Moving Lines
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Hexagram 42
42 · Yì 益

Increase

Wind above
·
Thunder below
Translated from Richard Wilhelm's German (1924)

Introduction

The idea of increase is expressed by the fact that the strong bottom line of the upper trigram has lowered itself and taken its place beneath the lower trigram. The basic idea of the Book of Changes also finds expression in this view. True rule must be service. A sacrifice by the higher that brings about an increase of the lower is called increase pure and simple, so as to point to the spirit that alone is able to help the world.

The Judgment

Increase. It is favorable to undertake something. It is favorable to cross the great water.
Through the sacrifice made from above to increase the lower, a mood of joy and gratitude arises among the people that is of the greatest value for the flourishing of the commonwealth. When people are devoted to their leaders in this way, something can be undertaken, and even difficult things full of danger will end in success. That is why, in such times of ascent, whose development is attended by success, it is important to work and make the most of the time. This time is like the time when heaven and earth are joined in marriage, when the earth comes to share in heaven's creative power and now forms living beings and makes them real. The time of increase is not lasting, so it must be used while it is here.

The Image

Wind and thunder: the image of increase. So the noble one: when they see something good, they imitate it; when they have faults, they cast them off.
By watching how thunder and wind each increase and strengthen the other, one learns the way to increase and improve oneself. When one discovers something good in others, one should imitate it and so make all the good on earth one's own. If one sees something bad in oneself, one should cast it off. In this way one becomes free of evil. This ethical change is the most important increase of the personality.

The Lines

First line, nine
It is favorable to accomplish great deeds. Exalted good fortune. No fault.
When one receives great support from above, one must use the gain in strength received in this way to accomplish something great, something for which one might otherwise have found neither the strength nor the readiness to take responsibility. Because one is free of selfishness, great good fortune is brought about, and by bringing about great good fortune one remains free of reproach.
Second line, six
Someone may well increase them. Ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it. Lasting persistence brings good fortune. The king presents this person before God. Good fortune.
Real increase comes when one creates within oneself the conditions for it: receptiveness and love of the good. Through this, what one strives for comes of itself, with the necessity of a law of nature. Where increase accords in this way with the world's highest laws, no constellation of chance events can prevent it. But everything depends on not letting unexpected good luck make one careless, and instead making it one's own through inner strength and constancy. Then one gains standing before God and people and can achieve something for the world's good.
Third line, six
One is increased through misfortunes. No fault, if you are sincere and keep to the middle and make your report to the prince with a seal.
A time of blessing and enrichment is so strong in its effect that even events that would otherwise be misfortunes must serve the good of those they befall. They become free of mistakes and, by acting in accordance with truth, win an inner authority so great that they wield influence as though they had been confirmed by letter and seal.
Fourth line, six
If you keep to the middle and make your report to the prince, then he will follow. It is favorable to be made use of in moving the capital.
It is important that there are people who mediate between the leaders and the led. They must be unselfish personalities, especially in times of increase, when benefit is meant to flow from the leader to the people. None of the blessing may be selfishly held back; it must truly benefit those for whom it is meant. Such a mediating personality, who also influences the leader for the better, is of special importance in times when great undertakings are at stake that will decide the future and need the inner assent of all concerned.
Fifth line, nine
If you are sincere and have a kind heart, do not ask. Exalted good fortune. In truth, kindness will be acknowledged as your virtue.
Real kindness does not calculate and does not ask about worthiness or thanks; it acts out of inner necessity. Such a sincere and kind heart also finds itself rewarded by being acknowledged, and so the influence that brings blessing will spread unhindered.
Top line, nine
They bring increase to no one. Someone may even strike them. They do not keep their heart steadfast. Misfortune.
The meaning of the situation is that those above should increase those below through renunciation. By neglecting this duty and benefiting no one, one also cuts oneself off from the favorable influence of others and soon finds oneself isolated. In this way one brings attacks upon oneself. A disposition that does not stay in accord with what the time demands will inevitably bring misfortune. Confucius says of this line: "The noble one sets their person at rest before moving; they compose their mind before speaking; they make their relationships firm before asking for anything. By putting these three things in order, the noble one is completely secure. But if one is abrupt in one's movements, people do not go along. If one's words are agitated, they find no echo among people. If one demands something without first having established relationships, people do not give it. If no one is on one's side, those who do harm come near."
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