I-Ching Hexagram 42
益 Increase
Also known as Augmentation
A time of abundance flowing downward — those above give to those below. The counsel is to be generous, to act boldly on a clear good, and to use the moment for true betterment.
increase · augmentation · benefit
The Story
A landowner in a good year found his granaries overflowing. He could have raised the price of grain; the famine was still remembered. Instead he lowered it, sold at cost to the poor, and lent seed to tenants who had none. The next year, when hail ruined his own harvest, those tenants brought him baskets without being asked. "Increase flows downhill," he said, "and if you do not let it flow, it pools and rots. A good year is only good if others remember it kindly." The generous in abundance build the levees that save them in drought.
The Judgment
It furthers one to undertake something. It furthers one to cross the great water.
The Image
Wind and thunder: the image of increase. Thus the superior person: if they see good, they imitate it; if they have faults, they rid themselves of them.
Interpretation
A time of abundance flowing downward — those above give to those below. The counsel is to be generous, to act boldly on a clear good, and to use the moment for true betterment. The privileged should notice and emulate what is admirable, and promptly correct their own failings.
Trigrams
The Six Lines
- First (Bottom) It furthers one to accomplish great deeds. Supreme good fortune. No blame. Receiving help from above, act accordingly on a large scale.
- Second Someone does indeed increase him. Ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it. Constant perseverance brings good fortune. The king presents him before God. Good fortune. A great undeniable blessing, received with humility.
- Third One is enriched through unfortunate events. No blame, if you are sincere and walk in the middle, and report with a seal to the prince. Even misfortunes may become gains; handle with transparency.
- Fourth If you walk in the middle and report to the prince, he will follow. It furthers one to be used in the removal of the capital. Wise counsel at the centre earns authority to propose large changes.
- Fifth If in truth you have a kind heart, ask not. Supreme good fortune. Truly, kindness will be recognised as your merit. Quiet kindness naturally rewarded.
- Sixth (Top) He brings increase to no one. Indeed, someone even strikes him. He does not keep his heart constantly steady. Misfortune. Refusing to share, one becomes a target; the inconstant are exposed.