Hexagram 41
SunDecrease
Mountain (Gen) · Lake (Dui)
The image
At the foot of the mountain, the lake: The image of DECREASE. Thus the superior man controls his anger And restrains his instincts.
This hexagram in one line
This hexagram represents a decrease of the lower trigram in favor of the upper, because the third line, originally strong, has moved up to the top, and the top line, originally weak, has replaced it.1 What is below is decreased to the benefit of what is above. This is out-and-out decrease. If the foundations of a building are decreased in strength and the upper walls are strengthened, the whole structure loses its stability. Likewise, a decrease in the prosperity of the people in favor of the government is out-and-out decrease. And the entire theme of the hexagram is directed to showing how this shift of wealth can take place without causing the sources of wealth in the nation and its lower classes to fail.
Core Meaning
The core judgment of this hexagram.
Mountain has lake
Hexagram Judgment
DECREASE combined with sincerity Brings about supreme good fortune Without blame. One may be persevering in this. It furthers one to undertake something. How is this to be carried out? One may use two small bowls for the sacrifice.
Decrease does not under all circumstances mean something bad. Increase and decrease come in their own time. What matters here is to understand the time and not to try to cover up poverty with empty pretense. If a time of scanty resources brings out an inner truth, one must not feel ashamed of simplicity. For simplicity is then the very thing needed to provide inner strength for further undertakings. Indeed, there need be no concern if the outward beauty of the civilization, even the elaboration of religious forms, should have to suffer because of simplicity. One must draw on the strength of the inner attitude to compensate for what is lacking in externals; then the power of the content makes up for the simplicity of form. There is no need of presenting false appearances to God. Even with slender means, the sentiment of the heart can be expressed.
Upper and Lower Trigrams
- Mountain (Gen)
- Mountain · Stillness
- Lake (Dui)
- Lake · Joy
Lines
What each of the six positions expresses.
Classics
Tuan CommentaryThe reasoning behind the judgment.
Decrease means diminishing the lower to increase the upper; its way leads upward. Decrease with sincerity brings supreme good fortune, no blame, perseverance, and furtherance through having somewhere to go. How is this to be carried out? Two small bowls may be used for the sacrifice. The right time for sacrificing two small bowls is when the time is right. Diminishing the firm and increasing the yielding also has its time. Decrease and increase, fullness and emptiness go together with the time.
Decrease means diminishing below to increase above; its way moves upward. Decrease with sincerity brings supreme good fortune, no blame, perseverance, and it is favorable to have somewhere to go. Two simple bowls may be used in the offering when the time is right. Decrease and increase, fullness and emptiness, all move together with the times.
Great ImageThe image itself, read as a picture of the situation.
At the foot of the mountain, the lake: The image of DECREASE. Thus the superior man controls his anger And restrains his instincts.
The lake at the foot of the mountain evaporates. In this way it decreases to the benefit of the mountain, which is enriched by its moisture. The mountain stands as the symbol of a stubborn strength that can harden into anger. The lake is the symbol of unchecked gaiety that can develop into passionate drives at the expense of the life forces. Therefore decrease is necessary; anger must be decreased by keeping still, the instincts must be curbed by restriction. By this decrease of the lower powers of the psyche, the higher aspects of the soul are enriched.
Further
Related hexagrams
Related Guides
- Hexagram LoveHexagram 41 (Decrease) in Love: I Ching Guidance for RelationshipsWhat does Hexagram 41 (Decrease) reveal about love and relationships? Decrease does not under all circumstances mean something bad. Increase and decrease come in their own time. What matters here is to understand the time and not... Explore how the I Ching guides emotional connection, dating, and partnership dynamics.
- Hexagram FinanceHexagram 41 (Decrease) in Finance: I Ching Guidance for Wealth and Money MattersWhat does Hexagram 41 (Decrease) mean for finances? Decrease does not under all circumstances mean something bad. Increase and decrease come in their own time. What matters here is to understand the time and not... Discover how the I Ching guides resource management, timing of financial decisions, and the mindset behind lasting wealth.
Frequently asked questions
What does Sun / Decrease mean in the I Ching?
Decrease does not under all circumstances mean something bad. Increase and decrease come in their own time. What matters here is to understand the time and not...
How should I study Hexagram 41 on this page?
Start with the judgment and image, then read the line statements in sequence. But one must reflect on how much one may decrease others. It is unselfish and good when a man, after completing his own urgent tasks, uses his strength in the service of others, an...
How can this hexagram be applied in a modern reading?
Decrease means diminishing below to increase above; its way moves upward. Decrease with sincerity brings supreme good fortune, no blame, perseverance, and it is favorable to have somewhere to go. Two simple bowls may be...
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Original text from the I Ching; translation based on Richard Wilhelm's German version.