The 41st Hexagram of the I Ching: Sǔn (损) – Decrease
The Symbolic Meaning of the Sǔn Hexagram (损卦)
The Sǔn (损) hexagram is formed by the combination of two different trigrams: Gèn (艮) on top and Duì (兑) on the bottom. Gèn (艮) represents the mountain, while Duì (兑) represents the lake or marsh. The structure indicates that there is a marsh or water below a mountain, suggesting that water, which rises from the lower part, nourishes the mountain’s growth but simultaneously diminishes the water itself. This explains why this hexagram is associated with the concept of reduction or decrease, as the flow of water helps things grow but also leads to its own depletion.
Interpretation from “Duàn Yì Tiān Jī” (断易天机)
The Sǔn (损) hexagram, with Gèn above and Duì below, is a third-generation hexagram within the Gèn family. It symbolizes decrease and reduction. The core message is that this hexagram often signals a reduction of one’s own resources or abilities, which may not appear favorable at first. However, if one maintains integrity and a commitment to honesty, positive outcomes will ultimately follow.
Interpretation by the Song Dynasty Scholar Shào Yōng (邵雍)
Sǔn represents a process where the lower element is reduced and the upper element is enriched. It speaks to the principle of reducing excess and filling the void. The difficulties that come at first will eventually ease. The general guidance is to be modest in all things, to take only what is necessary, and to approach each situation with careful consideration.
Those who receive this hexagram should focus on reducing their own excesses in order to benefit others. While the initial steps might be difficult, this path promises eventual return and rewards, turning misfortune into fortune.
Interpretation by Taiwanese Confucian Scholar Fù Pèi Róng (傅佩荣)
Fortune and Timing: You must maintain inner peace and composure to allow for growth and development.
Wealth: Prosperity comes through harmony and self-sacrifice for the benefit of others.
Home: A level and stable environment is crucial for family harmony.
Health: Focus on self-cultivation and maintaining balance.
Traditional Interpretation of the Sǔn Hexagram (损卦)
The Sǔn hexagram is formed by the combination of Duì (the marsh) below and Gèn (the mountain) above. This setup reflects the idea of a great body of water slowly eroding the base of a mountain. It suggests that loss and gain are interconnected, and the relationship between them must be handled with great care. The hexagram advises that sometimes, a moderate reduction may lead to greater benefits.
The great symbol (dà xiàng) of this hexagram is that the mountain and the water each find their place. Although the water may reduce the mountain’s base, it ultimately benefits the whole. This speaks to the idea that loss can lead to gain when managed wisely.
Fortune: Currently, you may face setbacks or financial losses. However, these initial losses can lead to long-term benefits, turning misfortune into fortune.
Career: Expanding your business or career requires initial investments, but be sure to carefully calculate the balance of input and output. Every action should be done with moderation. Avoid deceit and greed. Success requires discipline, hard work, and flexibility.
Business: Conduct thorough market research and calculate your investment and return ratios. Don’t focus solely on maximizing profits; be satisfied with a reasonable gain. Engage in sincere cooperation with others, build trust, and remain open-minded.
Reputation: To grow and progress, you must be willing to invest effort and take practical action. By reducing your own desires, you can achieve your goals and fulfill your ideals.
Marriage and Relationships: Take a comprehensive look at the strengths and weaknesses of your partner. Focus on the bigger picture and avoid getting caught up in trivial matters.
Decision-Making: You are sharp and able to weigh the pros and cons well. Follow the natural course of development and be proactive in collaborating with others. Be generous, but also exercise restraint and avoid excess.
This hexagram is a powerful reminder that reducing unnecessary desires and focusing on others’ well-being can ultimately lead to success and prosperity. The key is to act with moderation and balance.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of the Sǔn Hexagram
Yáo Cí (爻辞):
Chū Jiǔ (初九): Yǐ shì chuán wǎng, wú jiù; zhuó sǔn zhī.
Translation: Stop what you are doing and quickly go help others, without disaster; however, make sure to appropriately reduce your own benefit.
