The 42nd Hexagram of the I Ching: Yì (益)
Symbolic Meaning of the Yì Hexagram (益卦)
The Yì hexagram consists of two trigrams stacked on top of each other: Zhèn (震) below and Xùn (巽) above. Xùn represents wind, and Zhèn represents thunder. When thunder rumbles, it shakes the wind above, and as the wind blows, it benefits all things on the ground. The wind, which often blows from above, carries the idea that those in higher positions bring benefit to those below. This symbolizes the idea of “benefit”—the superior (the wind) giving benefit to the inferior (the earth and all things on it).
Explanation by Duàn Yì Tiānjī (断易天机)
The Yì hexagram features Xùn (wind) above and Zhèn (thunder) below. This combination is known as the Xùn Gōng (巽宫) three-generation hexagram. The Yì hexagram signifies the principles of gain and benefit—advantageous in certain directions, especially in crossing major obstacles, with outcomes generally favorable.
Interpretation by Shao Yong (邵雍)
The hexagram Yì suggests benefiting others by uplifting those below, with gaining fame and profit from your efforts. It implies that a period of good fortune is at hand, and it is time to take action, with assistance from others leading to success.
Interpretation by Fu Peirong (傅佩荣), Taiwanese Scholar of Classical Studies
- Fortune: A time of success, with opportunities to make changes and improvements.
- Wealth: Business ventures should be swift for profit.
- Family: Be cautious of natural forces (wind and thunder); marriage should be harmonious.
- Health: Liver energy may be excessive; focus on maintaining balance.
Traditional Interpretation of the Yì Hexagram
This hexagram is formed by Xùn (wind) above and Zhèn (thunder) below, indicating wind and thunder working together. The intensity of thunder grows stronger as it is helped by the wind, thus increasing its power. This dynamic interaction of wind and thunder suggests a forceful, mutually reinforcing energy that results in benefit. It is the opposite of the Sǔn (损) hexagram, where the benefit flows upwards. The two hexagrams illustrate the principles of loss and gain.
Great Image (Dà Xiàng):
The image of a strong wind and loud thunder suggests an increase in power, where two complementary forces come together, much like a husband and wife forming a union, leading to prosperity for future generations. It symbolizes the increase of power through mutual support.
Fortune and Prospects
Currently, you are in a period of good fortune, where you may receive help from influential people and achieve success. It is the right time to extend kindness and benefits to others, as giving will bring greater rewards than receiving.
Career
Be bold in your actions and support others with courage. Through helping others, you will also benefit. If you are honest, humble, and hardworking, your career will grow steadily, and you will have a limitless future. Focus on teamwork, internal unity, and long-term determination, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks.
Business
Don’t just chase small profits—be generous with your customers, and you will receive substantial rewards. Avoid being greedy. If you encounter difficulties, seek advice from others and accept honest help.
Pursuit of Fame
By sincerely helping others, you will receive genuine returns in kind, and you will gain the support necessary to succeed. Success will come through humility and sincerity.
Marriage and Relationships
The union will be harmonious, with mutual love and respect. It is a good omen for a lasting relationship, as destiny brings together the right people.
Decision Making
Be open-minded and eager to assist others. Your relationships will flourish as you gain support from those around you. Stay focused and avoid being indecisive. Particularly, learn from those who are more capable than you and leverage their strengths to develop your own potential. Cultivate the necessary spirit of adventure, and continue to do good for others, so that even in times of difficulty, help will be readily available to you.
Philosophical Meaning of the First Line of the Yì Hexagram
Line Text: Chū Jiǔ (初九): “It is beneficial to undertake great endeavors; it is extremely auspicious, with no misfortune.”
Interpretation of the Line Text:
This line suggests that embarking on grand undertakings at the beginning will lead to great success and prosperity, without any calamities.
Guidance for This Line:
- Seize the right time to advance, as great works are best undertaken at the proper moment.
- Success will come, and the future will unfold in due course.
