Hexagram 42: Increase

Trigrams

Upper trigram: Xun (Wind) · Lower trigram: Zhen (Thunder)

Judgment

Favorable to have somewhere to go, favorable to cross the great river.

Image

Wind and thunder: increase. The noble one moves toward good on seeing it, and corrects himself when he errs.

Meaning of Hexagram Increase

Increase (益) is hexagram #42 of the 64 I-Ching hexagrams, formed by the upper trigram Xun (Wind) and lower trigram Zhen (Thunder). It represents growth and benefit flowing from generosity and right action. When this hexagram is cast, the querent should meditate on the judgment and image to grasp what the Yi is saying about the current situation.

The Six Lines Explained

First Yang Line (Line 1)

"It is beneficial to use this to undertake great works; supreme good fortune, no blame"

Taking advantage of help to accomplish a great task is favorable, but the work must be thoroughly and carefully completed to avoid blame. This line, in a low position, is encouraged to undertake great work but must be cautious, not taking on responsibility beyond one's ability.

Second Yin Line (Line 2)

"Someone unexpectedly benefits him with a precious gift worth ten pairs of tortoise shells, which cannot be declined; perpetual uprightness brings good fortune"

Unexpectedly someone helps by giving a precious gift that cannot be refused; maintaining the correct way for a long time is auspicious. This line, through humility and rectitude, receives great help from others.

Third Yin Line (Line 3)

"Increase is used in times of calamity, no blame. With sincerity and following the middle way, report to the duke using a jade tablet"

Helping by enduring hardship (to correct faults) brings no blame; if one sincerely reforms, one will be recognized by superiors. This line is imperfect but still has the chance to receive help if one sincerely improves oneself.

Fourth Yin Line (Line 4)

"Following the middle way, reporting to the duke who complies. It is beneficial to use this to move the capital"

Following the middle way and reporting to a superior will be heeded; even a great matter such as relocating the capital can be accomplished. This line, in a high position, can persuade others to carry out important matters by upholding the middle way.

Fifth Yang Line (Line 5)

"With sincerity and a kind heart, there is no need to ask, supreme good fortune. With sincerity, my virtue is regarded as gracious"

Having a sincere heart to do good deeds, one need not ask to know it is very auspicious; everyone trusts in one's virtue of bestowing favor. This is the ruling line, representing a talented and virtuous leader who sincerely bestows benefits on others and thus gains absolute trust.

Sixth Yang Line (Line 6)

"No one benefits him, and some even attack him. Not maintaining a constant heart brings misfortune"

No one benefits him, and there are even those who attack him, because he could not maintain steadfastness — inauspicious. This final line is a stern warning: excessive craving for benefit, without maintaining inner stability, leads to a bad outcome and resentment from others.

The Transformed Hexagram

The hexagram has Zhen (Thunder) as the inner trigram and Xun (Wind) as the outer trigram — it is the inverse hexagram of Shan Ze Sun (Decrease, hexagram 41). When a line moves, the hexagram transforms depending on the line's position.

Applications by Area of Life

Work & Career

This is a favorable hexagram, speaking of receiving support and help for development. One must maintain the middle and correct way (as in the Fourth and Fifth lines) and avoid excessive greed for benefit until the end (as warned in the Sixth line).

Love & Relationships

This hexagram advises sincerely giving and helping one's partner in a relationship (as in the Fifth line), but also knowing how to maintain stability, not demanding too much which would create tension in the relationship (as in the Sixth line).

Health

This is a favorable period to "increase" — nourish one's health, build good habits. One should proceed with steadfastness and a long-term plan.

Wealth

A favorable time to receive financial support and profitable investment. One should avoid excessive greed that would make others wary and distant (as in the Sixth line).

Frequently Asked Questions about Increase

What does the Wind over Thunder (Increase) hexagram mean?

Increase (Ich) means to add, to benefit. This hexagram is the opposite of Decrease, speaking of increasing benefit, especially when superiors know how to share and help those below.

Why does the favorable Increase hexagram have a very unfavorable final line, while the less favorable Decrease hexagram has a very favorable final line?

This illustrates the law "fullness invites loss, humility receives increase" — things that develop to their extreme reverse direction: Increase developed to its extreme declines (unfavorable final line), while Decrease reduced to its extreme is compensated (favorable final line).

What is the meaning of the lesson of "not maintaining a constant heart" in the Sixth line?

According to Confucius's commentary on this line: the superior person should first make himself secure, keep his heart at ease, and build lasting relationships before making requests or persuading others — if one only focuses on seeking benefit without first building a solid foundation, one will easily be rejected by others, or even resented.