Hexagram 42: Yi (Increase, 益) - Augmentation and Expansion
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BY NICOLE LAU
Yi (益, Increase) is Hexagram 42 in the I Ching, following Sun (Decrease). With binary encoding 011100, Yi represents increase, augmentation, and the blessing of expansion. This is not hoarding but generous increase - the superior benefiting the inferior, resources flowing downward, growth that benefits all. Understanding Yi is understanding that true increase comes from above, that generosity creates abundance, and that the right time for expansion should be seized boldly.
Traditional Interpretation
Classical I Ching texts describe Yi as "Increase" or "Augmenting." The character 益 depicts water overflowing vessel - increase, benefit, profit. Key attributes: Increase (增加, zeng jia) - augmentation, growth. Benefit (利益, li yi) - advantage, profit. Generosity (慨慨, kang kai) - giving freely. Movement (行动, xing dong) - seizing opportunity. The Judgment: "Increase. It furthers one to undertake something. It furthers one to cross the great water." Time of increase - act boldly, undertake great things. The Image: "Wind and thunder: the image of Increase. Thus the superior person: If he sees good, he imitates it; if he has faults, he rids himself of them." Wind and thunder together - powerful increase. Imitate good, remove faults.
Binary Encoding: 011100
In binary: 011100. In decimal: 28. Structure: Lines 1-3: Yin-Yin-Yang (001) - thunder below. Lines 4-6: Yang-Yang-Yin (110) - wind above. Yang increasing in lower position - growth from below. Yin at top - receptive to increase. This is the structure of increase: upper decreasing to benefit lower, resources flowing downward, generous expansion.
Yin-Yang Dynamics
Yang growing below, yin receptive above - increase flowing downward. Wind above Thunder - Yi's upper trigram is Xun (Wind, ☴, 011), lower is Zhen (Thunder, ☲, 001). Wind above thunder - gentle influence above arousing movement. Thunder energizes, wind spreads. Combined power creates increase. Opposite of Sun (mountain above lake, decrease) - here wind above thunder, increase.
Modern Applications
Growth: Business expansion - Yi is time to grow, invest, expand. Wealth increase - resources multiplying. Team growth - hiring, expanding capacity. Generosity: Giving to subordinates - leaders benefiting those below. Investment in people - training, development. Philanthropy - wealth flowing to those in need. Opportunity: Seizing moment - Yi is favorable time for bold action. Major projects - undertake great things. Risk-taking - cross great water, take calculated risks.
Systems Science Framework
Yi is positive feedback - growth accelerating growth. Resource abundance - inputs exceeding outputs, surplus accumulating. Network effects - connections multiplying value. Downward flow - resources from higher to lower levels strengthening foundation. Opportunity window - favorable conditions enabling expansion.
Practical Guidance
When Yi appears: Time of increase and opportunity. Act boldly - undertake something, cross great water. Expand, invest, grow. Be generous - benefit those below you. Imitate good - see virtue, adopt it. Remove faults - recognize weaknesses, eliminate them. This is favorable time - don't hesitate. Like wind and thunder - powerful, spreading, energizing. Increase flows from above to below. Use this blessing wisely - grow yourself and help others grow.
Conclusion
Yi (011100) teaches: True increase comes from above. Generosity creates abundance. Right time for expansion should be seized boldly. Benefit those below. Imitate good, remove faults. After decrease (Sun) comes increase (Yi). This is the cycle: simplify then expand, reduce then grow. Wind and thunder. Gentle influence and arousing movement. This is the power of increase.
This is Article 104 of the I Ching Hexagram Dynamics series. — Nicole Lau
To deepen your connection with the energy of augmentation and expansion, consider integrating tools that align with your intention to manifest and grow. Begin by exploring the 40 manifestation rituals intention to reality to amplify your abundance practices, or turn inward with the tarot journaling prompts 100 questions for self discovery to uncover hidden sources of increase. For those seeking to synchronize with celestial rhythms, the cosmic alignment ritual kit for syncing with the celestial flow offers a beautiful way to anchor your expansion. Carry this supportive energy with you through the moon phase laptop sleeve as a daily reminder of your growth, and let the open the abundance gate receiving frequency audio wav pdf attune your spirit to the boundless flow of the universe.
