Hexagram 42: Increase
Hexagram
42. Increase · Yi
Structure of the sign
The idea of increase is expressed by the fact that the lowest strong line of the upper trigram has descended and placed itself beneath the lower trigram. The fundamental idea of the Book of Changes also finds expression in this conception. True ruling must be serving. A sacrifice made by the higher that brings about an increase of the lower is called increase pure and simple, thereby pointing to the spirit that alone is capable of helping the world.
The Judgment
Increase. It furthers one to undertake something. It furthers one to cross the great water. Through the sacrifice made from above for the increase of what is below, there arises among the people a mood of joy and gratitude that is extremely valuable for the flourishing of the commonwealth. When people are thus devoted to their leaders, undertakings can be carried out, and even difficult, perilous matters will succeed. Therefore, in such rising times whose development is accompanied by success, one must work and make use of the time. This period is like the time when heaven and earth unite, when earth partakes of the creative power of heaven and then shapes and actualizes living beings. The time of increase does not endure; therefore it must be utilized while it is at hand.
The Image
Wind and thunder: the image of Increase. Thus the superior man: if he sees good, he imitates it; if he has faults, he rids himself of them. Observing how thunder and wind mutually increase and strengthen one another, one learns the way to one's own self-increase and improvement. When one discovers something good in others, one should imitate it and thus make all good on earth one's own. If one perceives something bad in oneself, one should discard it. Thereby one becomes free of evil. This ethical change is the most important increase of personality.
The lines
Line 1
It furthers one to accomplish great deeds. Supreme good fortune! No blame. When one receives great furtherance from above, one must use the increase of power thus obtained to achieve something great, for which one might otherwise have found neither the strength nor the willingness to take responsibility. Through being free from selfishness, great good fortune is wrought, and by bringing about great good fortune, one remains free of reproach.
Line 2▶ ruling line
Someone indeed increases him. Ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it. Constant perseverance brings good fortune. The king presents him before God. Good fortune! Real increase comes about through creating within oneself the conditions for it: receptivity and love of the good. Thereby that which is striven for comes of itself with the necessity of natural law. Where increase is thus in harmony with the highest cosmic laws, it cannot be hindered by any constellation of accidents. Everything depends only on not being made frivolous by unexpected good fortune, but making it one's own through inner strength and constancy. Then one gains significance before God and men, and can accomplish something for the best of the world.
Line 3
One is enriched through unfortunate events. No blame if you are sincere and walk in the middle, and report to the prince with a seal. A time of blessing and enrichment is so strong in its effect that even events otherwise disastrous must serve for the best of those affected by them. They become free of mistakes and, by acting in accordance with truth, gain such inner authority that they exert influence as though confirmed by letter and seal. ±
Line 4
If you walk in the middle and report to the prince, he will follow. It furthers one to be utilized in moving the capital. It is of importance that there are people who mediate between leaders and led. These must be selfless personalities, especially in times of increase, since benefit should proceed from the leader to the people. None of the blessing may be selfishly withheld; rather, it must truly benefit those for whom it is intended. Such a mediating personality, who also exerts a good influence on the leader, is particularly important in times when great undertakings decisive for the future are at stake, which require the inner consent of all concerned.
Line 5▶ ruling line
If in truth you have a kind heart, ask not. Supreme good fortune! Truly, kindness will be recognized as your virtue. True kindness does not calculate or ask about worthiness and gratitude; rather, it operates out of inner necessity. Such a truly kind heart finds itself rewarded in being acknowledged, and thus the beneficial influence will spread unchecked.
Line 6
He brings increase to no one. Indeed, someone may even strike him. He does not keep his heart constantly steady. Misfortune! The meaning of the situation is that those above should increase those below through renunciation. By neglecting this duty and benefiting no one, one also removes oneself from the furthering influence of others and soon finds oneself isolated. Thereby one invites attacks. A disposition that is not constantly in harmony with the demands of the time will necessarily bring misfortune. Confucius says of this line: 'The superior man brings peace to his person before he moves; he composes his mind before he speaks; he strengthens his relationships before he asks for something. By putting these three matters in order, the superior man is in complete safety. But if one is abrupt in one's movements, the people do not cooperate. If one is agitated in one's words, they find no echo among the people. If one demands something without previous relationships, the people do not give it. If no one stands with one, those who would do harm draw near.'
Below ☳ Thunder (Dschen)
- Direction
- E
- Element
- Wood · Thunder
- Attributes
- Arousing · Awakening · Impelling · Moving
- Family
- Eldest Son
Above ☴ Wind (Sun)
- Direction
- SE
- Element
- Wood · Wind
- Attributes
- Gentle · Penetrating · Gradual · Persevering
- Family
- Eldest Daughter