I Ching · No.41 · Sun / Decrease

Primary Hexagram

Original Text (The Judgment)

In (what is denoted by) Sun, if there be sincerity (in him who employs it), there will be great good fortune:--freedom from error; firmness and correctness that can be maintained; and advantage in every movement that shall be made. In what shall this (sincerity in the exercise of Sun) be employed? (Even) in sacrifice two baskets of grain, (though there be nothing else), may be presented.

Translation

The Hexagram Sun (Decrease). If divination encounters this hexagram, there will be gains, supreme good fortune, no disaster, and it is a favorable inquiry. Moreover, proceeding will bring benefit. Someone will present two bowls of food, which may be enjoyed. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen, Gen represents mountain; the lower trigram is Dui, Dui represents lake. Thus, having a lake below the mountain is the image of the Decrease hexagram. The superior person, observing this image, takes warning from the lake water eroding the foot of the mountain, thereby restraining their anger and blocking their desires.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Decreasing the lower to increase the upper, decreasing the full to increase the empty; difficult at first and easy later, measuring expenditure by income. Minor good fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram decrease themselves to benefit others. Although there will be some setbacks at the beginning, giving will always bring returns, representing a sign of blessing in disguise.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Only with peace of mind and composure can there be development.
• Wealth 财运: Harmony breeds wealth; decrease oneself to benefit others.
• Household 家宅: The terrain should be level; husband and wife attain correctness.
• Health 身体: Cultivate the body and nurture the character.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The current fortune is not upright; one should restrain one's anger.
• Business 营商: Doing business is originally for seeking wealth; one should be harmonious and not rely on temper, examine profits carefully, and not give credit loosely.
• Fame & Career 功名: If anger and desire are not eliminated, even if one has fame and rank, they may not be able to preserve it to the end.
• Warfare 战征: 'There is a lake below the mountain': guard against enemy troops lying in ambush in the deep places below the mountain.
• Marriage 婚姻: The hexagram comes from Hsian (Influence) and Heng (Duration); the woman is pleased and the man stops, the way of husband and wife obtains its correctness.
• Household 家宅: This house has high mountains in the back and deep lakes in the front, and the terrain is quite dangerous; it should be excavated to make it level.
• Litigation 讼事: If one does not show temper and does not covet wealth, the lawsuit will settle itself.
• Lost Items 失物: Cannot be found.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth in odd months yields a boy, and in even months yields a girl.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is a combination of two different trigrams (Dui below, Gen above). Gen is mountain; Dui is lake. With the mountain above and the lake below, the great lake erodes the base of the mountain. Decrease and increase alternate; there is gain in loss, and loss in gain. One must handle the relation between the two cautiously. Decreasing the lower to increase the upper: in governing a state, excess will damage the foundation of the country. Decrease where decrease is due, but it must be within one's capacity and moderate. Minimizing decrease and maximizing increase is the best.

• Overall Image 大象: Mountains are high and waters are deep, each in its proper place; it represents an image of obtaining benefit through decrease.
• Fortune 运势: The current situation is unfavorable in all matters, with signs of losing wealth. Although there are losses first, benefits will follow, turning misfortune into a blessing.
• Career 事业: Developing a career requires investment. The amount of investment should be carefully calculated beforehand, striving for appropriate balance of loss and gain. Everything should have moderation; fraud and greed must be avoided. Self-mastery is the hardest thing in the world; one must be strict with oneself, struggle hard, remain flexible, and strive for career success.
• Business 经商: Conduct a comprehensive market investigation to calculate the ratio of investment to return. Do not be overly concerned about the amount of profit; as long as there is profit, it is fine. Cooperate sincerely with others, trust each other, use flexible methods, and do not isolate yourself.
• Seeking Fame 求名: For growth and progress, one must make investments and put them into practice. Achieve ideals by increasing benefit through decrease.
• Love & Marriage 婚恋: Comprehensively weigh the strengths and weaknesses of the other party. Focus on the big picture.
• Decision 决策: Intelligent and good at weighing pros and cons. Adapt to the laws of natural development, actively cooperate with others, find pleasure in helping others, invest moderately, and support others while choosing frugality over luxury for oneself. In this way, all things can go very smoothly.

II. Line Statements

Nine at the Beginning 初九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The first line, undivided, shows its subject suspending his own affairs, and hurrying away (to help the subject of the fourth line). He will commit no error, but let him consider how far he should contribute of what is his (for the other).

