor of the government is decrease pure and simple. And the entire tendency of the hexagram is directed toward showing how this shift of wealth can take place without causing the sources of wealth among the people and its lower classes to run dry.
The Judgment
Decrease combined with sincerity brings supreme good fortune without blame. One may be persevering in this. It furthers one to undertake something. How is this to be carried out? One may use two small bowls for the sacrifice. Decrease does not under all circumstances mean something bad. Increase and decrease come each in its own time. The task is to attune oneself to the time and not seek to cover poverty with empty show. If an inner truth finds expression through a time of meager things, one need not be ashamed of simplicity. It is then precisely the right thing, bestowing inner strength through which one can once again undertake something. One should have no hesitation even if the outward beauty of culture, indeed even the elaboration of religious observances, should suffer under this simplicity. One must take something from the strength of inner devotion and add it as compensation for the sparseness of external appearance. Then the power of the content will carry one over the simplicity of form. Before God there is no need for false appearances. Even with slender means, the sentiment of the heart can find expression.
The Image
At the foot of the mountain is the lake: the image of Decrease. Thus the superior man reins in his anger and curbs his instincts. The lake at the foot of the mountain evaporates. Thereby it is decreased in favor of the mountain, which is enriched by its moisture. The mountain is the image of stubborn strength that can harden into anger; the lake is the image of unrestrained gaiety that can develop into passionate desires when it thrives at the expense of vital energies. Here decrease is required: anger must be decreased by keeping still, desires must be curbed by restraint. Through this decrease of the lower powers of the soul, the higher aspects of the soul are enriched.
The lines
Line 1
Going quickly when one's tasks are finished is not a mistake. Yet one must consider how far one may decrease others. It is selfless and good when, after completing one's own immediately important duties, one places one's strength in the service of others and, without making much of it or boasting, quickly helps wherever help is needed. But the man in a higher position who is thus assisted must carefully consider how much he may accept without substantially harming the helpful servant or friend. Only where such delicacy of feeling exists can one give oneself unreservedly without hesitation.
Line 2
Perseverance furthers. To undertake something brings misfortune. Without decreasing oneself, one is able to increase others. A noble self-respect and consistent gravity that forfeits nothing of its dignity are the disposition needed when one wishes to serve others. He who degrades himself to do the bidding of a superior may indeed diminish his own position without permanently benefiting the other. But that is evil. To serve another without giving up oneself: that alone is true service of lasting value. ±
Line 3
When three people walk together, they are decreased by one person. When one person walks alone, he finds his companion. Where three are together, jealousy arises. Then one must yield. The closest bond is possible only between two. But where someone is alone, he will surely find his companion, who completes him.
Line 4
If one decreases one's faults, one causes the other to come quickly and have joy. No blame. Often our faults prevent even well-disposed people from approaching us. These faults are often reinforced and made worse by the environment in which we find ourselves. If one can bring oneself to humble oneself and cast them off, one frees well-meaning friends from an inner constraint and causes them to draw near all the more quickly, to mutual joy.
Line 5▶ ruling line
Someone indeed increases him. Ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it. Supreme good fortune! If someone is destined for good fortune by fate, it comes inevitably. All oracles, such as those obtained through tortoise shells, must concur in favorable signs to his benefit. He needs fear nothing, for his good fortune is decreed from above. ±
Line 6
If one is increased without decreasing others, there is no blame. Perseverance brings good fortune. It furthers one to undertake something. One obtains servants, but no longer has a separate home. There are men who bestow blessings upon the whole world. Every increase in strength, every gain granted to them, redounds to the benefit of all people and therefore implies no decrease for others. Through persevering and zealous work, one achieves success and finds helpers as they are needed. But what one achieves is not some limited private advantage; rather, it is open and accessible to everyone.
Below ☱ Lake (Dui)
- Direction
- W
- Element
- Lake · Metal
- Attributes
- Joyous · Cheerful · Open · Contented · Abundant
- Family
- Youngest Daughter
Above ☶ Mountain (Gen)
- Direction
- NE
- Element
- Mountain · Stone
- Attributes
- Keeping Still · Firm · Immovable · Setting Boundaries
- Family
- Youngest Son