41 · Decrease (SǓN)
Decrease is not a command to have less at all costs. It asks what can be reduced honestly, for whom, and at what time. Two simple offering vessels can carry real sincerity. The six lines move from measured help to sound boundaries, clearer relationships, received support, and a final benefit shared beyond one household.
The judgment
Decrease: with sincerity, great good fortune. No blame; it can be kept steadfast, and there is benefit in going somewhere. What should be used? Two simple offering vessels suffice for the rite.
The two vessels make a concrete point: a sincere offering need not be lavish. Decrease becomes constructive only when trust and proportion guide it; austerity by itself is no virtue.
Original Chinese text
損：有孚，元吉。无咎，可貞，利有攸往。曷之用？二簋可用享。
The six lines
- 初九 · Line 1 — Once your own work is finished, go quickly; no blame. Weigh how much to decrease.
Original Chinese
已事遄往，无咎，酌損之。
- 九二 · Line 2 — Steadfastness is beneficial; setting out is ill-omened. Without diminishing yourself, benefit the other.
Original Chinese
利貞，征凶，弗損益之。
- 六三 · Line 3 — When three travel together, one is reduced; when one travels alone, that person finds a companion.
Original Chinese
三人行，則損一人；一人行，則得其友。
- 六四 · Line 4 — Reduce what ails you; let it happen quickly and there is joy. No blame.
Original Chinese
損其疾，使遄有喜，无咎。
- 六五 · Line 5 — Someone adds to you; even a tortoise worth ten pairs cannot oppose it. Great good fortune.
Original Chinese
或益之，十朋之龜弗克違，元吉。
- 上九 · Line 6 — Without diminishing others, benefit them. No blame; steadfastness is auspicious and it is beneficial to go forth. Gain helpers beyond a private household.
Original Chinese
弗損益之，无咎，貞吉，利有攸往，得臣无家。