Hexagram 41
•
損 (Sǔn)
•
Sǔn
Decrease
Decrease (損 (Sǔn)): Upper Mountain, Lower Lake. Restraining wrath and curtailing desires brings sublime sincerity and sacred blessing.
Upper Trigram
Mountain
Lower Trigram
Lake
⚖ The Judgment
Restraining wrath and curtailing desires brings sublime sincerity and sacred blessing.
✧ The Image
Lake evaporated by mountain; the noble person reins in anger and reins in desire.
Philosophical Interpretation
In the I Ching (Book of Changes), Hexagram 41 (Decrease / 損 (Sǔn)) embodies the cosmic dynamic between Mountain above and Lake below. It teaches that wisdom arises from understanding seasonal transitions and adhering to moral constancy.
The Six Changing Lines
- 1 Line 1: Beginning phase of Decrease; observe quiet reserve.
- 2 Line 2: Inner equilibrium aligned with virtuous company.
- 3 Line 3: Transition point; rash action invites complication.
- 4 Line 4: Deep breakthrough; sincerity dissipates lingering doubts.
- 5 Line 5: Central sovereign seat; radiant integrity guides the collective.
- 6 Line 6: Culmination and apex; beware hubris as the cycle turns.