Hexagram 42: Increase → Hexagram 53: Development

Increase
Wind / Thunder
Development
Wind / Mountain
Changing LinesStable Lines

Changing Lines

This transformation involves 2 changing lines (lines 1, 3).

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.

Trigram Changes

Upper TrigramWind Wind
Lower TrigramThunder MountainThe Arousing → Keeping Still

Yilin Verse

伯仲言留,叔子云去。雖自无咎,主母大喜。

The elder brothers say remain; the youngest says depart. Though one incurs no blame of one's own, the mistress of the house is greatly pleased.

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

Commentary

Wind and thunder bestow increase, and the transformation leads to trees growing on the mountain — the gradual advance of Development. The eldest and second brothers say 'stay'; the third son says 'go.' Though he himself incurs no blame, the matriarch is greatly delighted. A family debate over departure: the elder brothers counsel remaining, but the youngest insists on leaving. His departure brings no misfortune to himself and — surprisingly — makes the mother happy. Perhaps the youngest's journey outward serves the family better than his staying; perhaps his leaving resolves a tension that his presence maintained. From Increase to Development, the gradual advance of the wild goose image applies perfectly: the third son's departure is not flight but measured progression to the next stage, and the family recognizes this even through the pain of parting.

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