Hexagram 42: Increase
Growth, enrichment
| Chinese | 益 (Yì) |
|---|---|
| Upper trigram | ☴ Wind — The Gentle (Wood) |
| Lower trigram | ☳ Thunder — The Arousing (Wood) |
| Keywords | increase, growth, enrichment, generosity |
| Opposite | Hexagram 32: Duration |
| Inverted | Hexagram 41: Decrease |
What does Hexagram 42 (Increase) mean?
Increase 益 (Yì) is hexagram 42 of the I Ching, formed by Wind (The Gentle) over Thunder (The Arousing). Its theme is growth, enrichment, with key ideas of increase, growth, enrichment, generosity. The Judgment reads: “Increase. It furthers one to undertake something. It furthers one to cross the great water.”
The Judgment of Increase
Increase. It furthers one to undertake something. It furthers one to cross the great water.
The Image of Increase
Wind and thunder: the image of Increase.
The six changing lines of Hexagram 42
When a casting produces moving lines, their texts speak directly to your situation. Read from the bottom line upward.
Nine at the beginning
“It furthers one to accomplish great deeds. Supreme good fortune. No blame.”
In times of genuine increase, bold action is not only permitted but called for. The scale of the opportunity justifies the scale of the response.
Six in the second place
“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.”
Heaven-sent increase cannot be resisted by any earthly force. When genuine virtue meets genuine blessing, the highest powers confirm it.
Six in the third place
“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.”
Paradoxically, adversity itself can be the vehicle of increase. Honesty about the difficult source of the gain, reported clearly to authority, removes blame.
Six in the fourth place
“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.”
The middle course — neither too timid nor too aggressive — gains the ruler's trust and enables the largest reorganisations.
Nine in the fifth place
“If in truth you have a kind heart, ask not. Supreme good fortune. Truly, kindness will be recognized as your virtue.”
Pure benevolence needs no justification or request. Genuine goodness speaks for itself and is recognised without being announced.
Nine at the top
“He brings increase to no one. Indeed, someone even strikes him. He does not keep his heart constantly steady. Misfortune.”
One who claims to give increase while giving nothing, and who lacks constancy of heart, will be struck by those who see the truth. Hollow generosity invites retribution.
Will Increase answer your question?
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