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the beginning: For the major affair of sacrifice, one must go quickly to participate, only then will there be no disaster. If the offerings are too abundant, they may be decreased as appropriate. The Image says: 'For the major affair of sacrifice, one must go quickly to participate,' which reflects the intention of showing reverence to the spirits and gods.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: Those who obtain this line will plan matters appropriately and can obtain benefit. For those who are not upright, they may ruin things due to food and drink. Officials will be too busy with work to care for their families, while their reputation increases day by day.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Increase efforts, and there may still be hope.
• Wealth 财运: With accurate judgment, benefit will naturally come.
• Household 家宅: Move early; marry on the same day.
• Health 身体: Take action immediately.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Do not pursue the past; at present one should urgently exert oneself, then one can naturally avoid blame.
• Warfare 战征: Troops should advance quickly without delay; baggage and provisions must also be 'decreased appropriately'.
• Business 营商: Transport and sales should be swift; assess the situation, proceed with moderation, and profit will surely be obtained, without blame.
• Fame & Career 功名: Proceeding quickly will bring success; delay will lead to failure.
• Marriage 婚姻: Marry immediately, a harmonious union of the two families.
• Household 家宅: Must move elsewhere quickly, auspicious.
• Litigation 讼事: Settle and drop the lawsuit immediately.
• Lost Items 失物: Search quickly and it can be found.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Măng (indicates that in the case which it presupposes) there will be progress and success. I do not (go and) seek the youthful and inexperienced, but he comes and seeks me. When he shows (the sincerity that marks) the first recourse to divination, I instruct him. If he apply a second and third time, that is troublesome; and I do not instruct the troublesome. There will be advantage in being firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Mêng Hexagram. Success and prosperity. It is not I who seek the ignorant youth, but the ignorant youth who seeks me. At the first divination, the spirits inform him. If he divines importunately a second and third time, it is importune; if it is importune, the spirits will not inform him. Yet it is a favorable inquiry. The Great Image says: The upper trigram is Gen, symbolizing the mountain; the lower trigram is Kan, symbolizing the spring. A spring gushing at the foot of the mountain is the image of Mêng (Youthful Folly). The gentleman, observing this image, emulates the forward-pressing mountain spring, thus cultivating his virtue through resolute and steadfast action.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Wisdom is not yet developed, ignorant and blocked; hesitant and lacking decisiveness. Minor misfortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, their wisdom is like that of a child, unable to distinguish right from wrong and losing their direction. If they can follow the teachings of wise teachers and good friends to enlighten their intelligence, they will find success.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Kan below, Gen above). Gen is the image of a mountain, symbolizing stopping; Kan is the image of water, symbolizing danger. The shape of the hexagram represents danger at the foot of the mountain, yet continuing to advance without stopping, which constitutes ignorance, hence it is called the Mêng (Youthful Folly) hexagram. However, by seizing the opportunity and acting in a timely manner, it possesses the omen of enlightenment and smooth progress.

Nine in the Second Place 二九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The second line, undivided, shows that it will be advantageous for its subject to maintain a firm correctness, and that action on his part will be evil. He can give increase (to his correlate) without taking from himself

Line Text (Translation)

