損 → 節

Commentary

Mountain above lake becomes water above lake — Limitation, where boundaries give shape to abundance. 'Long spring days, all things bloom and bear fruit: there is joy and profit and blessing.' The verse is pure seasonal celebration, radiant and unqualified. The yang light of spring, extended to its fullest, brings everything to fruition — flowers open, fruit sets, and the world overflows with goodness. From Decrease to Limitation, the mountain transforms into water held by the lake — the image of measured containment. Limitation's virtue is knowing how much is enough. The spring joy described here is not excess but seasonal rightness: each thing blooms in its proper measure, limited by the natural cycle. Decrease creates the discipline; Limitation channels it into sustainable abundance.