Hexagram 41 · Decrease

Judgment

Decrease combined with sincerity brings supreme good fortune, without blame. It is fitting to be steadfast. Advantageous to have somewhere to go. How is this used? Two baskets of offerings may be used for the sacrifice.

Lines

• First line (1): When affairs are completed, hasten to go forward. No blame. But consider how to reduce them.
• Second line (2): It is favorable to remain steadfast. To undertake action brings misfortune. Without decreasing oneself, one can increase others.
• Third line (3): When three people travel together, one is lost. When one travels alone, one finds a companion.
• Fourth line (4): Decrease one's ailments. Hasten to do this, and there will be cause for joy. No blame.
• Fifth line (5): Someone may increase you with a tortoise worth ten pairs of shells. You cannot refuse it. Supreme good fortune.
• Top line (6): Without decreasing oneself, one increases others. No blame. Perseverance brings good fortune. Advantageous to have somewhere to go. One gains a servant, but not a family.