Forty-Second Hexagram : The Wisdom of Increase

Hello, I Ching enthusiasts! Today, let's delve into the forty-second hexagram of the I Ching, Yi (益), which symbolizes 'Increase'. It represents wind over thunder, like gentle winds fanning thunderous energy to foster growth, emphasizing beneficial expansion, sharing abundance, and undertaking actions with a clear purpose to cross great waters. The hexagram statement is: "Yi: Increase. It furthers one to undertake something. It furthers one to cross the great water."

The line interpretations in the I Ching can be abstract and hard to remember. So, today, I've woven the six lines into an ancient tale to make them come alive. Read the story to absorb the meanings, and then in the breakdowns, I'll quote relevant parts of the story and add annotations from the I Ching original with sources. This way, you'll easily recall the lessons of each line!

Ancient Tale: 'The Growing Storm, Winds of Abundance'

Once upon a time, in a valley where gentle winds amplified distant thunder, fostering increase across the land, a humble farmer sought to expand his fields to cross the great river of prosperity. It furthered him to undertake this with purpose. At the outset, going ahead brought misfortune, nothing furthering his rash expansion without preparation.

Someone increased him with ten pairs of tortoises that could not be opposed; constant perseverance brought good fortune as the king presented him before God, blessing his growth.

He was enriched through unfortunate events, no blame if sincere, walking in the middle and reporting with a seal to the prince for aid.

Walking in the middle and reporting to the prince, he followed; it furthered to be used in relocating the capital, sharing the increase wisely.

If in truth he had good faith, kindness resulted; no question of his own good fortune as the increase came naturally without force.

He brought increase to no one, someone even struck him; he did not keep his heart constantly steady, misfortune from his unbalanced expansion.

How did you like the tale? Hope it was engaging! Now, let's break down each line based on the story. For each, I'll quote the matching part and annotate with the I Ching source. This connects the wisdom directly to the narrative for better recall!

Line Interpretations: Wisdom Linked to the Tale

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First Line (Initial Nine): Going ahead brings misfortune. Nothing furthers.

This line warns of rash action in increase leading to failure without benefit. Matching part in the tale: "At the outset, going ahead brought misfortune, nothing furthering his rash expansion without preparation." This symbolizes avoiding premature advances in growth.

 

Annotation: I Ching Yi hexagram first line: "Going ahead brings misfortune. Nothing furthers."

Second Line (Nine in the Second Place): 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.

This line represents receiving unopposable increase, with perseverance and divine blessing succeeding. Matching part in the tale: "Someone increased him with ten pairs of tortoises that could not be opposed; constant perseverance brought good fortune as the king presented him before God, blessing his growth." Unopposable blessing perseveres. Annotation: I Ching Yi hexagram second line: "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."

Image Prompt: "Classic I Ching inspired art in decorative frame style with all text displayed in English, showing someone increase ten tortoises oppose perseverance good fortune king God, representing Yi hexagram second line: divine blessing, tortoise presentation scene thunder wind, earthy tones with golden highlights for unopposable."

Third Line (Six in the Third Place): 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.

This line suggests gaining from adversity blamelessly through sincerity and proper reporting. Matching part in the tale: "He was enriched through unfortunate events, no blame if sincere, walking in the middle and reporting with a seal to the prince for aid." Adversity enriches sincerely. Annotation: I Ching Yi hexagram third line: "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."

Image Prompt: "Vintage Chinese folklore illustration with golden borders and all text in English, illustrating enriched unfortunate events no blame sincere middle report seal prince, embodying Yi hexagram third line: sincere aid, report scene wind thunder, muted browns and greens for adversity."

Fourth Line (Six in the Fourth Place): If you walk in the middle And report to the prince, he will follow. It furthers one To be used In the removal of the capital.

This line indicates central reporting leading to alliance and beneficial change. Matching part in the tale: "Walking in the middle and reporting to the prince, he followed; it furthered to be used in relocating the capital, sharing the increase wisely." Central report allies. Annotation: I Ching Yi hexagram fourth line: "If you walk in the middle And report to the prince, he will follow. It furthers one To be used In the removal of the capital."

Image Prompt: "Ornate ancient poster style depiction with all text in English, portraying walk middle report prince follow further used removal capital share wisely, symbolizing Yi hexagram fourth line: beneficial alliance, report capital scene thunder wind, serene blues and golds for sharing."

Fifth Line (Nine in the Fifth Place): If in truth you have good faith, they will come to you. No blame. If in truth you have good faith, kindness will be the result. No question of your own good fortune.

This line emphasizes sincere faith attracting others blamelessly, resulting in kindness and fortune. Matching part in the tale: "If in truth he had good faith, kindness resulted; no question of his own good fortune as the increase came naturally without force." Faith attracts kindness. Annotation: I Ching Yi hexagram fifth line: "If in truth you have good faith, they will come to you. No blame. If in truth you have good faith, kindness will be the result. No question of your own good fortune."

Image Prompt: "Traditional Chinese art with intricate patterns and all text displayed in English, showing truth good faith come no blame kindness result no question fortune natural, representing Yi hexagram fifth line: sincere attraction, faith scene wind thunder, vibrant purples and yellows for kindness."

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

This line warns of unbalanced increase benefiting no one, with instability leading to misfortune. Matching part in the tale: "He brought increase to no one, someone even struck him; he did not keep his heart constantly steady, misfortune from his unbalanced expansion." Unbalanced increase misfortunes. Annotation: I Ching Yi hexagram top line: "He brings increase to no one. Indeed, someone even strikes him. He does not keep his heart constantly steady. Misfortune."

Image Prompt: "Dramatic vintage I Ching illustration with bordered frame and all text in English, depicting brings increase no one strikes not steady heart misfortune unbalanced, symbolizing Yi hexagram sixth line: unstable failure, strike scene thunder wind, dark grays and reds for imbalance."

This blog should make the six lines of Yi hexagram feel more approachable! The I Ching is full of life wisdom. Share your thoughts in the comments. See you next time~