42 · 益
Hexagram 42, 益. Original Chinese judgment: 利有攸往，利涉大川。 Read the six line statements, commentaries and separately labeled editorial summaries.
Judgment
利有攸往，利涉大川。
Line texts
- 初九：利用為大作，元吉，无咎。
- 六二：或益之，十朋之龜弗克違，永貞吉。王用享于帝，吉。
- 六三：益之用凶事，无咎。有孚中行，告公用圭。
- 六四：中行，告公從。利用為依遷國。
- 九五：有孚惠心，勿問元吉。有孚惠我德。
- 上九：莫益之，或擊之，立心勿恆，凶。
Tuan commentary
益，損上益下，民說无疆，自上下下，其道大光。利有攸往，中正有慶。利涉大川，木道乃行。益動而巽，日進无疆。天施地生，其益无方。凡益之道，與時偕行。
Great Image commentary
風雷，益；君子以見善則遷，有過則改。
Small Images · bottom to top
- 元吉无咎，下不厚事也。
- 或益之，自外來也。
- 益用凶事，固有之也。
- 告公從，以益志也。
- 有孚惠心，勿問之矣。惠我德，大得志也。
- 莫益之，偏辭也。或擊之，自外來也。
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 Yi, the Increase hexagram, as decreasing above to benefit below. The fifth yang and second yin lines are centered and correct; Zhen below and Xun above both have images of wood. Increase flows downward through responsive action that continues with the times.
Traditional source · editorial summary in Chinese · Line texts
- The first yang line below receives benefit from above and must not receive it without service in return. Use it for great undertakings, attaining primal auspiciousness to be without blame.
- The second yin line is open at the center below and receives substantial outside benefit, like a tortoise described as worth ten peng that cannot be refused. Both line and position are yin, making lasting correctness especially necessary for auspiciousness.
- The third yin line lacks centered correctness and is not ordinarily due benefit. In the time of benefiting below, adverse events provide warning and discipline; trustworthiness, the middle way and formal communication remain necessary.
- The fourth yin line lacks the center and is therefore also warned to act through the middle way. Sincerely benefiting below in accordance with the center allows its communication to be accepted and supported.
- The fifth yang line above benefits below with trustworthiness and a generous heart, and those below repay its virtue with trustworthiness. This mutual benefit is described as primally auspicious without needing consultation.
- The top yang line at the extreme of increase still demands more. Eventually no one benefits it, and attack may follow. Its purpose cannot endure, hence inauspiciousness.
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
Yi, the Increase hexagram, describes decreasing what is above to benefit what is below. Increase moves from above to below through action that responds appropriately and continues with the times. Those receiving benefit must also use it for fitting action.
Plain-language reading · Line texts
- Receiving benefit in a low position is not a matter of taking without giving back. Use what is received to accomplish important, proper work.
- Open at the center and positioned below, one receives substantial benefit. Lasting correctness is especially necessary to be worthy of what is received.
- Although not ordinarily due to receive benefit, one gains warning and discipline through hardship. Trustworthiness, the middle way and formal communication are still needed.
- Not oneself occupying the center, take the middle way as a guide. Advice is accepted only when it sincerely and appropriately benefits those below.
- Those above benefit those below with trustworthiness and a generous heart; those below reciprocate that virtue with trustworthiness, creating mutual benefit.
- Continuing to demand more after benefit has reached its extreme leaves no one willing to help and instead invites attack.