Hexagram 41 — Decrease (损)
A clear, modern reading of I Ching hexagram 41—Decrease (Sǔn): Less can be more — simplify deliberately.
Sun is decrease — lake below mountain, lower decreases for upper. Restrain anger, curb desire; sincerity needs little offering; decrease illness and excess; sometimes not decreasing but increasing wins.
The Judgment
有孚，元吉，无咎，可贞，利有攸往。曷之用，二簋可用享。
Yǒu fú, yuán jí, wú jiù, kě zhēn, lì yǒu yōu wǎng. Hé zhī yòng, èr guǐ kě yòng xiǎng.
“Sincerity brings supreme good fortune, no blame, perseverance possible. It furthers to undertake. Two bowls may serve for offering.”
In plain terms: Less can be more — simplify deliberately.
The Image
山下有泽，损；君子以惩忿窒欲。
Shān xià yǒu zé, sǔn; jūnzǐ yǐ chéng fèn zhì yù.
“Lake at the foot of the mountain — the noble person restrains anger and curbs desire.”
The Image invites us to translate the hexagram's symbolism into practical conduct—not superstitious fortune-telling.
Six Lines (Brief)
- Work done — go quickly; moderate decrease.
- Steadfastness furthers — going brings misfortune; don't decrease but increase.
- Three walking — one lost; one walking — finds a friend.
- Decrease illness — quick joy, no blame.
- Perhaps increased with great tortoise — cannot refuse; supreme good fortune.
- Not decreasing but increasing — no blame; steadfastness brings good fortune.
In Daily Life
When Decrease appears in reflection, consider:
- Restrain anger and desire — decrease excess, not essence
- Two bowls suffice — sincerity over quantity
- Decrease illness — remove harm, not spirit
Practical scenarios:
- Budget cuts — moderate decrease with sincerity
- Team trimming — three walking, one may go
- Anger and craving — restrain to decrease harm
Spatial Note (Feng Shui)
In feng shui, Decrease is often associated with the West and the Metal phase.
Lower Dui (west) and upper Gen (northeast). Lake at mountain's foot — joyful west, still northeast for measured decrease.
Related Hexagrams
A Closing Thought
Decrease reminds us: Less can be more — simplify deliberately. What is this pattern asking of you right now?