謙 → 損
Hexagram 15: Modesty → Hexagram 41: Decrease
Changing Lines
This transformation involves 4 changing lines (lines 1, 2, 3, 6).
Line 1
初六 謙謙君子。用涉大川。吉。
Six at the beginning means: A superior man modest about his modesty May cross the great water. Good fortune.
Line 2
六二 鳴謙。貞吉。
Six in the second place means: Modesty that comes to expression. Perseverance brings good fortune.
Line 3
九三 勞謙君子。有終吉。
Nine in the third place means: A superior man of modesty and merit Carries things to conclusion. Good fortune.
Line 6
上六 鳴謙。利用行師。征邑國。
Six at the top means: Modesty that comes to expression. It is favorable to set armies marching To chastise one's own city and one's country.
Trigram Changes
Yilin Verse
常德自如，安坐無尤；莘入貴鄉，到老安榮。
Constant virtue, composed as ever; sitting at ease, free of reproach. Entering a noble domain; reaching old age in peace and honor.
— Jiao Yanshou, Yilin (Forest of Changes), 1st century BCE
Commentary
Earth holds the mountain in steady composure. Constant virtue, self-possessed, sitting at ease with no fault — then 'entering the honored village from Xin' and enjoying peace and glory into old age. The mention of Xin (莘) evokes the Youshen clan from which Yi Yin emerged: the humble servant who rose from obscurity to become the sage-minister of Shang. From Modesty to Decrease, the mountain towers above the lake — restraining anger and curbing desire. The verse embodies Decrease's paradox: by giving up ambition and maintaining steady virtue, one receives lasting honor. Yi Yin's story resonates here: the cook from Youshen who entered the noble household and served with constant virtue achieved glory precisely through selfless reduction of ego.
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