Hexagram 41 of 64

Decrease損

A lake at the foot of the mountain. The noble person curbs anger and holds back desire.

Upper
Mountain
Lower
Lake
Order
41 / 64
Pick a line to read it

有孚，元吉。无咎，可貞，利有攸往。曷之用？二簋可用享。

Judgment: With trust there is great good fortune and no fault. You can stay steady, and it helps to go forward. What is needed? Two simple bowls will do for the offering.

山下有澤，損；君子以懲忿窒欲。

Image: A lake at the foot of the mountain. The noble person curbs anger and holds back desire.

In plain words

The situation: This is a time for less. You give up to gain.

What you can do: Cut the excess and give sincerely.

For culture and reflection only. Our own plain summary, not a translation.

The six lines

  1. 上九弗損益之，无咎，貞吉，利有攸往，得臣无家。Add without reducing. No fault. Steadiness brings good fortune, and it helps to go forward. You gain servants with no house of their own.In shortYou can benefit others without losing out; act steadily and many will support you.
  2. 六五或益之，十朋之龜弗克違，元吉。Someone adds to you, ten pairs of tortoise shells, and cannot be refused. Great good fortune.In shortHelp comes unexpectedly and cannot be refused; very favorable.
  3. 六四損其疾，使遄有喜，无咎。Reduce your illness and hurry, and there is joy. No fault.In shortCut out your bad habits quickly; good things follow, and there is no problem.
  4. 六三三人行，則損一人；一人行，則得其友。When three travel, one is lost. When one travels, a friend is found.In shortThree on the road lose one; one alone finds a companion.
  5. 九二利貞，征凶，弗損益之。It helps to stay steady. Going on brings misfortune. Give without reducing.In shortSteadiness helps, rushing ahead does not; you can help others without cutting yourself.
  6. 初九已事遄往，无咎，酌損之。When your work is done, go quickly. No fault. Weigh how much to reduce.In shortFinish your own work, then go help; no problem, but give within your means.

Sources Zhou Yi. English by TaoDial.