Hexagram 42 Yi - Complete Guide Part 2: The Six Lines and the Stages of Increase
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BY NICOLE LAU
Hexagram 42 Yi - Complete Guide Part 2: The Six Lines and the Stages of Increase
The six lines of Yi describe the dynamics of expanding wealth, power, and influence. The journey begins with the mandate to undertake monumental, unselfish works, moves through divine blessings and walking the middle path, warns against the corruption of greed, and concludes with a terrifying warning against extractive leadership. It is a masterclass in the ethics of abundance.
Line 1 — Nine at the Bottom: Monumental Undertakings
It furthers one to accomplish great deeds. Supreme good fortune. No blame.
The first line represents the immense surge of energy at the beginning of Increase. The strong yang line has been placed at the very base of the hexagram (the foundation has been enriched). When you are suddenly blessed with massive energy, resources, or backing, you must not waste it on trivial, self-indulgent pursuits. The mandate is clear: "It furthers one to accomplish great deeds." Launch the ambitious project. Build the school. Tackle the hardest problem. Because this massive power is applied to a noble, monumental purpose, it brings supreme good fortune and is entirely without blame.
- Stage: The initial influx of massive resources and energy
- Action: Undertake large-scale, significant deeds; do not squander the blessing on small, petty goals
- Wisdom: Supreme good fortune — great power demands great responsibility and ambition
Line 2 — Six in the Second Place: The Sacred Tortoises
Someone does indeed increase him; ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it. Constant perseverance brings good fortune. The king presents him before God. Good fortune.
The second line mirrors the famous fifth line of Hexagram 41 Sun. The person here is yielding, central, and receptive. Because they remain devoted to pure virtue and selflessness, the universe steps in to enrich them with undeniable cosmic certainty ("ten pairs of tortoises cannot oppose it"). Furthermore, their virtue is so radiant that "the king presents him before God"—meaning their contribution is recognized by the highest human and spiritual authorities. Constant perseverance preserves this sacred abundance.
- Stage: Receiving undeniable, cosmic blessings and high recognition
- Action: Stay grounded in your core virtue; accept the immense support with reverence
- Wisdom: Good fortune — authentic virtue inevitably attracts irresistible cosmic support
Line 3 — Six in the Third Place: Enriched by Misfortune
One is enriched through unfortunate events. No blame, if you are sincere and walk in the middle, and report with a seal to the prince.
The third line presents a paradoxical truth: sometimes, the greatest increase comes disguised as misfortune. A sudden crisis, an unexpected failure, or a difficult loss forces you to adapt, awaken, and find deeper strength. You are "enriched through unfortunate events."
However, the line sets strict moral conditions: you must remain sincere, walk the middle path (avoiding panic or bitterness), and act with official, legal propriety ("report with a seal to the prince"). If you handle a crisis with total integrity, the catastrophe transforms into an asset.
- Stage: Finding hidden growth within crisis or misfortune
- Action: Maintain strict integrity and fairness during a crisis; do not cut moral corners
- Wisdom: No blame — adversity handled with truth becomes the catalyst for massive increase
Line 4 — Six in the Fourth Place: The Trusted Mediator
If you walk in the middle and report to the prince, he will follow. It furthers one to be used in the relocation of the capital.
The fourth line describes an influential minister or advisor who acts as the bridge between the ruler above (Line 5) and the people below. Because this person walks in the middle (impartial, fair, and unselfish), the prince trusts them implicitly ("he will follow").
Their credibility is so immense that they can be entrusted with the most sensitive, monumental organizational shifts—such as "the relocation of the capital." In modern terms, this is managing a massive corporate merger, restructuring, or cultural pivot. The leader follows their advice because they have no selfish agenda.
- Stage: Acting as the impartial, trusted bridge between leadership and the base
- Action: Execute major structural pivots with impartiality; advise leadership with pure integrity
- Wisdom: Success in relocation — trust allows for monumental organizational change
Line 5 — Nine in the Fifth Place: The Benevolent Heart
If in truth you have a kind heart, ask not. Supreme good fortune. Truly, your virtue will be recognized as your virtue.
The fifth line, the ruler’s position, is the absolute moral peak of Yi. The sovereign has a truly benevolent, generous heart (You Fu Hui Xin). When you give generously to others out of authentic love—enriching your team, your family, or your community—you do not need to ask whether it will bring you good fortune ("ask not"). The reward is automatic and absolute.
Furthermore, people instinctively recognize that your generosity is genuine, not a PR stunt ("your virtue will be recognized as your virtue"). This pure benevolence creates fierce, unshakeable loyalty. Supreme good fortune.
- Stage: Authentic, selfless philanthropy and benevolent leadership
- Action: Give freely from the heart; do not calculate the return on your generosity
- Wisdom: Supreme good fortune — authentic kindness generates an unshakeable moral legacy
Line 6 — Nine at the Top: The Tragedy of Extractive Greed
He brings increase to no one. Indeed, someone even strikes him. He does not keep his heart constantly steady. Misfortune.
The top line represents the corruption of Increase. The person at the summit has accumulated massive power and wealth, but instead of "decreasing the upper to enrich the lower," they hoard everything. "He brings increase to no one." Because they are greedy and extractive, their heart becomes unsteady and paranoid.
The cosmic law of Yi is violated: if you refuse to circulate abundance, the universe violently reclaims it. "Someone even strikes him." The people rebel, competitors attack, and the greedy hoarder is destroyed. Misfortune. This is the ultimate warning: hoarding abundance in a time of growth invites total ruin.
- Stage: Greed, hoarding, and extractive abuse of power
- Action: (Warning) Stop hoarding; circulate your wealth and resources immediately, or face retaliation
- Wisdom: Misfortune — an extractive leader who gives to no one will inevitably be struck down
The Complete Journey: A Summary
- Line 1: Accomplishing great deeds — channeling raw power into monumental, noble works.
- Line 2: Ten pairs of tortoises — undeniable cosmic blessings reward quiet virtue.
- Line 3: Enriched through misfortune — transforming crisis into massive character growth.
- Line 4: Relocating the capital — trusted, impartial mediation enables monumental change.
- Line 5: The kind heart — selfless, authentic generosity brings supreme good fortune without asking.
- Line 6: The greedy hoarder — refusing to share abundance leads to being violently struck down.
What Is Next in This Series
- Part 1: The Symbol and Structure
- Part 2 (This Article): The Six Lines — Complete Line-by-Line Commentary
- Part 3: Divination Guide — How to Read Yi in Practice
- Part 4: Philosophy — Increase in Confucian, Taoist, and Economic Thought
- Part 5: Practical Applications — Scaling, Philanthropic Leadership, Rapid Growth
- Part 6: Modern Interpretations — Positive Feedback Loops, Network Effects, Compounding
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