Hexagram 42 of 64

Increase益

Wind and thunder. The noble person moves toward good when they see it and corrects faults when they have them.

Upper
Wind
Lower
Thunder
Order
42 / 64
Pick a line to read it

利有攸往。利涉大川。

Judgment: It helps to go forward. It helps to cross the great river.

風雷，益；君子以見善則遷，有過則改。

Image: Wind and thunder. The noble person moves toward good when they see it and corrects faults when they have them.

In plain words

The situation: A time of gain, with help at hand.

What you can do: Act now, and share the benefit.

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

The six lines

  1. 上九莫益之，或擊之，立心勿恆，凶。No one adds to this. Someone may strike it. The heart is not constant. Misfortune.In shortSeeking only your own gain, no one helps and some may attack; wavering goes badly.
  2. 九五有孚惠心，勿問元吉。有孚惠我德。With trust and a kind heart, do not ask: great good fortune. There is trust in my kindness.In shortTruly wanting to help others is good without asking; people will appreciate you.
  3. 六四中行，告公從。利用為依遷國。Walk the middle way. Report to the duke and he follows. It helps to be relied on when moving the capital.In shortAct fairly and those above will follow your advice; good for a major move with support.
  4. 六三益之用凶事，无咎。有孚中行，告公用圭。Gain through bad events: no fault. With trust, walk the middle way and report to the duke with a jade tablet.In shortHelp comes through hardship; no problem; act sincerely, keep to the middle, report upward.
  5. 六二或益之，十朋之龜弗克違，永貞吉。王用享于帝，吉。Someone adds to you, ten pairs of tortoise shells, and cannot be refused. Lasting steadiness brings good fortune. The king makes offerings to the Supreme Lord. Good fortune.In shortHelp arrives and cannot be refused; stay steady for the long run and show sincere respect.
  6. 初九利用為大作，元吉，无咎。It helps to undertake great work. Great good fortune, and no fault.In shortWith support behind you, it is a good time for a big project; very favorable.

Sources Zhou Yi. English by TaoDial.