Nine in the second place: Favorable inquiry. Setting out on a campaign brings misfortune. For doing so will not decrease the other country but benefit it instead. The Image says: The favorable inquiry mentioned in the line text of Nine in the second place is because the line of Nine in the second place resides in the middle position of the lower trigram, representing a person acting with a mind that abides in correctness and maintains persistence.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Ominous: Those who obtain this line should guard carefully and not move. For officials, the timing is not yet ripe, making promotion difficult.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Act according to the golden mean, and good fortune will naturally follow.
• Wealth 财运: The goods are suitable, and profit should be obtained.
• Household 家宅: Guarding it brings good fortune; the families are well-matched.
• Health 身体: Normal state.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Good fortune is just arriving, neither decreasing nor increasing; when everything attains the middle path, profit will naturally be gained.
• Warfare 战征: There is no need to decrease provisions, nor to add troops; guard the central camp firmly, and there will be victory without defeat. If proceeding rashly, there is fear of misfortune.
• Business 营商: The goods are suitable, there is no need to lower the price, and profit will surely be made.
• Fame & Career 功名: Neither glory nor disgrace, maintaining one's original state.
• Marriage 婚姻: The social standing of both families is equal, auspicious.
• Household 家宅: The position attains the middle; there is no need for additions or alterations, great benefit.
• Litigation 讼事: Peaceful.
• Lost Items 失物: The original item is not lost.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Î indicates that with firm correctness there will be good fortune (in what is denoted by it). We must look at what we are seeking to nourish, and by the exercise of our thoughts seek for the proper aliment.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Yi Hexagram. Divination brings good fortune. The study of the way of nourishment lies in being self-reliant. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Gen as Mountain, and the lower trigram is Zhen as Thunder. Thunder issues from the mountain, and all things sprout and grow; this is the image of the Yi Hexagram. The superior person, observing this image, contemplates the difficulty of sustaining life and growth, thereby being cautious in speech to avoid disaster, and temperate in eating and drinking to cultivate character.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Nurturing correctness and providing nourishment, being cautious in speech and temperate in food; observing practical matters, and knowing self-scrutiny and prudence. Minor misfortune: Those who obtain this hexagram must be cautious regarding speech and diet. One should adhere to the correct path and be prudent in word and deed; those harboring conspiracies will invite disaster.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling two different trigrams (Zhen below and Gen above). Zhen is Thunder and Gen is Mountain. Mountain is above and Thunder is below; solid on the outside and hollow on the inside. The warmth of spring nurtures all things, nourishing the worthy and educating the people in accordance with the seasons. Yang is solid and Yin is empty; the solid nourishes others, while the empty is nourished by others. Be self-reliant.

Six in the Third Place 三六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The third line, divided, shows how of three men walking together, the number is diminished by one; and how one, walking, finds his friend.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the third place: When three people walk together, difference of opinion is unavoidable, and one person will surely be isolated. When one person walks alone, lonely and helpless, they will actively invite someone to be a companion. The Image says: When one person walks alone, they make decisions on their own, and things are free from constraints. When three people walk together, each holds their own opinion when encountering matters, breeding doubts.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: Those who obtain this line, if operating jointly, will mostly gain profit; the unmarried will find a partner. For officials, relations with colleagues are harmonious, and there is hope for progress.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Beneficial in even months; do not be greedy for more.
• Wealth 财运: Sole proprietorship, there will be no loss.
• Household 家宅: Two adult males in one family; obtaining a partner brings good fortune.
• Health 身体: Reduce desires and cultivate the self.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Financial fortune is average; a small amount brings profit, a large amount brings loss. Beneficial in even months, unfavorable in odd months.
• Warfare 战征: One should march forward from the direction of Dui; there will naturally be reinforcement helping, leading to victory without defeat.
• Business 营商: Business is best conducted by one person alone, or at most by two together; any more will surely bring loss.
• Fame & Career 功名: One must go alone, and will surely attain fame.
• Marriage 婚姻: Obtaining a friend, which is obtaining a partner, auspicious.
• Household 家宅: The house is in the direction of Dui; regarding the household population, it can be judged that there are only two males per family.
• Litigation 讼事: The litigation between the two parties is caused by one person instigating it in the middle; remove this person, and the lawsuit will end.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a girl.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Under the conditions of Tâ Khû it will be advantageous to be firm and correct. (If its subject do not seek to) enjoy his revenues in his own family (without taking service at court), there will be good fortune. It will be advantageous for him to cross the great stream.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

The Hexagram of Ta Ch'u (Great Accumulation / The Taming Power of the Great). A favorable omen of perseverance. Not eating at home, but eating at the court brings good fortune. Divining this hexagram is beneficial for crossing great rivers. The Image says: The inner trigram is Qian (Heaven) and the outer trigram is Gen (Mountain); the sun shines within the mountain, and all things absorb the sunlight, rain, and dew, each fulfilling its life. This is the image of Ta Ch'u. In accordance with this, the gentleman briefs himself on the words and deeds of the ancients to nourish his virtue.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Using Yang to accumulate Yin, restraining the desire to advance; firmly maintaining the correct path, misfortune at first followed by good fortune. A minor fortune: Those who obtain this hexagram should firmly maintain the correct path, keep their feet on the ground, and act practically so as to achieve great things. Do not be proud and self-satisfied, or look down on everything.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Qian below and Gen above). Qian is Heaven, strong and vigorous; Gen is Mountain, solid and sincere. 'Chu' means accumulation, so 'Ta Ch'u' means great accumulation. For this reason, one does not fear severe difficulties and dangers, striving to cultivate oneself to enrich one's moral deeds.

