41 · 損
Hexagram 41, 損. Original Chinese judgment: 有孚，元吉，无咎，可貞，利有攸往。曷之用，二簋可用享。 Read the six line statements, commentaries and separately labeled editorial summaries.
Judgment
有孚，元吉，无咎，可貞，利有攸往。曷之用，二簋可用享。
Line texts
- 初九：巳事遄往，无咎，酌損之。
- 九二：利貞，征凶，弗損，益之。
- 六三：三人行，則損一人；一人行，則得其友。
- 六四：損其疾，使遄有喜，无咎。
- 六五：或益之，十朋之龜弗克違，元吉。
- 上九：弗損益之，无咎，貞吉，有攸往，得臣无家。
Tuan commentary
損，損下益上，其道上行。損而有孚，元吉，无咎，可貞，利有攸往。曷之用？二簋可用享；二簋應有時。損剛益柔有時，損益盈虛，與時偕行。
Great Image commentary
山下有澤，損；君子以懲忿窒慾。
Small Images · bottom to top
- 已事遄往，尚合志也。
- 九二利貞，中以為志也。
- 一人行，三則疑也。
- 損其疾，亦可喜也。
- 六五元吉，自上佑也。
- 弗損益之，大得志也。
Traditional source · editorial summary in Chinese
Working translation of this site’s Chinese summaries based on traditional sources, not verbatim quotations from the commentator or a translation of the classical text. Native-language review is incomplete. Traditional imagery is not medical, legal or other professional advice.
朱熹《周易本義》
Judgment exegesis
Zhu Xi explains Sun as decreasing below to benefit above, but decrease must address what should be reduced and arise from trustworthiness. Decrease, increase, fullness and emptiness follow the time; modest offerings are acceptable when decrease is fitting.
Traditional source · editorial summary in Chinese · Line texts
- In a time of decreasing below to benefit above, the first yang line pauses its affairs to help the fourth yin line promptly. Yet the degree must be considered, avoiding excessive loss.
- Firm strength at the center in the second line maintains itself and refuses rash advance. Correctness is beneficial while an expedition is inauspicious; preserving its correct stance is itself a benefit above.
- The third yin line uses three traveling together and confused relationships requiring one to be removed, while one traveling gains a companion. The warning concerns single-minded connection: three creates doubt.
- The fourth yin line draws on the first yang line’s firmness to reduce its own yielding weakness. The quicker the correction, the better, bringing joy without blame.
- Yielding openness at the honored center in the fifth line receives benefit from all around in a time of decrease, like a valuable tortoise described as worth ten peng that cannot be refused. Possessing the virtue is primally auspicious.
- At the height of receiving benefit, the top yang line benefits those below without diminishing itself. Generosity without depletion must accord with correctness to extend widely without blame.
Plain-language reading
Working translation of this site’s Chinese editorial reading, not an edition of the classical text, a verbatim quotation from a commentator or a prediction. Native-language review is not yet complete.
Judgment introduction
Sun describes a time of decreasing what is below to benefit what is above. Decrease must be sincere and directed at what truly needs reducing. Both decrease and increase must follow the time; when decrease is appropriate, modest offerings need not diminish sincere respect.
Plain-language reading · Line texts
- Pause one's own affairs to help those above promptly, but still measure the extent of the help; do not allow oneself to be excessively diminished.
- Firm strength at the center maintains its own proper way. Not advancing rashly or abandoning steadfast correctness is itself a benefit to those above.
- Three people traveling together can create confused relationships. Reducing the group by one instead gains a dedicated companion; the emphasis is on removing doubt and disorder.
- With firm help from outside, promptly reduce one's own weakness or defect. The more timely the correction, the better.
- Yielding receptiveness and an open mind can receive benefits from all around, like receiving a precious tortoise that cannot be refused. Virtue is needed to be worthy of it.
- At the height of receiving benefit, turn to benefit those below, helping others without diminishing oneself. Only conformity to the proper way permits wide generosity without blame.