Decrease

Upper trigram: Mountain (still, resting) · Lower trigram: Lake (joyous, sharing)

Judgment

The lake beneath the mountain: taken from below and added above; decreasing and simplifying. This hexagram speaks of the value of sincere, unshowy giving; even two small bowls can be enough for an offering. Decrease is not loss; leaving what is unnecessary makes room for the essential. Decreasing at the right time, with measure and sincerity, leads to good results.

Image

The lake at the foot of the mountain: decrease. The noble-minded restrain their anger and limit their desires.

Meaning of the six lines (bottom to top)

1. 1Line 1 (from the bottom)Setting aside your own affairs to hurry to help: no error. Yet thinking about how much to give matters.
2. 2Line 2 (from the bottom)Steadiness is good, pushing ahead is read as unfavourable. It is possible to strengthen others without giving up too much of yourself.
3. 3Line 3 (from the bottom)When three walk, one drops away; one walking alone finds a friend. A balanced pair can be stronger than a crowd.
4. 4Line 4 (from the bottom)Reducing your own faults: joy comes quickly. Noticing and mending shortcomings promptly is fitting.
5. 5Line 5 (from the bottom)Someone adds to you: not even ten pairs of tortoise shells could refuse. A great support that comes unasked may arrive.
6. 6Line 6 (from the bottom)Increasing without decreasing: no error, steadiness is good. Supporting others opens an unlimited field of service.