Hexagram 41 · 損

Mountain stands above the lake, with stillness over openness. The figure pictures a reduction below that supports what is above. Sun means decrease or lessening. Its image asks when giving something up restores proportion and when further sacrifice would weaken the source of support.

1. Line 1 · 初九

   已事遄往，无咎，酌損之。

   Finishing one's own affairs and going promptly brings no blame. Consider the measure of the decrease.

   Nine in the first place is yang offering help through correspondence with the fourth yin. The Small Image emphasizes shared purpose, like assisting a colleague promptly while judging how much time can reasonably be given.

2. Line 2 · 九二

   利貞，征凶，弗損益之。

   Constancy is beneficial. Advancing brings misfortune. Without diminishing oneself, one benefits the other.

   Nine in the second place is central yang protecting its sound capacity. The Small Image roots intention in the center, like helping a partner without giving up the work or rest needed to remain dependable.

3. Line 3 · 六三

   三人行，則損一人；一人行，則得其友。

   When three people travel, one person is reduced. When one person travels alone, a companion is gained.

   Six in the third place is yin whose correspondence with the top clarifies an unsettled grouping. The Small Image associates three with doubt, like a small partnership needing clear roles instead of competing informal alliances.

4. Line 4 · 六四

   損其疾，使遄有喜，无咎。

   Reducing one's affliction brings joy sooner. No blame.

   Six in the fourth place is fitting yin receiving firm help from the first line. The Small Image welcomes removing the difficulty, like accepting assistance to change a recurring habit that disrupts household cooperation.

5. Line 5 · 六五

   或益之，十朋之龜弗克違，元吉。

   Someone increases one's resources. A tortoise worth ten pairs of shells cannot contradict it. Great good fortune.

   Six in the fifth place is central yin open to support from above. The Small Image emphasizes that assistance, like a modest leader receiving freely offered expertise because colleagues trust how it will be used.

6. Line 6 · 上九

   弗損益之，无咎，貞吉，利有攸往，得臣无家。

   Without diminishing others, increase them. No blame. Constancy brings good fortune. It is beneficial to have somewhere to go. One gains servants beyond a single household.

   Nine at the top is yang turning accumulated benefit outward. The Small Image sees its purpose broadly achieved, like a well-supported organization expanding useful service without extracting more from an already strained staff.

Reduce what is excessive without undermining what sustains you. Give sincerely, measure your capacity, and let simplicity serve a clear purpose.

• Nuclear復24
• Inverted益42
• Opposite咸31
• Previous解40
• Next益42