Six in the Fourth Place 四六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fourth line, divided, shows its subject diminishing the ailment under which he labours by making (the subject of the first line) hasten (to his help), and make him glad. There will be no error.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fourth place: To eliminate illness, quickly seek a shaman and make offerings to the gods, then the illness will improve, and there will surely be no disaster. The Image says: 'Seeking a shaman and making offerings to the gods to eliminate illness' is also a joyful thing.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Average: Those who obtain this line will have many joyful events; those with disasters will turn to good fortune, the sick will recover, and those with worries will turn to joy. Officials in idle posts will be reinstated.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: After a minor disaster, worry turns into joy.
• Wealth 财运: Reduce goods; trust will bring benefit.
• Household 家宅: Excess of Yin energy; prayer brings peace; the marriage is joyful.
• Health 身体: Seek medical attention immediately, otherwise it is worrisome.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Although there is a minor disaster at present, receiving help will cure it, and worry can turn into joy.
• Business 营商: Goods should be reduced and sent out immediately for sale; the profit will be joyful.
• Warfare 战征: Injuries are unavoidable, but treatment can heal them, without blame.
• Household 家宅: This house has excessive Yin energy, causing many illnesses among the household members; prayer can cure them, without blame.
• Fame & Career 功名: Difficult to hope for in the short term.
• Marriage 婚姻: The fourth line corresponds to the first line; the first is Yang and the fourth is Yin, the harmony of Yin and Yang will surely bring a joyful completion.
• Litigation 讼事: 'Illness' means harm; remove what is harmful, and the lawsuit will settle itself.
• Travelers 行人: Traveling elsewhere on business, not returning for the time being; there is joy and no blame.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Khwei indicates that, (notwithstanding the condition of things which it denotes), in small matters there will (still) be good success.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

K'uei (Opposition) Hexagram. Divining this hexagram indicates good fortune in small matters. The 'Image' says: The upper trigram is Li, which represents fire; the lower trigram is Dui, which represents marsh. Fire above and marsh below, diverging from each other—this is the image of Opposition. The superior man, observing this image, synthesizes the commonalities of all things and analyzes their differences.

Shao Yong's Commentary

People's hearts are directed outward, running counter to the Dao; it is difficult to achieve success, and it is not advisable to take major actions. Ominous: Those who obtain this hexagram have poor fortune; like water and fire being incompatible, they contradict each other, and all matters are difficult to succeed.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by doubling different trigrams (Dui below, Li above). Li is Fire; Dui is Marsh. Fire above and marsh below, opposing and not aiding each other. Overcoming generates life, cycles without emptiness. All things have differences, there must be deviations, contradicting each other. K'uei (Opposition) means contradiction.

Six in the Fifth Place 五六

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The fifth line, divided, shows parties adding to (the stores of) its subject ten pairs of tortoise shells, and accepting no refusal. There will be great good fortune.

Line Text (Translation)

Six in the fifth place: Someone presents them with a great tortoise worth ten peng, which cannot be refused. Obtaining the tortoise for divination is of supreme good fortune. The Image says: The supreme good fortune mentioned in the line text of Six in the fifth place is because heaven blesses them and bestows the spiritual tortoise, hence supreme good fortune.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: Those who obtain this line will have excellent fortune and abundant wealth and benefits. Officials will receive praise and promotion from their superiors. Scholars will achieve excellent results.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Fortune is excellent, with unexpected assistance.
• Wealth 财运: Profits come naturally; do not decline them.
• Household 家宅: The family business prospers; a match made in heaven.
• Health 身体: Recovering from illness and obtaining wealth.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: The path of fortune is at its peak; one can obtain unexpected favor.
• Warfare 战征: Divining about military affairs beforehand, the omen is supreme good fortune.
• Business 营商: When financial fortune comes, it cannot be turned away even if one tries.
• Fame & Career 功名: 'Blessed by heaven, auspicious and in every way advantageous.'
• Household 家宅: The family business prospers, which can be known without divination.
• Marriage 婚姻: A match made in heaven, auspicious.
• Illness 疾病: After recovering from illness, one can also obtain wealth, auspicious.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Kung Fû (moves even) pigs and fish, and leads to good fortune. There will be advantage in crossing the great stream. There will be advantage in being firm and correct.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Chung Fu hexagram. Offering pigs and fish; though the offering is modest, the heart is sincere—auspicious. It is also beneficial to cross the great river. This is an auspicious divination. The Image says: The upper trigram of this hexagram is Xun, Xun is wind; the lower trigram is Dui, Dui is marsh. Wind over the marsh, wind rising and waves surging—this is the image of Chung Fu. In observing this hexagram, the noble person, inspired by the transformation of the state through moral influence, prioritizes moral education first, and thus carefully deliberates legal trials and does not lightly impose severe punishments.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Trustworthy and substantial, sincere and faithful; assisted by close friends, plans and hopes can be fulfilled. Small good fortune: For those who obtain this hexagram, the upright and sincere will find good fortune, receiving help from friends and succeeding in their endeavors; those with evil intentions will face misfortune.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Dui below, Xun above). The original meaning of Fu is to hatch; the hatching date of an egg is highly precise, carrying the meaning of trust or faithfulness. The shape of the hexagram is solid on the outside and empty on the inside, symbolizing sincerity and truth in the heart, hence it is called the Chung Fu (Inner Truth) hexagram. This is the foundation of establishing oneself and conducting oneself in society.

