Hexagram 42: Increase → Hexagram 15: Modesty

Increase
Wind / Thunder
Modesty
Earth / Mountain
Changing LinesStable Lines

Changing Lines

This transformation involves 4 changing lines (lines 1, 3, 5, 6).

Line 1

初九 利用為大作。元吉无咎。

worthwhile
yòng(to be) applied? practiced? carried out?
wéi(to) effect
great
zuòworks
yuánmost
promising
no
jiùblame

Nine at the beginning means: It furthers one to accomplish great deeds. Supreme good fortune. No blame.

Line 3

六三 益之用凶事。无咎。有孚中行。告公用圭。

increase(ing)
zhīis that of
yòng(the) way
xiōngill-omened
shìevents
no
jiùblame
yǒu(if
sincerity
zhōng(the) central
xíngconduct
gàoannounce
gōng(to the) prince
yòng(one) uses
guī(a) jade tablet

Six in the third place means: One is enriched through unfortunate events. No blame, if you are sincere And walk in the middle, And report with a seal to the prince.

Line 5

九五 有孚惠心。勿問元吉。有孚惠我德。

yǒu(if
sincerity
huì(and a) kind(ly)
xīnheart
not at all
wènquestion
yuánmost
promising
yǒu(there is
sincerity
huìkind(ness)
my
virtue

Nine in the fifth place means: If in truth you have a kind heart, ask not. Supreme good fortune. Truly, kindness will be recognized as your virtue.

Line 6

上九 莫益之。或擊之。立心勿恆。凶。

no one
increases
zhīthis
huòsome
strike(s)
zhīthis
(to) establish
xīnheart
not at all
héngconstancy
xiōng(is) ill-omened

Nine at the top means: He brings increase to no one. Indeed, someone even strikes him. He does not keep his heart constantly steady. Misfortune.

Trigram Changes

Upper TrigramWind EarthThe Gentle → The Receptive
Lower TrigramThunder MountainThe Arousing → Keeping Still

Yilin Verse

配合相迎,利之四鄉。昏以為期,明星煌煌。欣喜爽澤,所言得當。

Matched and joined in welcome, blessing the four directions. Dusk is set as the appointed hour; the morning star shines brilliantly. Hearts are glad and spirits bright; every word rings true.

— Jiao Yanshou, Yilin (Forest of Changes), 1st century BCE

Commentary

Wind and thunder bestow increase, and the transformation leads to the mountain hidden within the earth — the self-effacing grace of Modesty. Matched partners come to greet each other, bringing benefit to all four directions. Dusk is set as the appointed time, and the bright stars glitter overhead. Joy and refreshment abound; every word spoken hits its mark. This is the image of a well-matched betrothal conducted with proper timing and mutual respect. The stars shining at the wedding hour recall the Shijing ode tradition of celestial omens blessing a union. From Increase to Modesty, the dynamic unfolds naturally: generosity offered with humility creates the conditions for perfect reciprocity. The mountain within the earth lifts the low and levels the high, and the couple meets on equal, auspicious ground.

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