Explanation of the Line:
This line suggests that when you are in a situation where your assistance is needed, stop what you’re doing and offer help immediately. There will be no harm in doing so, but remember that you should reduce your own gain appropriately to avoid overextending yourself.
Key Insights for This Line:
- To benefit others, you must reduce your own gains.
- If the task is completed, take a moment to rest before proceeding further.
- Moderation is key: You should act with caution and avoid going too far, as doing so may bring shame later.
- When you reduce yourself, it allows for greater good to come. Ultimately, a favorable outcome will come your way.
- Good fortune, though, may take some time to manifest. The process may feel like a phoenix flying to two places before finding harmony.
- Joy and success may not come as expected, just as a dragon’s jewel may be lost unexpectedly—be patient, and results will follow.
The First Line Changes to the 4th Hexagram: Mèng (蒙)
When the first line changes, the hexagram becomes the 4th Hexagram: Mèng (蒙), which is formed by Kǎn (坎) below and Gèn (艮) above. Gèn symbolizes the mountain, representing stillness and obstacles, while Kǎn represents water, representing danger. This hexagram indicates that although there may be danger ahead, one must continue moving forward. The hexagram embodies the idea of enlightenment through overcoming ignorance and acting in accordance with the right timing.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of the Sǔn Hexagram
Yáo Cí (爻辞):
Jiǔ Yī (九一): Lì zhēn, zhēng xiōng; fú sǔn fàng zhī.
Translation: It is beneficial to adhere to the right path; an active pursuit will bring danger. However, one can bring benefit to those in high positions without causing any harm to oneself.
Explanation of the Line:
This line advises that sticking to your principles will bring positive results, but going on the offensive without caution can lead to danger. However, you can still help those of higher status without suffering loss yourself if you are careful.
Key Insights for This Line:
- Do not act to gain more if it causes harm.
- Avoid acting impulsively or seeking things that are not rightfully yours.
- By adhering to integrity and moderation, there will be benefits. Do not rush, as haste can lead to regret.
- Patience is key: Obstacles may arise, but they will eventually pass.
- When the time is right, your endeavors will flourish. It may feel like the moon on a Mid-Autumn night—there will be moments of doubt, but clarity will come in time.
The Second Line Changes to the 27th Hexagram: Yí (颐)
When the second line changes, the hexagram becomes the 27th Hexagram: Yí (颐), formed by Zhèn (震) below and Gèn (艮) above. Zhèn symbolizes thunder, representing dynamic energy, while Gèn symbolizes the mountain, which represents stability. This hexagram suggests the need to nurture and care for others, just as the earth nurtures life during the spring. It is a time to cultivate inner strength and nourish the community.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of the Sǔn Hexagram
Yáo Cí (爻辞):
Liù Sān (六三): Sān rén xíng, zé sǔn yī rén; yī rén xíng, zé dé qí yǒu.
Translation: If three people travel together, one will be harmed; if one travels alone, they will find their true friends.
Explanation of the Line:
This line speaks to the idea that when working in a group, someone may be hurt or disadvantaged. However, when you act alone, you will find genuine companions who share your ideals.
Key Insights for This Line:
- In a group, one may suffer for the collective, but working alone allows you to find true allies.
- Like three geese flying, if one is injured, the others may struggle. If you act alone, you will meet people who understand you.
- The heart must be calm, and the path must be clear. When you act with focus and resolve, success is more certain.
- Do not be swayed by external distractions. Trust in your own judgment, and be careful not to follow others blindly.
- Keep a steady course, even if doubts arise along the way. Consistency leads to success.
The Third Line Changes to the 26th Hexagram: Dà Chù (大畜)
When the third line changes, the hexagram becomes the 26th Hexagram: Dà Chù (大畜), formed by Qián (乾) below and Gèn (艮) above. Qián represents heaven, symbolizing strength and creativity, while Gèn represents the mountain, symbolizing stability. This hexagram indicates the accumulation of energy and resources, suggesting that, despite difficulties, maintaining patience and fortitude will lead to success in the long run.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of the Sǔn Hexagram
Yáo Cí (爻辞):
Liù Sì (六四): Sǔn qí jí, shǐ chuán yǒu xǐ. Wú jiù.
