Sun · Decrease
损卦 · 山泽损
- Cutting back
- Letting go
- Restraint
- Investment
The Judgment
In (what is denoted by) Sun, if there be sincerity (in him who employs it), there will be great good fortune:—freedom from error; firmness and correctness that can be maintained; and advantage in every movement that shall be made. In what shall this (sincerity in the exercise of Sun) be employed? (Even) in sacrifice two baskets of grain, (though there be nothing else), may be presented.
有孚，元吉，无咎，可贞。利有攸往。曷之用？二簋可用享。
The Image
A lake at the foot of the mountain: decrease. The noble one, in the same way, curbs anger and restrains desire.
山下有泽，损。君子以惩忿窒欲。
Plain-language reading
Your situation
You are at a point where something needs to be reduced: spending, desires, unnecessary commitments, or paying a price now for a longer-term goal. Sun is a lake at the foot of the mountain, the lake giving of itself so the mountain can grow taller, a symbol that letting go makes room to gain.
Where to put your effort
Be clear about what to give up, then do it sincerely; letting go with a genuine heart is what brings a return. Manage your emotions and desires: less anger, less craving. A measure of giving and simplifying will make your life and work cleaner and stronger.
Four areas of life
- Career
- Only with a calm mind can you make progress.
- Wealth
- Goodwill brings wealth; giving up some of your own benefits others.
- Family
- Level ground suits you; husband and wife are in their proper places.
- Health
- Cultivate yourself and calm your mind.
Health notes come from traditional texts and are cultural reference only. If you feel unwell, please see a doctor.
The six lines
Read from the bottom up: the first line is at the bottom, the top line is at the top. Open each line for details.
Nine at the beginningThe first line, undivided, shows its subject suspending his own affairs, and hurrying away (to help the subject of the fourth line). He will commit no error, but let him consider how far he should contribute of what is his (for the other).Moving
初九：已事遄往，无咎，酌损之。
Image：When your work is done, go quickly: your aims are in harmony with those above.
- Career
- Add more effort and there may still be hope.
- Wealth
- Sound judgement brings its own reward.
- Family
- Move early; a wedding can happen right away.
- Health
- Act immediately.
Nine in the second placeThe second line, undivided, shows that it will be advantageous for its subject to maintain a firm correctness, and that action on his part will be evil. He can give increase (to his correlate) without taking from himself.Moving
九二：利贞，征凶。弗损，益之。
Image：Nine in the second place, it is favourable to persevere: the centre is the aim.
- Career
- A balanced approach brings its own good luck.
- Wealth
- The goods are right; there should be profit.
- Family
- Stay put and it goes well; a well-matched marriage.
- Health
- Normal condition.
Nine at the topThe topmost line, undivided, shows its subject giving increase to others without taking from himself. There will be no error. With firm correctness there will be good fortune. There will be advantage in every movement that shall be made. He will find ministers more than can be counted by their clans.Moving
上九：弗损，益之，无咎。贞吉。利有攸往，得臣无家。
Image：Without decreasing, increase: the aim is greatly achieved.
- Career
- Smooth sailing; your plans can succeed.
- Wealth
- Prices are average, yet the profit is good.
- Family
- No need to renovate.
- Health
- Seek treatment elsewhere.
Related hexagrams
Judgment and line texts from the public-domain translation by James Legge (1882). Readings by DeepHeart AI.
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