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䷨
Hexagram 41
Decrease
损 · Sǔn
Trigram Composition
Upper Trigram
Mountain
Lower Trigram
Lake
The Judgment (彖)
Decrease combined with sincerity brings about supreme good fortune. One may be persevering. It furthers to undertake something. Two small bowls may be used for the sacrifice.
The Image (象)
The lake at the foot of the mountain. The superior person controls anger and restrains instincts.
Meaning
Decrease below to increase above — sacrifice of the lower to benefit the higher. Simplification and restraint that serve a greater purpose. Less can become more when given sincerely.
Advice
Simplify. Let go of excess — possessions, habits, anger. What you sacrifice with sincerity will transform into something greater. Even humble offerings given genuinely have supreme value.
Keywords
SimplificationSacrificeRestraintSincerityLetting go