益 → 大壯
Hexagram 42: Increase → Hexagram 34: Great Power
Changing Lines
This transformation involves 5 changing lines (lines 2, 3, 4, 5, 6).
Line 2
六二 或益之十朋之龜。弗克違。永貞吉。王用享于帝吉。
Six in the second place means: Someone does indeed increase him; Ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it. Constant perseverance brings good fortune. The king presents him before God. Good fortune.
Line 3
六三 益之用凶事。无咎。有孚中行。告公用圭。
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 4
六四 中行。告公從。利用為依遷國。
Six in the fourth place means: If you walk in the middle And report the prince, He will follow. It furthers one to be used In the removal of the capital.
Line 5
九五 有孚惠心。勿問元吉。有孚惠我德。
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。
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
Yilin Verse
罍尊重席，命我嘉客。福祐久長，不見禍殃。
Bronze vessels and layered mats, we welcome our honored guests. Blessings endure for long ages; no calamity is seen.
— Jiao Yanshou, Yilin (Forest of Changes), 1st century BCE
Commentary
Wind and thunder bestow increase, and the transformation leads to thunder roaring above heaven — the irresistible vigor of Great Power. Bronze lei vessels and layered mats are set out; the host formally invites honored guests. Blessings and divine protection extend far into the future, and no calamity appears. The lei vessel was a ritual wine container used in the most solemn ceremonies of hospitality. Layered sitting mats signified the highest respect for guests. The verse presents a feast conducted with full ceremonial propriety — power expressed through generosity rather than force. From Increase to Great Power, the connection lies in righteous exercise of strength. Thunder above heaven is overwhelming energy, but the gentleman channels it through ritual propriety, never treading outside the bounds of li. Great power well-governed manifests as magnificent hospitality.
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