Hexagram 42 of 64
Increase
yi · 益
TL;DR
- ◈Hexagram 42, Increase, is summarized by the Judgment: Increase. It furthers one to undertake something. It furthers one to cross the great water.
- ◈Its structure is Wind above Thunder; read the trigram interaction before treating it as a simple label.
- ◈Core keywords: increase, growth, generosity, opportunity.
By the Numbers
- #42
- King Wen Order
- Increase in the 64-hexagram sequence.
- 2
- Trigrams
- Wind above Thunder.
- 6
- Lines
- Each hexagram is read from bottom to top.
Classical Context
Hexagram 42, Yì (益), is the hexagram of Increase — the power of generous action that benefits both self and others. Composed of Xùn (☴ Wind) above and Zhèn (☳ Thunder) below: wind and thunder reinforce each other — the more the wind blows, the more the thunder responds. This is mutual amplification: giving creates more giving.
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 · 利用为大作
Favorable for great works
- L2
六二 · 或益之十朋之龟
Ten-t朋龟 increase
- L3
六三 · 益之用凶事
Increase through crisis — sincerity transforms
- L4
六四 · 中行告公从
Walking the middle, serving the duke
- L5
九五 · 有孚惠心
Sincerity and generous heart
- L6
上九 · 莫益之或击之
No benefit but attack — don't be greedy
Deep Reading
Increase that has somewhere to go
Yì pairs with Sǔn: decrease releases energy, increase gives it direction. The Judgment favors having somewhere to go and crossing the great water, which means increase is not mere accumulation. It becomes valuable when it supports action, repair, and shared benefit.
Generosity with correction
The Image asks the superior person to move toward the good and correct faults. Increase therefore includes ethical adjustment. The top line warns that hoarded or selfish increase can invite resistance, so abundance needs circulation.
Reading Yì in a live question
- Growth or expansion
- Expansion is most useful when tied to a clear purpose. Ask what the new resources are meant to serve.
- Collaboration
- Benefit compounds when people improve one another's situation. Keep reciprocity visible and practical.
- Personal habits
- Use favorable momentum to correct one concrete fault. Small correction keeps increase from turning into excess.
Source Notes
- Primary text
- The interpretation follows the Zhouyi Judgment, Image, and line statements for Yì, with Sǔn used as its paired context.
- Zhouyi: Yì Judgment, Image, and line statements
- Method boundary
- Increase is a symbolic reading of momentum and benefit. It should not be treated as a promise of wealth, health, or automatic success.
- CosmicTao editorial method note
Interpretation
Strong yes. Everything is growing — make your move.
Upper Trigram
Wind
Lower Trigram
Thunder
The Judgment (King Wen)
Increase. It furthers one to undertake something. It furthers one to cross the great water.
The Image
Wind and thunder: the image of Increase.
Keywords
FAQ
What is Hexagram 42 (Increase)?
Increase. It furthers one to undertake something. It furthers one to cross the great water.
What is the geometric structure of Hexagram 42?
Hexagram 42 acts with the upper trigram Wind and the lower trigram Thunder.
What are the core themes of Increase?
The core themes and meanings include: increase, growth, generosity, opportunity.