- Major achievements will bring honor and benefit, and these efforts will be free of misfortune.
- Just like a person holding the reins in a cloud-filled sky, prosperity comes after perseverance.
- The wind is strong, the clouds rise high, and great journeys await.
- The letter from afar brings great fame, and your name will rise to prominence.
The Change of the First Line:
When the first line moves, it transforms into the 20th hexagram: Fēng Dì Guān (风地观). This hexagram consists of Kūn (坤) below and Xùn (巽) above. Wind moves across the earth, symbolizing the spreading of virtue and education. The hexagram represents observation—those in high positions view the world with moral principles, while those in lower positions look up to them with reverence, following their example.
Philosophical Meaning of the Second Line of the Yì Hexagram
Line Text: Liù Èr (六二): “Someone brings a sacred turtle worth ten péng (朋) in value. Do not refuse it. By adhering to the path of righteousness, you will gain lasting good fortune. The king sacrifices to the gods and is blessed with good fortune.”
Interpretation of the Line Text:
This line implies that someone offers you a precious gift, such as a sacred turtle, which should not be rejected. By sticking to the path of righteousness, good fortune will come. If a king or leader follows the path of virtue and offers sacrifices, they will also be blessed.
Guidance for This Line:
- Do not seek personal gain through unethical means. The sacred turtle’s wisdom is not to be turned away.
- Stick to your roots and observe proper rituals to maintain your spiritual integrity.
- Even a small sacrifice can bring great rewards. Honor and treasure the benefits that come your way.
- Like a sail at sea, a long journey ahead may bring prosperity with the help of loyal companions.
- Calm and steady action is necessary to bring about results. The journey will be fruitful.
- On the water’s edge, the right opportunities will present themselves, and wealth will come in due time.
The Change of the Second Line:
When the second line moves, it transforms into the 61st hexagram: Fēng Zé Zhōng Fú (风泽中孚). This hexagram consists of Duì (兑) below and Xùn (巽) above. The character fú (孚) originally means “to hatch,” implying that the process is precise and timely, symbolizing trust and sincerity. The hexagram reflects the principle of inner truth and outer sincerity—maintaining honesty in all dealings is the foundation for both personal growth and societal harmony.
Philosophical Meaning of the Third Line of the Yì Hexagram
Line Text: Liù Sān (六三): “Using benefits to assist others in times of danger brings no misfortune. Acting with integrity, following the middle path, and reporting your actions to the king will ensure success.”
Interpretation of the Line Text:
This line advises that using the benefits gained to help others in times of crisis will not lead to misfortune. Acting with integrity, in accordance with the middle path, and promptly informing the ruler of your actions will ensure success.
Guidance for This Line:
- Act with a clear mind and keep an eye out for potential risks. There are good omens, but caution is needed.
- Like a craftsman who skillfully chisels out a treasure from stone, the right actions will bring rewards.
- Helping others in times of hardship builds trust and earns respect.
- Trusting in your principles, your actions will align with fate, bringing you success without misfortune.
- Even in movement, there is stillness; in stillness, there is movement.
- The situation may seem uncertain, but with genuine intent, the outcomes will be clear, like a dream of spring.
The Change of the Third Line:
When the third line moves, it transforms into the 37th hexagram: Fēng Huǒ Jiā Rén (风火家人). This hexagram consists of Lí (离) below and Xùn (巽) above. The fire (Lí) rises with heat and creates wind, suggesting that everything should begin from within before expanding outward. This hexagram represents family harmony and the idea that a well-ordered household is the foundation for governing the world. A stable and strong family structure leads to societal peace.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fourth Line of the Yì Hexagram
Line Text: Liù Sì (六四): “If one acts with integrity, the king will follow and assist. It is beneficial to seek the king’s help in matters such as moving the capital.”
