Above; Wind, gentleness, penetrating
Below; Thunder and awakening.

This hexagram represents increase because it is a development from hexagram 12 (Pi – stagnation). The strong yang line of the upper trigram has sunk to the bottom and is rising through the lower trigram. This expresses the fundamental concept that to rule truly is to serve.

It is favourable to have a destination. Now is the time to cross the great water. Crossing the great water means not only a journey of some sort, but beginning any enterprise.

There is loss above and gain below. The joy of the people is boundless. When those placed above behave virtuously to those below them without pride, their ways are brilliantly illuminated.
It is favourable to have a destination. The way is straight and lies in the middle. It leads to unexpected good fortune. Finding a wooden bridge or a boat, you may cross the great water. Increase comes at once and constantly. Every day brings unhindered progress. Heaven dispenses its blessings and earth brings forth its fruits. At the appointed time, increase everywhere.

Wind and thunder are the image of Yi. The Superior Man, seeing what is good, imitates it. Recognizing his faults, he corrects them.

Line 1

Now is the time for great undertakings. Great good fortune. No blame.

He who is favoured by fate with great ability must use it to achieve something great. Those below him will willingly assist him, provided not too much is demanded of them.

Line 2

There is someone who indeed increases him with many pair of tortoise shells and will not accept refusal. Persistence brings good fortune. The king presents his offerings to the lord of heaven. Good fortune.

When destiny smiles on a man, everything for which he strives will come inevitably to him. but only a virtuous man, who observes all the proper forms of behaviour will enjoy such a fate.

Line 3

He is increased by evil means. But acting in all sincerity he is not to blame. Walking confidently in the centre bearing his jade seal of office he reports to his prince.

The man who walks the middle way will prosper even in the midst of adversity. The jade seal that he bears is the symbol of his faithfulness.

Line 4

Walking in the centre he advises the prince and is followed. He is the man to be used in moving the place of government.

When it is necessary for the government to show its strength to all, the seat of the capital may be moved. In the time of the Emperior Shang it was moved five times. Great trust must be placed in the man charged with the responsibility of moving it. He should be above all a virtuous man who has the wellbeing of all the people truly at heart.

Line 5

Be sincere and kind. Ask no questions. Great good fortune will result. All will recognize your confidence and virtue.

This is the position of the ruler, benevolently bestowing good things upon his people without demanding their allegiance. His kindness and goodness will be recognized by all.

Line 6

He brought increase to no one. Someone ought to strike him. his not constant in his heart. Misfortune.

Those in high places who neglect their duty of bringing increase to those below them will soon find themselves alone and perhaps even attacked by those they have abandoned.

© 1979 Neil Powell 

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