Translation: Overcome your own weaknesses, and quickly embrace the joy that is coming; there will be no harm.
Explanation of the Line:
This line suggests that by addressing your weaknesses and preparing for what’s ahead, joy and good fortune will follow. It emphasizes that this change will bring no negative consequences, as long as you are mindful and act swiftly.
Key Insights for This Line:
- Joy comes from unity and resolution—this is not a coincidence.
- You may need the help of a skilled craftsman to reveal hidden treasures or opportunities.
- Overcome past difficulties with a clear mind; your approach should be generous, not stingy.
- Time will bring clarity—you may have some doubts now, but they will pass, and you will find fulfillment.
- The journey may be slow, but with persistence, things will improve. Patience is key, and everything will eventually fall into place.
The Fourth Line Changes to the 38th Hexagram: kuǐ (睽)
When the fourth line changes, the hexagram becomes the 38th Hexagram: kuǐ (睽), which is formed by Duì (兑) below and Lí (离) above. Lí represents fire, and Duì represents a lake or marsh. The hexagram signifies opposition or contradiction, where things are not aligned and may conflict. Despite this, there can be creativity and forward movement through overcoming these contradictions.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of the Sǔn Hexagram
Yáo Cí (爻辞):
Liù Wǔ (六五): Huò yì zhī shí péng zhī guī, fú kè wéi, yuán jí.
Translation: Someone offers you a valuable gift, like the sacred tortoise worth ten péng (朋), do not refuse, as this will bring great fortune.
Explanation of the Line:
This line suggests that when valuable offerings or opportunities come your way, you should accept them without hesitation. There will be no harm in doing so, and it will lead to great benefits.
Key Insights for This Line:
- After initial setbacks, you will find great gains—a significant benefit will come after some sacrifice.
- Like a flower in the snow, good things may arise even in difficult circumstances.
- Opportunities may arise unexpectedly, so be prepared to act when the time is right.
- You may feel uncertain at first, but the potential rewards are clear. There is no need to delay.
The Fifth Line Changes to the 61st Hexagram: Zhōng Fú (中孚)
When the fifth line changes, the hexagram becomes the 61st Hexagram: Zhōng Fú (中孚), which is formed by Duì (兑) below and Xùn (巽) above. Xùn represents wind, while Duì represents a marsh or lake. This hexagram symbolizes sincerity and trust, suggesting that to succeed in life, one must maintain inner truth and commitment to their values.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of the Sǔn Hexagram
Yáo Cí (爻辞):
Shàng Jiǔ (上九): Fú sǔn yì zhī; wú jiù, zhēn jí, yǒu yōu wǎng, dé chén wú jiā.
Translation: Without any loss to yourself, you can bring benefit to others; there is no fault. Adhere to the right path, and there will be good fortune. When you act, your actions will benefit the world and gain the hearts of the people.
Explanation of the Line:
This line represents the pinnacle of the Sǔn hexagram, where through your actions, you can benefit others without losing anything yourself. It illustrates the highest ideal of this hexagram—achieving great results and helping others without making personal sacrifices. By adhering to righteousness, you bring about harmony and good fortune.
Key Insights for This Line:
- The highest virtue in the Sǔn hexagram is to act in a way that does not require personal loss to benefit others. This reflects the ideal of giving to the world without harm.
- You have reached a level of great achievement where your actions, by simply following the correct path, will result in success and the goodwill of others.
- Being at the highest point of this hexagram, you can help others without needing to sacrifice anything, as the benefits to yourself are already abundant.
- The ultimate goal of the Sǔn hexagram is to contribute to the greater good, bringing harmony to society and gaining respect in the process.
The Sixth Line Changes to the 19th Hexagram: Lín (临)
When the sixth line changes, the hexagram becomes the 19th Hexagram: Lín (临), which is formed by Duì (兑) below and Kūn (坤) above. Kūn represents the earth, symbolizing support, and Duì represents a marsh or lake. This hexagram signifies leadership and the need for a ruler or leader to be present among the people, acting with care and wisdom to guide the country or organization towards peace and prosperity. It is about nurturing and supporting the people under your care, ensuring harmony between heaven and earth.