Interpretation of the Line Text:
This line suggests that when one follows the righteous path and seeks assistance from a higher authority, like a king or ruler, they will receive help willingly. At this moment, it is especially advantageous to rely on the ruler’s prestige and influence in significant decisions, such as relocating the capital, which is believed to greatly benefit the people.
Guidance for This Line:
- Seek to walk a path of righteousness and remain steadfast in your actions.
- If you need help, approach those in positions of authority—your efforts will be supported.
- Important matters, like a major relocation, should be handled with wisdom, seeking guidance from those who can provide stability.
- Like the fragrant osmanthus blossoms, whose scent lingers in the air, your actions, once guided by the right principles, will yield great rewards.
- If you follow the proper path, others will naturally align with you, and you will find support from all sides.
The Change of the Fourth Line:
When the fourth line moves, it transforms into the 25th hexagram: Tiān Léi Wú Wàng (天雷无妄). This hexagram consists of Qián (乾) above and Zhèn (震) below. Qián, representing heaven, symbolizes strength and vitality; Zhèn, representing thunder, symbolizes movement and action. This combination suggests that while great energy and action are in place, they must be conducted with pure intentions, without unnecessary or reckless action. Acting with clarity and integrity will lead to success, while impulsive actions will result in misfortune.
Philosophical Meaning of the Fifth Line of the Yì Hexagram
Line Text: Jiǔ Wǔ (九五): “With integrity and kindness, you do not need to ask about good fortune. People will return your kindness with virtue.”
Interpretation of the Line Text:
This line suggests that when one acts with genuine sincerity and compassion, there is no need to seek affirmation of good fortune; the rewards will naturally follow. By embracing virtue, you will be repaid in kind by others, and your actions will bring success and blessings.
Guidance for This Line:
- The person who acts with sincerity and kindness does not need to ask about fortune—good fortune will naturally come.
- Like fishing for a pearl in the sea, great rewards come to those who act with virtue and integrity.
- There is no need to inquire about luck, for your good deeds will return to you manifold.
- The right actions, guided by kindness and integrity, will inevitably lead to success.
- As flowers bloom from the branches and the joy of spring fills the air, success and happiness are near.
The Change of the Fifth Line:
When the fifth line moves, it transforms into the 27th hexagram: Shān Léi Yí (山雷颐). This hexagram consists of Zhèn (震) below and Gèn (艮) above. Zhèn represents thunder, symbolizing action and energy, while Gèn represents the mountain, symbolizing stability and containment. This combination suggests a time for nurturing and self-cultivation, focusing on nourishment and growth, while remaining grounded and disciplined.
Philosophical Meaning of the Sixth Line of the Yì Hexagram
Line Text: Shàng Jiǔ (上九): “Do not seek to benefit from this situation, or you may be struck. If you cannot hold to your resolve, misfortune will arise.”
Interpretation of the Line Text:
This line warns against pushing for personal gain at the wrong time. If one attempts to force outcomes or becomes inconsistent in their resolve, misfortune will follow. It is essential to stay steadfast and not be swayed by transient desires.
Guidance for This Line:
- Do not pursue benefits when the time is not right. Unchecked ambition can lead to difficulties.
- If your resolve is unstable, challenges and obstacles will arise.
- Even if there seems to be a potential gain, it may turn out to be fruitless.
- Like a ship in a stormy sea, pushing forward without caution will waste energy and lead to failure.
- When facing danger, sometimes retreating is the wiser choice.
- Avoid taking risks without a solid plan. Seek stability, and remain cautious.
The Change of the Sixth Line:
When the sixth line moves, it transforms into the 3rd hexagram: Shuǐ Léi Zhún (水雷屯). This hexagram consists of Zhèn (震) below and Kǎn (坎) above. Zhèn represents thunder, symbolizing movement and action, while Kǎn represents water, symbolizing danger and difficulty. Together, they indicate a time of hardship and uncertainty, where progress is difficult but necessary. Despite the challenges, if one remains true to the right course, growth and prosperity will eventually come, even if the road is fraught with obstacles.