42. Increase

Judgment

益：利有攸往，利涉大川。

It furthers one to undertake something. It furthers one to cross the great water. A time of increase is a window for investment and initiative.

Image

风雷，益；君子以见善则迁，有过则改。

Wind and thunder: the image of increase. When the noble person sees good, they imitate it; when they have faults, they rid themselves of them.

Lines

1. Line 1, yang (nine)

   初九：利用为大作，元吉，无咎。

   It furthers one to accomplish great deeds. Supreme good fortune. No blame. Use new resources for truly significant work.

2. Line 2, yin (six)

   六二：或益之十朋之龟，弗克违，永贞吉。王用享于帝，吉。

   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. Lasting support calls for long-term integrity in return.

3. Line 3, yin (six)

   六三：益之用凶事，无咎。有孚中行，告公用圭。

   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. Deploy resources in crisis transparently.

4. Line 4, yin (six)

   六四：中行，告公从。利用为依迁国。

   If you walk in the middle and report to the prince, he will follow. It furthers one to be used in the removal of the capital. Major relocations—HQ, plants, markets—need backing and consensus.

5. Line 5, yang (nine)

   九五：有孚惠心，勿问元吉。有孚惠我德。

   If in truth you have a kind heart, ask not. Supreme good fortune. Truly kindness will be recognised as your virtue. Benefit stakeholders sincerely and returns follow.

6. Line 6, yang (nine)

   上九：莫益之，或击之，立心勿恒，凶。

   He brings increase to no one. Indeed, someone even strikes him. He does not keep his heart constantly steady. Misfortune. Taking without giving, inconsistency—invites backlash.

In the enterprise

The hexagram of growth, investment and 'decreasing above to increase below': growth investment, employee empowerment and profit sharing, inclusive finance, community investment, personal learning. Increase works when those above give to those below.

Psychological lens

Resonates with growth mindset ('imitate good, correct faults') and the returns of prosocial behaviour; the top line shows social punishment when reciprocity norms break.

Related hexagrams

Situations in the library that use this hexagram

• Is training spend worth it? Enterprise, Line 1, yang (nine)
• Who should receive equity? Enterprise, Line 5, yang (nine)
• Squeezing suppliers too hard Enterprise, Line 6, yang (nine)
• Co-creating with customers Enterprise, Line 5, yang (nine)
• Grants and industrial policy Enterprise, Line 2, yin (six)
• Majority and minority shareholders Enterprise, Judgment
• Moving to a circular economy Enterprise, Line 3, yin (six)
• Timing a relocation Enterprise, Line 4, yin (six)
• Lifelong learning Individuals, Judgment
• What earning money is for Individuals, Line 5, yang (nine)
• Moving to a new city Individuals, Line 4, yin (six)
• Whether to study abroad Individuals, Judgment

Situation readings are a reflective framework for discussion—not predictions and not a substitute for professional advice.