Nine at the Top 上九

Primary & Changing Hexagram

Line Text (Original)

The topmost line, undivided, shows its subject giving increase to others without taking from himself. There will be no error. With firm correctness there will be good fortune. There will be advantage in every movement that shall be made. He will find ministers more than can be counted by their clans.

Line Text (Translation)

Nine at the top: Neither decrease nor increase, leave things as they were, no disaster, and the divination yields an auspicious omen. If encountering this line, proceeding will surely bring benefit, and one will obtain a servant helper. The Image says: Neither decrease nor increase, maintain impartiality and the middle path; by acting in this way, one's lifelong aspirations can be realized.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Auspicious: Those who obtain this line will receive support from noble persons, and wealth and benefit can be expected. Officials will receive the love of their subordinates and the appreciation of their superiors.

Fu Peirong's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: Smooth sailing, what is planned can be achieved.
• Wealth 财运: Prices are average, yet profit is considerable.
• Household 家宅: No need for renovation.
• Health 身体: Go elsewhere to seek medical treatment.

Takashima Donsho's Commentary

• Fortune 时运: There are absolutely no obstacles at present; proceeding anywhere is beneficial, supreme good fortune.
• Warfare 战征: The army does not need addition or reduction; proceeding with this will conquer and win, advantageous in every way, and one can 'greatly achieve their ambition'.
• Business 营商: The price of goods does not rise or fall much; selling elsewhere can bring profit, supreme good fortune.
• Fame & Career 功名: One can achieve one's ambition at present.
• Household 家宅: This house does not need renovation, it naturally brings good fortune.
• Illness 疾病: One should go elsewhere to seek medical treatment, without blame.
• Travelers 行人: Greatly auspicious abroad, not returning home for the time being.
• Pregnancy 六甲: Giving birth to a boy.

Changing Hexagram (Original)

Lin (indicates that under the conditions supposed in it) there will be great progress and success, while it will be advantageous to be firmly correct. In the eighth month there will be evil.

Changing Hexagram (Translation)

Lin (Approach). Great success and supreme fortune, a favorable divination. When it comes to the eighth month, there may be danger. The Image says: The lower trigram of this hexagram is Dui, representing the Marsh; the upper trigram is Kun, representing the Earth. The dyke rises above the great marsh, and the marsh is contained within the earth. This is the image of Lin (Approach). The superior person, observing this image, rules over the world, teaches and civilizes the people, thinks deeply and extends benevolence, tolerates and embraces all people, and their virtue and deeds are boundless.

Shao Yong's Commentary

Approaching the lower from above, supporting and assisting each other; be mindful of danger in times of peace, and always remain cautious and vigilant. Auspicious: For those who obtain this hexagram, good fortune arrives, all matters go as wished, and human relations are harmonious, but one should not act with too much haste.

Traditional Interpretation

This hexagram is formed by stacking two different trigrams (Dui below, Kun above). Kun is Earth, Dui is Marsh. The earth is higher than the marsh, and the marsh is contained within the earth. This symbolizes the ruler personally presiding over the world, governing the country and securing the state, with harmony between the upper and lower classes.

III. Casting Example

You can use this site's I Ching divination tool to cast a hexagram and see this hexagram applied in practice. You may also try Plum Blossom Numerology and Xiao Liu Ren to explore other divination methods.