Hexagram 41 of 64
Decrease
sun · 损
TL;DR
- ◈Hexagram 41, Decrease, is summarized by the Judgment: Decrease combined with sincerity brings about supreme good fortune without blame.
- ◈Its structure is Mountain above Lake; read the trigram interaction before treating it as a simple label.
- ◈Core keywords: sacrifice, decrease, simplification, sincerity.
By the Numbers
- #41
- King Wen Order
- Decrease in the 64-hexagram sequence.
- 2
- Trigrams
- Mountain above Lake.
- 6
- Lines
- Each hexagram is read from bottom to top.
Classical Context
Hexagram 41, Sǔn (損), is the hexagram of Decrease — the necessary sacrifice that leads to growth. Composed of Gèn (☶ Mountain) above and Duì (☱ Lake) below: the lake at the foot of the mountain evaporates upward, decreasing its own level to nourish the mountain above. This is voluntary self-sacrifice for a greater purpose.
This expanded note is adapted from the long-form hexagram draft as cultural and textual context; a live reading still depends on the question, changing lines, and the full transformation pattern.
Six-Line Theme Map
I Ching lines are read from the bottom upward. This map runs from the initial line to the top line so the Judgment, Image, and moving-line position can be read together.
- L1
初九 · 已事遄往
Finish quickly and go — help others
- L2
九二 · 利贞征凶
Perseverance favorable, advancing misfortune
- L3
九三 · 三人行则损一人
Three people walking, one decreases
- L4
六四 · 损其疾使遄有喜
Decrease illness, bring quick joy
- L5
六五 · 或益之十朋之龟
Someone increases by ten朋龟
- L6
上九 · 弗损益之
Not decreasing but increasing — supreme
Deep Reading
Decrease as sincere rebalancing
Sǔn does not praise loss for its own sake. Its Judgment allows even two simple baskets to serve as an offering when sincerity is present, so the decrease is measured, voluntary, and meaningful. The lesson is to reduce excess, anger, desire, or waste so that the whole situation can breathe.
When giving turns into increase
The line sequence moves from quick assistance to careful restraint, then to the paradox of receiving through giving. The upper line, not decreasing but increasing, should be read as symbolic reciprocity rather than as a guarantee that every sacrifice will be repaid.
Reading Sǔn in a live question
- Resources and spending
- Reduce what is excessive before adding something new. A small, sincere commitment may be more useful than a large show.
- Relationships
- Compromise is helpful only when it is clear and mutual. Do not turn Sǔn into pressure to erase your own needs.
- Self-discipline
- The Image points to restraining anger and desire. Treat this as character work, not as punishment.
Source Notes
- Primary text
- The reading follows the Zhouyi Judgment, Image, and line statements for Sǔn, especially the offering image and the movement from decrease to increase.
- Zhouyi: Sǔn Judgment, Image, and line statements
- Method boundary
- Decrease is treated as symbolic rebalancing. It is not advice to accept coercion, unsafe sacrifice, or financial harm.
- CosmicTao editorial method note
Interpretation
Yes, through sacrifice. Let go to gain something greater.
Upper Trigram
Mountain
Lower Trigram
Lake
The Judgment (King Wen)
Decrease combined with sincerity brings about supreme good fortune without blame.
The Image
At the foot of the mountain, the lake: the image of Decrease.
Keywords
FAQ
What is Hexagram 41 (Decrease)?
Decrease combined with sincerity brings about supreme good fortune without blame.
What is the geometric structure of Hexagram 41?
Hexagram 41 acts with the upper trigram Mountain and the lower trigram Lake.
What are the core themes of Decrease?
The core themes and meanings include: sacrifice, decrease, simplification, sincerity.