損

Decrease

HEXAGRAM 41 · SǓN

ABOVE☶艮the Mountain

BELOW☱兌the Lake

THE JUDGEMENT

Decrease combined with sincerity brings sublime good fortune without blame. One may be persevering in this. It furthers to undertake something. How is this to be carried out? Two small bowls suffice for the offering.

THE IMAGE

At the foot of the mountain is the lake: the image of Decrease. Thus the noble one controls his anger and restrains his instincts.

THE LINES

Nine at the beginningOne’s work done, to go quickly is without blame. But one must weigh how much may be taken from others.

Nine in the second placePerseverance brings good fortune; to undertake something brings misfortune. Without decreasing oneself, one can increase others.

Six in the third placeWhen three walk together, one is lost on the way; when one walks alone, he finds his companion.

Six in the fourth placeWhoever decreases his faults soon brings the other hastening in joy: no blame.

Six in the fifth placeSomeone increases him: ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it. Supreme good fortune.

Nine at the topSomeone increases without taking from others: no blame. Perseverance brings good fortune, it is favorable to undertake something. One finds servants, but no longer has a separate house.

KEYWORDS

decreasesacrificesimplificationsincerityoffering