益
YìUpper: Wind · 巽 · Lower: Thunder · 震
Judgment利有攸往。利涉大川。
In plain wordsIt favors having somewhere to go and crossing the great river. Giving to those below and going toward what is good benefits others and yourself, which suits worthwhile undertakings.
The imageWind above, thunder below: wind and thunder help each other grow stronger, with loss above and gain below; a picture of increase.
A hint for youReach out where you can help and learn from good practices you see. Helping others and growing yourself are often the same thing.
Line texts (bottom to top)
- 初九利用为大作，元吉，无咎。The first line, undivided, shows that it will be advantageous for its subject in his position to make a great movement. If it be greatly fortunate, no blame will be imputed to him.
- 六二或益之，十朋之龟弗克违，永贞吉。王用享于帝，吉。The second line, divided, shows parties adding to the stores of its subject ten pairs of tortoise shells whose oracles cannot be opposed. Let him persevere in being firm and correct, and there will be good fortune. Let the king, (having the virtues thus distinguished), employ them in presenting his offerings to God, and there will be good fortune.
- 六三益之用凶事，无咎。有孚中行，告公用圭。The third line, divided, shows increase given to its subject by means of what is evil, so that he shall (be led to good), and be without blame. Let him be sincere and pursue the path of the Mean, (so shall he secure the recognition of the ruler, like) an officer who announces himself to his prince by the symbol of his rank.
- 六四中行，告公从。利用为依迁国。The fourth line, divided, shows its subject pursuing the due course. His advice to his prince is followed. He can with advantage be relied on in such a movement as that of removing the capital.
- 九五有孚惠心，勿问元吉。有孚惠我德。The fifth line, undivided, shows its subject with sincere heart seeking to benefit (all below). There need be no question about it; the result will be great good fortune. (All below) will with sincere heart acknowledge his goodness.
- 上九莫益之，或击之，立心勿恒，凶。In the sixth line, undivided, we see one to whose increase none will contribute, while many will seek to assail him. He observes no regular rule in the ordering of his heart. There will be evil.
Increase; growth through giving
For entertainment and self-reflection only