Hexagram 42: Yì 益

What hexagram 42 means

Reinforcing each other, Wind and Thunder amplify what each contributes on its own. Genuine increase tends to flow from what is shared generously rather than what is claimed for one side alone.

A question to sit with

What shared benefit could grow if it were not claimed by one side alone?

The six lines, bottom to top

A changing line is read on its own. These are original reflections written for this site, not a translation.

Line 1 · The beginning

Energy given from above can fuel a large undertaking. If support has come your way, put it towards work that matters, and do it well enough to justify the trust.

Line 2 · The inner position

Someone offers increase as valuable as ten tortoise shells, and it keeps arriving. Receive it with steadiness and a sense of reverence, keeping your intentions consistent over time.

Line 3 · The threshold

Even hardship can bring increase when it is met with sincerity. Carry your integrity openly, like a seal of office presented to a ruler, and let a difficult turn become useful.

Line 4 · Entering the outer

Walking the middle path and reporting faithfully to those in charge, you can serve as a bridge between people. Where larger changes are needed, like moving a whole settlement, trustworthy mediation makes them possible.

Line 5 · The position of authority

Goodwill needs no testing or bargaining to be real. From a place of authority, offer kindness without asking what it might earn, and let it stand on its own.

Line 6 · The end, and excess

Increase that benefits only yourself tends to lose the goodwill that made it possible. At the peak, a fickle heart holds back what it could share, so make your generosity dependable while others still lean on you.