Hexagram 42 — Increase (益)
A clear, modern reading of I Ching hexagram 42—Increase (Yì): Generosity and growth benefit everyone.
Yi is increase — wind and thunder mutual benefit, upper decreases for lower. Move toward good, reform faults; sincere benevolence brings supreme fortune; refusing increase brings misfortune.
The Judgment
利有攸往，利涉大川。
Lì yǒu yōu wǎng, lì shè dà chuān.
“It furthers to undertake. It furthers to cross the great water.”
In plain terms: Generosity and growth benefit everyone.
The Image
风雷，益；君子以见善则迁，有过则改。
Fēng léi, yì; jūnzǐ yǐ jiàn shàn zé qiān, yǒu guò zé gǎi.
“Wind and thunder — the noble person seeing good moves toward it; having fault, reforms.”
The Image invites us to translate the hexagram's symbolism into practical conduct—not superstitious fortune-telling.
Six Lines (Brief)
- Favorable for great works — supreme good fortune.
- Increased with great tortoise — eternal steadfastness brings good fortune.
- Increase used for harsh matters — no blame through sincere middle way.
- Middle way — lord follows; favorable to move the state.
- Sincere benevolent heart — supreme good fortune without asking.
- None increase him — perhaps struck; inconstant heart brings misfortune.
In Daily Life
When Increase appears in reflection, consider:
- Move toward good; reform faults
- Sincere benevolence — benefiting others benefits you
- Time for great works when increase flows
Practical scenarios:
- Charity — sincere benevolent heart brings fortune
- Self-improvement — move toward good examples
- Refusing help — none increase; misfortune follows
Spatial Note (Feng Shui)
In feng shui, Increase is often associated with the East and the Wood phase.
Lower Zhen (east) and upper Xun (southeast). Wind and thunder — both wood directions thrive with mutual benefit.
Related Hexagrams
A Closing Thought
Increase reminds us: Generosity and growth benefit everyone. What is this pattern asking of you right now?