The Hexagrams
41 Sun Decrease
The Judgment
Decrease combined with sincerity
Brings about supreme good fortune
Without blame.
One may be persevering in this.
It furthers one to undertake something.
How is this to be carried out?
One may use two small bowls for the sacrifice.
The Image
At the foot of the mountain, the lake:
The image of Decrease.
Thus the superior man controls his anger
And restrains his instincts.
Nine at the beginning means:
Going quickly when one's tasks are finished
Is without blame.
But one must reflect on how much one may decrease others.
Nine in second place means:
Perseverance furthers.
To undertake something brings misfortune.
Without decreasing oneself,
One is able to bring increase to others.
Six in third place means:
When three people journey together,
Their number decreases by one.
When one man journeys alone,
He finds a companion.
Six in fourth place means:
If a man decreases his faults,
It makes the other hasten to come and rejoice.
No blame.
Six in fifth place means:
* Someone does indeed increase him.
Ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it.
Supreme good fortune.
Nine at the top means:
If one is increased without depriving others,
There is no blame.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
It furthers one to undertake something.
One obtains servants
But no longer has a separate home.
Last modified: September 19, 1994
Rick Le Mon, web@littlestcat.com