41. Decrease (損 Sǔn)

Trigrams

Above

☶ Gèn (Mountain)

Below

☱ Dùi (Lake)

Symbolic Meaning

損 (Sǔn) represents decrease or reduction. This hexagram speaks of a time when one must let go of excess or make sacrifices in order to achieve balance. Success comes from willingly accepting limitations and making wise reductions.

Judgment

Original Chinese:
"損，有孚，元吉，無咎。可貞，利有攸往。"
(Sǔn, yǒu fú, yuán jí, wú jiù. Kě zhēn, lì yǒu yōu wǎng.)

"Decrease. There is sincerity. Great good fortune. No blame. Perseverance furthers. It is favorable to have somewhere to go."

This hexagram advises willingly accepting decrease or sacrifice. Success comes from maintaining sincerity and making wise reductions. By persevering through this period of decrease, one finds good fortune and is able to move forward.

Image

Original Chinese:
"山下有澤，損。君子以懲忿窒欲。"
(Shān xià yǒu zé, sǔn. Jūn zǐ yǐ chéng fèn zhì yù.)

"There is a lake beneath the mountain: The image of Decrease. The superior person controls anger and restrains desires."

The image of a lake under a mountain represents a time of decrease or limitation. The superior person, like the mountain holding back the lake, controls their emotions and desires, accepting the need for restraint.

Line 1

Original Chinese:
"已事遄往，無咎，酌損之。"
(Yǐ shì chuán wǎng, wú jiù, zhuó sǔn zhī.)

"Finished with affairs, quickly move on. No blame. Consider making a reduction."

This line advises completing current tasks and moving on without delay. It suggests considering where reductions or sacrifices can be made in order to progress without blame or difficulty.

Line 2

Original Chinese:
"利貞，征凶，弗損，益之。"
(Lì zhēn, zhēng xiōng, fú sǔn, yì zhī.)

"Perseverance brings good fortune. Going forward brings misfortune. When no decrease is possible, it brings increase."

This line advises perseverance but warns that rushing forward leads to misfortune. If no further decrease is possible, it may indicate that increase is the next step. It suggests knowing when to stop decreasing and start growing again.

Line 3

Original Chinese:
"三人行，則損一人。一人行，則得其友。"
(Sān rén xíng, zé sǔn yī rén. Yī rén xíng, zé dé qí yǒu.)

"When three people journey together, one is subtracted. When one person journeys alone, they find a companion."

This line speaks of decrease within a group. When too many are involved, one must be removed for balance. However, if one travels alone, they will find a helpful companion. It advises understanding the dynamics of groups and individuals.

Line 4

Original Chinese:
"損其疾，使遄有喜，無咎。"
(Sǔn qí jí, shǐ chuán yǒu xǐ, wú jiù.)

"Decrease the illness. If done quickly, there is joy and no blame."

This line advises acting quickly to reduce or eliminate a problem (symbolized by illness). By addressing the issue promptly, one finds relief and joy, avoiding blame or further complications.

Line 5

Original Chinese:
"或益之，十朋之龜弗克違，元吉。"
(Huò yì zhī, shí péng zhī guī fú kè wéi, yuán jí.)

"Someone increases it. A tortoise of ten friends cannot oppose it. Great good fortune."

This line speaks of an unexpected increase or gift that cannot be refused. Like a valuable tortoise offered by ten friends, this increase brings great good fortune. It advises accepting help or increase when it comes.

Line 6

Original Chinese:
"弗損，益之，無咎，貞吉，利有攸往，得臣无家。"
(Fú sǔn, yì zhī, wú jiù, zhēn jí, lì yǒu yōu wǎng, dé chén wú jiā.)

"No decrease, but increase. No blame. Perseverance brings good fortune. It is favorable to go forward. You gain a servant without a household."

This line speaks of a time when no decrease is necessary, and instead, increase comes. This brings good fortune and encourages perseverance. It suggests moving forward confidently, as new help or resources arrive.